Benefits QuickLink Program Leads People to Much Needed Public Assistance Benefits

The Benefits QuickLink program is a free web-based system. The secure site asks a few questions and takes about 15 minutes to complete. No personal information, such as your name, address or social security number, is requested and no information is stored.

One of the hard parts of the program for volunteers is when they really can’t help a person.

“For some individuals their income was too high so you couldn’t help them. They did have financial challenges such as maybe a large medical bill that was putting a strain on the rest of their budget,” Bunkley said.

“It was sad and frustrating that there wasn’t some way to help them. Because of their income they didn’t qualify for a program,” he said.

Ledesma agreed saying stereotypes about poverty and what it looks like, like most stereotypes, aren’t necessarily true.

“I got sick. I was disabled. It would surprise you who out in your community might be hurting. Sometimes people don’t want other people in their personal business. I tell them pride is always good but it doesn’t put food on the table,” she said.

Anyone who might want to learn about the public benefits program they might be eligible for can visit the Benefits QuickLink site. For more information on the program or to get assistance navigating the site, call 1-877-659-0967 to speak to a volunteer that can go over the website with you.