Adviser

Benefits Checkup – The ultimate tool For Accessing Senior Benefits

The goal of BenefitsCheckUp.org is to assist the millions of older adults who may be missing out on financial assistance due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the benefits available to them.

Over 10 million people have discovered approximately $44.1 billion in benefits through the service. On average, individuals who apply for these benefits can save around $4,900 annually.

Dr. Emelita Peper, NPC
By: Dr. Emelita Peper, NPC - Nurse Practitioner Fact CheckedEvidence Based
4 Min Read
Highlights
  • BenefitsCheckUp.org is a free online service provided by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), designed to help older adults and people with disabilities identify and access a wide range of benefits programs.
  • The service aims to connect individuals with programs that can help pay for prescriptions, health care, food, utilities, and other daily needs.

BenefitsCheckUp.org covers a broad spectrum of services, including but not limited to: 1

  • Health care assistance, including medication, copays, and deductibles.
  • Nutrition assistance programs to buy healthy food.
  • Housing programs to find and pay for affordable housing or home repairs.
  • Tax relief programs to help with property taxes.
  • Employment tools to assess career objectives and job search resources.
  • Veteran programs offering various benefits.
  • Legal, counseling, and general support services.
  • Transportation assistance and discounts for parks and recreational activities.

How It Works

The process is straightforward:

Topics Covered
How It WorksPrivacy and SecurityAccessibility and SupportPartnerships and SponsorsFaq’sAm I eligible for healthcare assistance programs like Kaiser Permanente Medical Financial Assistance or Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD)?How can I apply for healthcare programs like the Senior Care Program or the Medical Eye Care Program?Can I get help from housing programs like HUD Public Housing or the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)?How do I apply for housing assistance programs?What financial assistance programs are available for seniors?How can I find out if I’m eligible for financial assistance programs?Are there programs available to help with legal issues or other support services?How do I apply for legal assistance or other support services?Is there assistance available for transportation?How can I apply for transportation assistance?
  1. Users answer a few questions to find benefits they may be eligible for.
  2. The tool matches individual needs with benefit programs and eligibility requirements.
  3. Users can receive a personalized report of benefits they’re most likely to qualify for.
  4. The website provides contact information and next steps to apply for these programs.2

Privacy and Security

BenefitsCheckUp.org ensures user privacy by not sharing personal information. The search for benefits is secure and tailored to meet individual needs.1

Accessibility and Support

The website is available in both English and Spanish, offering free, confidential eligibility checks by specific program or benefits category.

Users can create an account to save their results and receive personalized support via a call center, online chat, email, and through NCOA’s network of local Benefit Enrollment Centers. 3

Partnerships and Sponsors

The NCOA acknowledges the support of various sponsors for their generous contributions, which help maintain and enhance the BenefitsCheckUp service. 6

Faq’s

Am I eligible for healthcare assistance programs like Kaiser Permanente Medical Financial Assistance or Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD)?

Eligibility for healthcare assistance programs varies. You typically need to meet certain income and resource criteria. Contact the specific program’s office for detailed eligibility information. 4 5

How can I apply for healthcare programs like the Senior Care Program or the Medical Eye Care Program?

To apply for healthcare programs, you should contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the specific program’s office for application instructions. [mfn] Health Care & Medication Senior Care Program. 78

Can I get help from housing programs like HUD Public Housing or the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)?

Eligibility for housing assistance programs depends on factors such as income, family size, and housing status. Contact your local housing agency or the program directly for eligibility information. 910

How do I apply for housing assistance programs?

Application processes vary by program. For public housing, contact your local housing agency. For ERAP, check with the administering agency in your state or locality.910

What financial assistance programs are available for seniors?

Programs like the Senior Navigator can help seniors find benefits programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).11

How can I find out if I’m eligible for financial assistance programs?

Use the BenefitsCheckUp tool to answer questions anonymously and find out if you may be eligible for key benefits programs.11

Yes, the BenefitsCheckUp website can help you determine eligibility for various support services, including legal assistance. You can complete an online application to find out what benefits and services you are eligible to receive.12

You can apply for these services by completing the online application on the BenefitsCheckUp website or by contacting your local office for assistance.12

Is there assistance available for transportation?

While specific transportation assistance programs are not listed in the search results, the BenefitsCheckUp website may have information on transportation services as part of its comprehensive screening for benefits.12

How can I apply for transportation assistance?

For detailed information on how to apply for transportation assistance, you would need to visit the BenefitsCheckUp website and search for transportation-related programs or contact an information specialist for assistance.12

 

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Useful References / Citations:
1↑ Senior Benefits: Find Help Paying for Everyday Needs | BenefitsCheckUp. Find out what benefits may be available in your area
2↑ "Our goal is to improve the health and economic security of 40 million older adults by 2030". BenefitsCheckUp® is a free service of the National Council on Aging
3↑ New BenefitsCheckUp® Website Makes it Easy to Find Help Paying for Food, Medicine, and More. Online tool connects people with limited incomes to 2,000 benefits programs.
4↑ Kaiser Permanente Medical Financial Assistance. Contact Their Office. Contact Their Office
5↑ Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD). This program allows you to work and still keep your health care coverage
6↑ NCOA thanks the Administration for Community Living (ACL) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their continued and significant support of BenefitsCheckUp®. BenefitsCheckUp® Sponsors
7↑ This program gives you health care and support services that help you continue living in your own home instead of moving to a nursing home. Health Care & Medication Senior Care Program
8↑ This program provides financial assistance to you if you have low vision. Medical Eye Care Program
9↑ This program provides financial help to households that are unable to pay rent or utilities, or who have fallen behind in payment for rent, utilities (electricity, water, sewer, etc.) home energy costs, and other expenses related to housing. Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
10↑ The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( also known as HUD) gives federal aid to local housing agencies. These housing agencies provide decent and safe rental housing that is affordable for low-income families, adults 50 years of age and older, and persons with disabilities. If you meet the program guidelines, you pay no more than 30% of your adjusted gross income for your rental. HUD Public Housing Program
11↑ SeniorNavigator provides you with free information on health and aging services. You can find information about legal and financial issues, housing options, transporation, health, advocacy, and other needs. Crisis, Legal, & General Help: Senior Navigator
12↑ Family & Support Services Chicago.gov City of Chicago
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