The Lucas County Benefits Bridge pilot is designed to support employees who are transitioning off public benefits as their wages increase. The Chamber heard frequently from employers about individuals turning down well-deserved pay raises or promotions because of the fear of losing benefits. Losing or limiting a good employee can have a significant impact on the company’s ability to meet customer expectations and provide opportunities for others.

As the voice of business in the Toledo region, the Chamber advocated and worked with the Lucas County Commissioners to develop the Benefits Bridge Pilot Program, designed to help both individuals and employers. Due to our combined efforts, the State of Ohio is investing nearly $2.2M in the pilot.

Overview

The program is designed to limit the effects of the “benefits cliff”. The benefits cliff occurs when an individual who is receiving public assistance earns too much by working and can immediately lose some or all of their benefits such as assistance with:​
 buying food 
childcare ​
transportation
This impacts individuals, their families, and our region’s employers. The Benefits Bridge provides temporary supports that “bridges the gap” so employees can accept raises, promotions, and more hours without fearing financial hardship. 

Why It Matters to Business Leaders

 Supports Workforce Retention
  • Employees are less likely to decline promotions, cut back hours, or quit jobs when the risk of losing benefits is eased.
  • Helps businesses retain trained and reliable workers instead of losing them to turnover.
Strengthens Talent Development
  • Employees are more likely to pursue training, certifications, and upskilling opportunities when they know higher wages won’t immediately disqualify them from critical supports.
  • Employers benefit from a more skilled, promotable workforce.
Reduces Hiring & Training Costs
  • The average cost of replacing an employee can range from 30–50% of annual salary. The Benefits Bridge helps stabilize households, reducing turnover costs for employers.
Encourages Wage Growth
  • Businesses can offer competitive wages without employees fearing unintended consequences.
  • Supports a healthier labor market where pay raises are seen as opportunities, not risks.
Improves Employee Productivity
​& Well-Being
  • Workers who don’t have to juggle multiple jobs or worry about losing childcare or healthcare can focus more on their performance.
  • Leads to improved attendance, morale, and reliability.

Local Impact

  • Lucas County is among the first in Ohio to pilot this approach—putting our region at the forefront of innovative workforce policy.
  • By participating, local businesses can help demonstrate a model that could scale across the state, improving Ohio’s overall competitiveness.

​Call to Action for Employers

  • Engage: Learn how the Benefits Bridge pilot works and how it applies to your workforce. More information at: https://www.co.lucas.oh.us/3692/Benefit-Bridge
  • Partner: Share feedback and data with the Chamber and Lucas County leaders to help refine the program.
  • Promote: Encourage employees to explore the program so they feel confident pursuing growth opportunities at your business.
​For more information or questions, please reach out to Brian Dicken, Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives.