1. Step 10 Refactor. Step 10 (How did you hear about MyFriendBen) has been refactored to adhere to the new data validation library
2. Ability to turn any question on/off by state. As part of the continued work the MyFriendBen team is doing for national expansion, we have added the ability on our backend to turn on/off any question based on a state.
3. Updated configuration to include footer feedback links. We have updated our backend so that the feedback links in the footer can be configured by state.
4. State API endpoint updates. We have updated our API to send the correct configurations based on a state so that the correct programs are pulled for each MyFriendBen state.
5. Updated backend automations so that we have more control over which white label is being used. This work is tied into the work the team has done to make the backend more flexible as we scale to other states.
6. Routing updates on frontend. Users who get to MyFriendBen without having a state specified in their URL will now be asked to select their state to be routed to the proper screener. Users who come from a cobranded link or have a link directly to a state’s screener will not be asked this question. The state selection comes right after a user selects their preferred language.
7. New Language – Swahili. MyFriendBen now offers Swahili as a language users can go through the screener in.
8. Bug Fix: Trimmed Input Text. In response to users who accidentally entered their zip code (or any other input fields) starting with a space, we have updated MyFriendBen to ignore the space so that users do not receive an error message.
9. LEAP values have been updated. Values now reflect updates for the 2024-25 LEAP season.
10. Updated UPK values. Changes were made using average rates for 10, 15, or 30 hours, as applicable, divided by 12 months.
- For 4-year-olds with HH income 100% FPL or less: changed to $917 (up from $888)
- For 4-year-olds with HH income 270% FPL or less AND who is a foster child: changed to $917 (up from $888)
- For all other 4-year-olds: changed to $517/child/month (up from $504)
- For 3-year-olds without HH income: $270% or less: changed to $410/child/month (up from $403)
A warning message for HHs with 3-year-olds has also been added to the benefit page. Some school districts do not offer Universal Preschool (UPK) to 3-year-olds. Ask your district if your 3-year-old can sign up for UPK.
11. SSDI updated with an age limit. SSDI converts to a retirement benefit when someone reaches full retirement age. MyFriendBen has updated SSDI so that it will not show for individuals who are 66 or older.
