Boost Your Budget Week Brings Awareness about Benefits for Low-Income Older Adults
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), more than 17 million Americans age 65+ struggle with rising housing and health care bills, inadequate nutrition, lack of access to transportation, diminished savings, and job loss.
Every April, NCOA’s Boost Your Budget® Week helps educate older adults about the public (and private) benefits that provide hope for the economically insecure. These benefits are often a lifeline to helping low-income people with Medicare age well.
Unfortunately, research has shown that there are many barriers to enrollment in these programs, including knowledge of benefits and how to apply. As a result, millions of eligible older adults are likely not enrolled in vital programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help)
Wondering where to start?
BenefitsCheckUp® is the nation’s most comprehensive online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefits. It can help you assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply and provide you with a personalized report. Once your ‘Eligibility Results’ report has been created, you can view it as a PDF, email it, or even go back and edit your answers. You also have the option to screen for someone else.
Need help over the phone?
Don’t feel comfortable accessing BenefitsCheckUp® online? Need help over the phone? You can also access the Benefits Checkup Helpline at (800) 794-6559. Trained counselors are available Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST, to help you learn more about programs that can help you pay for food, medicine, utilities, and more. Watch the informational video below to learn more.
Additional Resources
How Can Older Adults Reduce Monthly Expenses? These Benefits Programs Help (ncoa.org)
YouTube Playlist from the National Council on Aging (NCOA)
