(Plain Press June 2025) Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) has renamed the Benefit Bridge program to Bridge Beyond Benefits and is launching new online tools to help low-wage workers to build their bridge to financial freedom. The rebranded program includes coaching, planning, personal finance education, and other incentives to help workers succeed. The new program campaign features an informational video, social media campaign, online application, and printed marketing materials to help people better understand and access the program.

     When low-wage workers are offered promotions or raises, some may turn them down for fear of losing their public assistance benefits, including assistance for food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Publicly Funded Child Care.  

     In these situations, the increase in wages for low-wage workers does not off-set the high cost of providing food for their families nor paying for childcare, plus it puts families at risk of ending up worse in the short term, otherwise known as the benefit cliff.

     “The Bridge Beyond Benefits is a great opportunity for individuals who are on the path to financial stability, as they progress away from government assistance. Through the program, enrollees are given the supports needed to climb higher in a career and enhance their ability to provide for their families,” said Paul Bounds, Deputy Administrator of Career and Work Programs at CJFS.

     Bridge Beyond Benefits is an 18-month program that provides a bridge of support to help individuals safely transition off public assistance to financial self-reliance. If you are among these groups, you might be eligible and should consider applying:  employed and SNAP or Child Care decreased recently or closed in the past 60 days because of higher earned income; or unemployed and in a short-term training program; or a non-custodial parent paying or trying to pay child support.

     For more information about the Bridge Beyond Benefits program visit: https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov/programs/detail/benefit-bridge-program.