Starlight offers an AI‑driven assistant that identifies and applies for eligible child‑care and other government benefits on behalf of low‑income members. By automating eligibility checks and step‑by‑step application guidance, it helps users claim unclaimed benefits—averaging $3,250 per household—and connects them to credit‑union products to deepen financial relationships.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Low-income credit‑union members often miss out on available child‑care, nutrition, health, and other government assistance because the application processes are complex, jargon‑filled, and require time they cannot spare. This results in billions of dollars in unclaimed benefits and limits the credit union’s ability to deepen relationships beyond basic banking services.
Solution
Starlight offers an AI‑driven assistant that automatically matches each member to relevant local, state, and federal benefit programs based on income, household composition, and life circumstances. The platform guides members through every step of the application with plain‑language prompts, reducing drop‑off and ensuring accurate submissions. Once benefits are secured, Starlight routes members to appropriate credit‑union products—such as savings accounts, loans, or credit cards—thereby strengthening member trust and increasing retention. The service is delivered via a web interface that credit unions can embed in their digital channels, providing a seamless experience without requiring additional staff resources.
Target Audience
Primary customers are credit unions seeking to improve financial inclusion for their low‑income members and increase product adoption, as well as the members themselves who need assistance accessing government benefits.
Features
- AI engine that scans eligibility criteria across dozens of programs (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, child‑care subsidies, LIHEAP, down‑payment assistance) to generate a personalized benefit list
- Step‑by‑step, jargon‑free application workflow that auto‑fills forms and tracks submission status
- Real‑time eligibility dashboard for credit‑union staff to monitor member benefit uptake
- Post‑enrollment routing to tailored credit‑union products, enabling cross‑selling and deeper engagement
- Secure data handling with encryption and compliance with relevant privacy regulations
- Nationwide coverage, supporting members in all 50 states