The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Income limit raised for CAA programs
More local residents will be eligible for some Lorain County Community Action Agency programs under new eligibility rules announced by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and the Ohio Office of Community Assistance.
In response to the novel coronavirus, income limits for programs funded by the Community Services Block Grant were raised from 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Line to 200 percent, according to a news release from the Community Action Agency.
For a family of four, the new upper limit is $52,400, the release said.
This change affects eligibility for the Community Action Agency’s By Car, Tech Connect and Getting Ahead programs, said Planning and Community Services Director Frank Prihoda.
“This change will make many more people eligible for these programs,” Prihoda said. “Anyone who has recently lost their job, or who previously applied and was found over-income, is encouraged to apply.”
To verify eligibility, residents need to supply just the last 30 days of their income, according to the release.
That change also is in response to the crisis, Prihoda said.
Furthermore, the stimulus payments prompted by the crisis are not considered income for these programs.
“Many affected by the crisis are finding themselves in new territory,” Prihoda said. “These updates will make help available to them.”
Lorain County Community Action Agency President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein said the agency often turns away people who don’t qualify under the lower income limit, but who are still desperate for help.
“The limit of 125 percent is too restrictive and doesn’t reflect the struggles of Lorain County residents,” Boehnlein said. “The new threshold is much more appropriate.”
During the COVID-19 crisis, the By Car program is available. Applicants can apply and save, the release said.
A financial literacy class is required and will be offered in a safe manner.
The Community Action Agency’s next Tech Connect class is scheduled for August.
Getting Ahead classes are now being offered online.