Bridge to Benefits website links those in need to assistance

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• Bridge to Benefits website

A valuable resource for families and individuals in difficult economic circumstances, the Bridge to Benefits website (www.sdbridgetobenefits.com) has been just been updated.

Developed by South Dakota Voices for Children in partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota, the site now includes the latest eligibility requirements for benefit programs.

Research that shows poverty as the single greatest threat to children’s well-being prompted development of the Bridge to Benefits site. Living in poverty can contribute to social, emotional and behavioral problems among children as well as poor physical and mental health. Risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or face deep and persistent poverty.

On the other hand, economic security, safe, affordable housing, health care, nutrition and quality education all help children to flourish. Tax credits and benefit programs were created as a step toward helping children and their families out of poverty.

The South Dakota Bridge to Benefits website can improve the wellbeing of many families and individuals by linking them to assistance programs that include:

• Energy assistance;

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps);

• School meal program;

• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP);

• Child care assistance program;

• Earned income tax credit;

• Sales tax on food refund program;

• WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Nutritional Program. It’s easy for anyone to see if they or someone else may be eligible for sup- programs and tax credits by going sdbridgetobenefits.org and clicking the “start” button. Benefit eligibility is determined by answering a few simple questions. screening process is easy, confi- and free; names and Social Security numbers are not required. site can be accessed from any computer, including those at public libraries throughout the state.

Tags: social services, life, updates, children, poverty, benefits