The Benefit Bank

This free web-based system simplifies and centralizes the process of applying for many state and federal benefits for low and moderate-income individuals and families. The online sign up process can be a barrier for some people, so United Way is recruiting volunteers to assist with the sign up process. Only 37 percent of Alachua County residents eligible for Food Stamp benefits receive them. Even if the number of eligible residents who actually receive benefits increased by only 20 percent (increase the percent of eligible residents receiving benefits from 37 percent to 57 percent) the projected economic impact in Alachua County would be $6 to $8 million in additional food assistance.