Caseload jumps at Benefit Bank

NEWS JOURNAL STAFF REPORT


The caseload at the Wilmington office of the Ohio Benefit Bank is about double what it was, Wilmington Mayor David Raizk said Tuesday.

The number of dislocated workers turning up at the Benefit Bank recently has “really picked up,” Raizk said.

Through the Ohio Benefit Bank, dislocated workers can find out whether they may qualify for food stamps, weatherization and other government services, and can get guidance from a Benefit Bank counselor to apply for aid.

The DHL Air Park Task Force wants to get the word out to dislocated area workers not to wait until their severance packages expire before contacting agencies that provide services to the jobless.

Staff at the Wilmington office of the Ohio Benefit Bank, 61 E. Main St., are seeing people who waited until their severance benefits ran out before coming to the Benefit Bank.

It’s important to go to the Ohio Benefit Bank as soon as possible so workers can learn for what assistance they’re eligible. Also, placement for retraining can take a while so it’s prudent to get an early start on that process, too, Raizk said.

“See what kind of assistance is available and try to work out a game plan,” Raizk recommended.

All services provided by the Benefit Bank are free of charge. It is open from 9 a.m. to noon, except Sundays and Mondays when it is closed. The phone number at the Wilmington office of the Ohio Benefit Bank is (937) 366-1279.