Privacy Policy — Benefit Buddi

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Benefit Buddi is a free benefits estimation tool for California residents. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what choices you have.

What we collect

Benefit Buddi does not require you to create an account. The data we collect depends on how you use the app.

When you use the eligibility calculator, we store anonymous session data including:

- Your household size and gross monthly income (used to calculate eligibility)

- The language you selected (used to improve multilingual support)

- If you identified as a student: your college, major, and unit load

- Whether you completed the flow and whether the calculator indicated you may be eligible

This data is stored without your name, email, phone number, or any other direct identifier. It helps us understand how the app is being used and report on community impact to our partners (community colleges and service providers).

When you opt in to a college basic needs office handoff, we additionally store:

- The email address you provide

If you opt in, your email is shared with the basic needs office at the college you selected so they can contact you and help you apply for benefits.

What we do not collect

We do not collect your name, phone number, address, or social security number. We do not use advertising SDKs or third-party analytics. We do not track your location in the background. We do not share your data with advertisers or data brokers.

How we use your data

- To calculate your estimated eligibility - To calculate your estimated eligibility - To route opt-in students to their campus basic needs office - To improve the app and report aggregate usage statistics to our partners - To report program impact when applying for grants or partnershipsWe do not sell your data, and we do not use it to contact you outside the opt-in handoff you explicitly requested. Where your data is stored Session data is stored in a secure backend database hosted by Supabase (supabase.com). Supabase encrypts data in transit and at rest. Your choices You can use the eligibility calculator without providing any identifying information. The opt-in handoff to a college basic needs office is completely optional. If you opted in and want your data removed, email us at ProjectnosBC@outlook.com with the email address you provided and we will delete your session record within 30 days. Children's privacy Benefit Buddi is intended for users aged 17 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. Contact Questions about this policy? Email ProjectnosBC@outlook.com.