These two interactive tools are an excellent place to start when you are searching for assistance or just to check that you, or someone you care about, is taking advantage of all of the resources available. Though the two sites overlap some in content and target audience, there are enough differences that it is worth it to use both to get a full picture of what is available.General Information:
Identifying BenefitsFor Older Persons:
The BenefitsCheckUp web tool is a free, easy-to-use service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans. The National Council on the Aging created BenefitsCheckUp to help older adults to quickly identify programs that may improve the quality of their lives. Family and friends can also obtain facts about benefits that their loved ones may qualify for.Here's how it works: You take 10 or 15 minutes to enter information about your financial situation into an online questionnaire. Then, BenefitsCheckUp explains what benefit programs you may be eligible for and how to apply for them.
For People of All Ages: Online Screening Tool for Federal Benefits
GovBenefits is a free, online screening tool that informs consumers about whether they may qualify for some federal programs, including health insurance programs such as SCHIP, Medicaid, and Medicare. This service is confidential—users are not required to enter names, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, or any other identifying information. A user simply answers questions about herself, and GovBenefits returns a list of government benefits she might be able to receive, along with information on how to apply.
Back to General Information page Tips, Tools, & Tactics: Best Resources home page
Brought to you by:
The National Center on Women & Aging for the POWERCenter
Please email us with your comments or questions.