Supporting others on their
benefits journey
There are four main steps that people go through in accessing benefits. Look at each step to learn more about how you can help.
Need help? Learn more about how to navigate the different supports you can provide on this dashboard.
Learn how to use this toolStep 1: Learning about benefits
Help people find the right benefits using the Benefits Wayfinder.
Your organization can help make people aware of the benefits they may be eligible to receive.
Help people to file their taxes to potentially access more income.
Group information sessions can help people to learn about applying for benefits and provide support.
Help people to understand how benefits can interact with each other, potentially preventing them from claw backs of their benefits.
You may want to set up your own tax clinic, refer your clients to a clinic, or partner with another organization.
Step 2: Applying for benefits
Help people to file their taxes to potentially access more income.
Your organization may be able to assist applicants with transportation to apply for benefits or get ID.
Your organization can help cover document fees for those who cannot afford this cost.
Organizations can offer 1-on-1 support filling out forms, helping participants feel more comfortable with the process.
A staff member who can help clients navigate online platforms can be a big help in applying for benefits.
Providing a storage space for documents or document photocopies is a way your organization can help individuals access benefits.
Filling out applications for documents can be intimidating. Organizations can help by offering 1-on-1 support.
Lack of government ID is a significant barrier for clients. You may consider supporting your clients when they require ID to be attested to or verified.
Making telephones, computers, and similar tools available to clients can help with the process of accessing benefits.
Providing your organization’s mailing address and collecting mail for your clients can be an important contribution to benefits access.
Step 3: Getting benefits
Help people to file their taxes to potentially access more income.
Your organization can play a role in helping your clients access banking services.
Step 4: Maintaining benefits
Help people to file their taxes to potentially access more income.
Your organization can help by clarifying documentation requirements at all stages of the benefits process.
Maintaining benefits sometimes requires ongoing action, like filling out a reporting form or keeping your tax filing up to date. Your organization can play an important role by reminding their community about these important milestones.
Best practices
Get practical tools, methods, and advice. Learn from other organizations who are already providing access to benefits services by accessing this collection of their best practices.