New Poverty Guidelines May Help More Seniors Qualify for Needed Benefits
NCOA Media Contact: | Ken Schwartz |
Washington, DC – February 24, 2011 – An increased number of older adults may now be eligible for benefits due to the increase in the Federal Poverty Guidelines in 2011.
With this increase, more older adults may qualify for programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare’s Part D Low-Income Subsidy and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Unfortunately, not all individuals who qualify for these benefits are aware of their eligibility. Now is a good time for seniors to use BenefitsCheckUp to find out what programs they qualify for.
BenefitsCheckUp, a free online screening service developed and maintained by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), helps seniors check their eligibility for various benefits programs. Seniors with low income and limited resources, including those that fall within the poverty guidelines, can access updated information on a comprehensive listing of federal, state, and local programs by visiting www.BenefitsCheckUp.org.
“In this poor economic climate, an increase in poverty guidelines will help more seniors in need be eligible for benefits programs to help cover the cost of energy bills, food and medication,” said Stuart Spector, senior vice president at NCOA. “Disadvantaged seniors can use BenefitsCheckUp as a resource to find benefits to help remain economically secure.”
BenefitsCheckUp is continually updated to account for changes in benefits program eligibility, making it quick and easy for seniors to access updated program information and application forms. Seniors should use BenefitsCheckUp as a resource to check their eligibility for a comprehensive range of benefits programs, including 2,000 federal, state, and local programs that can help with prescription drugs, health care, utilities, food, housing, and other basic needs. Enrollment forms for most programs are provided as part of BenefitsCheckUp’s interactive screening process.
About NCOA The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans – especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged – and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit www.NCOA.org.
About BenefitsCheckUp® Developed and maintained by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), BenefitsCheckUp is the nation’s most comprehensive Web-based service to screen for benefits programs for seniors with limited income and resources. It includes almost 2,000 public and private benefits programs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since 2001, more than 2.7 million people have used the service, identifying benefits valued at more than $9.5 billion. For more information, visit www.benefitscheckup.org.
