Benefits Access/Project GO!

Cuyahoga Community College has partnered with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), the Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB), United Way 2-1-1 Greater Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to break down barriers to college completion.

Benefits Access/Project Go! provides free services to assist qualifying Tri-C students with additional resources that can ease financial challenges. The program also seeks ways to help eliminate barriers toward achieving an education by providing assistance with food assistance, housing assistance, child care, utility assistance and health care needs.

Make an appointment today to meet with a Benefits Access Coach who can assist with the application process. Appointments can be made at any Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

To find out more about the Benefits Access/Project Go! program, contact the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office at 216-987-6000, Option 2.

New: SNAP Updates

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has expanded college students’ access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits (formerly called Food Stamps). The federal government has also boosted the amount of the benefit for someone who purchases and prepares their food alone, and is not residing in a dorm and receiving all their meals through a school meal plan - the SNAP benefit is up to $234 more per month! Currently, because of the pandemic, everyone who qualifies for SNAP benefits gets the maximum amount for their household size.

Now, students enrolled at least half-time with a zero estimated family contribution (EFC from the student's most recent FAFSA) or state or federal work-study eligibility, can be considered (along with other qualifying requirements) for SNAP benefits.

Eligible students can use SNAP benefits to buy food through an EBT card, which can be used like a debit card at qualifying retailers.  SNAP benefits can be used to buy food at supermarkets, local grocery stores, corner stores, farmer’s markets, and online from Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi (through Instacart).

There is no shame in using SNAP benefits. It is how many Americans are able to feed their families as they are navigating life, and the curveballs that we sometimes encounter. It is also a lifeline for when we need it most and can help us as we are working hard to achieve our goals. 

If you are a member of a household already receiving SNAP benefits, you can send any document from your college that has your name on it, your EFC, or work study as proof of your eligibility.

If you need assistance with your SNAP benefits application or if you have additional needs such as housing, child care, healthcare or utility assistance, please reach out to one of our Project Go! Benefits coach.

See additional requirements and visit Ohio Benefits webpage