2. What is Bridge to Benefits?

3. Bridge to Benefits is a multi-state project focused on improving the wellbeing of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs, tax credits, and other valuable resources.

4. The project is the product of a partnership between Rural Dynamics, Incorporated and the Children’s Defense Fund and was launched in late July 2008.

5. Why Bridge to Benefits?

6. To link individuals and families to the work support benefits and other resources that can help Montanans bridge the gap— keeping more money in their pockets and lifting them out of poverty.

7. Bridge to Benefits is completely anonymous and free for both individuals and organizations that choose to use it. In 13 simple questions users will be screened for potential eligibility and referred to local offices for applications and assistance.

8. What does Bridge to Benefits screen for?

9. Medicaid Medicaid Children’s Health Insurance Program Children’s Health Insurance Program Childcare Scholarships Childcare Scholarships Low Income Energy Assistance Program Low Income Energy Assistance Program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Free and Reduced School Meal Program Free and Reduced School Meal Program Earned Income Tax Credit Earned Income Tax Credit

10. Access point for other non-cash resources: Access point for other non-cash resources: Asset Development Programs Asset Development Programs Early Childhood Development Programs Early Childhood Development Programs Disability Services Disability Services Food and Nutrition Programs Food and Nutrition Programs Health and Dental Programs Health and Dental Programs Housing and Transportation Programs Housing and Transportation Programs Employment and Financial Programs Employment and Financial Programs Legal Assistance Legal Assistance Programs for Senior Citizens Programs for Senior Citizens

11. I am a service provider, how does Bridge to Benefits help me?

12. As a service provider you can both refer clients to the Bridge to Benefits website, or utilize the website yourself for quick reference and screening.

13. As a service provider you have the option of becoming a partner on the Bridge to Benefits website.

14. As a partner you will have the ability to log into the quick version of the Bridge to Benefits website in the blue box in the upper right of the website.

16. Utilizing the partner login allows us to track how many people you screen for benefit programs and how many of them are eligible for services. Utilizing the partner login allows us to track how many people you screen for benefit programs and how many of them are eligible for services. This is extremely useful for grant reporting purposes. Data can be extracted from the website and reported to funders and partners. This is extremely useful for grant reporting purposes. Data can be extracted from the website and reported to funders and partners. We provide partners complete data reports bi-annually. We provide partners complete data reports bi-annually.

17. Logging in as a partner also gives you the ability to choose between the quick and regular versions of the web tool. Logging in as a partner also gives you the ability to choose between the quick and regular versions of the web tool. The quick version removes page breaks and detailed question explanations from the screening process. The quick version removes page breaks and detailed question explanations from the screening process. The regular version is exactly the same as the version of the web tool accessible to the general public. The regular version is exactly the same as the version of the web tool accessible to the general public.

19. To sign up as a partner click the Become a Partner link on the main page of the Bridge to Benefits website. To sign up as a partner click the Become a Partner link on the main page of the Bridge to Benefits website. Download, complete, and return the application as indicated. Download, complete, and return the application as indicated.

21. Save http://bridgetobenefits.org on your desktop and refer clients to screen themselves. Save http://bridgetobenefits.org on your desktop and refer clients to screen themselves.http://bridgetobenefits.org List your organization and programs on Bridge to Benefits by contacting us! List your organization and programs on Bridge to Benefits by contacting us!