ROCHESTER, Minn. — First Alliance Credit Union Foundation has launched a free online tool designed to help people identify government benefit programs for which they may qualify, including assistance with groceries, child care, health care, utilities, housing and tax credits.
The Benefits Finder tool allows users to answer questions about their household, income and ZIP code and receive information about potential local, state and federal programs, according to First Alliance Credit Union.
The foundation said the self-service tool is intended to make it easier for members of the credit union and others in the community to identify programs that could reduce household expenses and ease financial pressure.
Benefits Finder is being offered in partnership with Starlight, a CUSO that offers an independent platform that provides information about government programs based on household information submitted by users, First Alliance said.
The tool does not determine eligibility or guarantee that a user will be approved for a program. Instead, it identifies programs users may want to consider and provides information to help them prepare for the application process.
Users who need assistance while applying can also receive free support through live chat or text from Starlight benefit specialists, according to First Alliance.
‘Everyone Deserves Access’
“Everyone deserves to access the programs and resources they qualify for,” Jenna Taubel, board chair of First Alliance Credit Union Foundation, said in a statement. “Benefits Finder is about helping people in our community better understand what resources may be available to them and giving them a simpler, more supportive way to take the next step.”
Shreenath Regunathan, founder of Starlight, said the platform is intended to simplify the process of finding and applying for benefits.
“We’re proud to partner with First Alliance Credit Union Foundation to help connect more people with programs that may support their financial well-being,” Regunathan said in a statement. “Benefits Finder is designed to make the process of discovering and preparing to apply for benefits programs more accessible, clear, and user-friendly.”
Part of Broader Effort
First Alliance said the initiative is part of the foundation’s broader effort to provide tools, guidance and community partnerships aimed at helping individuals and families manage financial challenges and improve their financial well-being.
The First Alliance Credit Union Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on reducing financial stress and expanding access to financial resources and support.
