Reduce Expenses
Save money where you can to help stretch your income to cover expenses. Check out these resources to find ways to reduce expenses.
Benefits Finder
You might be eligible for government benefits that you don't know about. Use the Benefit Finder tool to find benefits you may be eligible to receive and direct you to the agency to apply. https://www.benefits.gov/
Computers
Cincinnati Computer Cooperative
Provides monitors and refurbished computers (desktop or laptop) complete with Microsoft software, monitor, keyboard, and mouse for qualified individuals, students, and seniors for deeply discounted prices ($150-300). https://www.cincinnaticomputercooperative.org/
All Systems Include:
Microsoft Windows 10 Professional, operating system
Microsoft Security Essentials, free anti-virus software
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free, anti-malware and anti-spyware software
Broadband Ethernet connectivity for wired internet connections (wireless requires an adapter)
Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, and Power Cables
1 year hardware warranty (free normal use related hardware repairs for 1 year)
2 years of system support for help and repairs
$20 repairs for virus/software repairs under the support period
$20 repairs for non-abuse related hardware repairs in the 2nd year of ownership
Free basic computer training class! (Taking this class will add 1 free virus removal to your 1 year hardware warranty) Classes are available during open hours.
Eligibility Requirements:
One of the following needs to be true:
A student (Kindergarten-college) will be the main user
Individual/Family receives state or federal aid (SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare, unemployment, etc)
A senior citizen (age 55 or older) will be the main user
How To Order and Pick Up:
Bring the Completed Order Form to their Office (49 Novner Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45215)
Wednesday 6-9 PM or Saturday 9 AM-12 PM
Bring proof of qualification (student ID, licence, proof of state/federal aid, etc).
Pay for the Computer Onsite (cash, credit, or money order)
Affordable Connectivity Program
(Previously known as the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program) A federal program to help low-income households pay for internet service. https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/
Offers: A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment between $10-$50)
Apply:
Through an Participating Internet Service Provider
By Mail
Automatically Receive Benefits
If you are already enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program
If you are already enrolled in Lifeline
Furniture
New Life Furniture Thrift Store
12037 Lebanon Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241
A large thrift store with a good selection of home furnishings from furniture to rugs to dishes and small appliances. They have twin beds (mattress and frame) for just $20 (confirmed Jan 2023). All proceeds benefit New Life Furniture Bank. Learn more >
New Life Furniture Bank
Works with 50 partner agencies to distribute furniture and housewares to people in need. Each family can request up to 15 pieces of free furniture PLUS any housewares they need (like pots & pans, dishes, small kitchen appliances, linens, vacuum, microwave, etc). To get started, talk with one of their partner agencies about your need and ask for a referral. Learn more >
Your Local St Vincent DePaul (SVDP)
Distribute SVDP Thrift Store vouchers to neighbors in need to purchase furniture, mattresses, small appliances, linens, and housewares. To get started, call your local SVDP conference to talk with a Vincentian about your needs (Click here to search for your local SVDP). If you can't get a hold of your local SVDP, try calling the SVDP Neyer Outreach Center at 513-421-0602. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Cincinnati. Learn more >
Internet Service
Affordable Connectivity Program
(Previously known as the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program) A federal program to help low-income households pay for internet service. https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/
Offers: Discount of up to $30/month on internet service, a low cost service plan that may be fully covered, or choose a participating internet provider to score a plan for no more than $30/month.
Apply:
Through an Participating Internet Service Provider
By Mail
Automatically Receive Benefits
If you are already enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program
If you are already enrolled in Lifeline
Lifeline
A federal program providing eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25. https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started/
Apply:
Through Your Internet Service Provider
By Mail
If you have a disability and need assistance with your Lifeline application, please contact the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473.
Cincinnati Computer Cooperative
Customers can sign up for low cost internet services with Cincinnati Bell for $15 for high speed internet or $5 for dial up service.
Apply:
Visit them at 49 Novner Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45215
Or Call 513-771-3262
Phone Service
Safe Link
Offers qualified customers a free Smartphone or SIM Card along with unlimited talk & text, GB of monthly high-speed data, GB of Hotspot Data, and calls to Canada & Mexico. https://www.safelinkwireless.com/
See Plans Offered in Your Zipcode
Sign-Up: Call 800-SafeLink (800-723-3546)
Lifeline
A federal program providing eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25 for phone service. https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started/
Apply:
Through Your Phone Service Provider
By Mail
If you have a disability and need assistance with your Lifeline application, please contact the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473.
Win Free Stuff
Cincinnati Computer Cooperative
Past Prizes have Included: Meijer gift certificates ($50-100), tickets to the Reds game, etc.
Deal Announcements: Follow them on Facebook
How to Enter: Visit their store anytime Mon-Fri 3-6pm at 49 Novner Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45215. No purchase necessary to enter.
United Way (211)
Speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services — 24/7, 365 days a year. Translation services available.
Their certified information and referral specialists are trained to listen, engage, ask questions, assess your needs and connect you to a community resource from our large database of local providers in the tristate.
How to Contact Them
Dial 211 or 513-721-7900
Text "211CARES" to 51555
Online Request - https://www.uwgc.org/get-help/united-way-211/intake-form
What Can 211 Help With?
The 211 service can help you find and access a number of resources (kind of like a Google search specifically for finding assistance for your situation). Below are just a few of the things they can help you find:
BASIC NEEDS: Food, Clothing, Cleaning Supplies, Low-Income Help, Transportation, Community Meals, Fresh Food, Housing, Child Care, Baby Supplies (Food, Diapers, etc.)
HOUSING: Tenant Rights, Public Housing, Rent Assistance, Mortgage Help, Homelessness, Relocation, Section 8, Care Shelters (Abuse, Youth, Elderly, Homeless, Women, Families), Senior Housing, Housing Complaints, Emergency Assistance
UTILITIES: We can help if you're struggling to pay bills or deposits for Electric/Power, Gas, Heat, Sewer, Water, Telecommunications (including Internet Access) and more.
MENTAL SERVICES: Support Groups, Therapy Referrals, Care Providers, Family Counseling, Counseling Providers, Adult and Child Behavioral Health Programs and Support, Bereavement and Grief Support, Identifying Mental Health Support Providers, Psychiatric Support Services, Specialized Support Hotlines.
HEALTH CARE: Health Screenings, Diagnostic Services, Substance Abuse Services, Immunization, Disability Information, New Parent and Expectant Parent Servies, Vaccinations, Prescription Medication Discounts, and more.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Job Training, Career Fairs, Continuing Education, Employment Agencies, General Employment Resources and Career Counseling Services.