An Ohio man who couldn't find work got himself arrested for bank robbery so he could go to jail until he was eligible to collect Social Security benefits.

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Timothy Bowers, 62, told Common Pleas Judge Angela White he hasn't had steady work for almost three years and the kind of jobs available to him pay only minimum wage, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Appearing in Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus Thursday, Bowers pleaded guilty to walking into the Fifth Third Bank and handing a note to the teller announcing a robbery.

After the teller put four $20 bills and a dye pack in an envelope, Bowers walked over to the bank guard and surrendered.

The county prosecutor's office argued against locking Bowers up after a court-ordered psychological exam concluded he was competent.

The Dispatch report said White said, "I'm going to give you your birthday present," as she ordered a 3-year sentence for Bowers, who turns 63 at the end of the month.