Senior Citizens, Caregivers Reminded of Assistance
Found Through BenefitsCheckUp
Council on aging says Older Americans Month good time
for seniors to check on 2,000 benefits programs
May
11, 2011 - In recognition of Older Americans Month, the National Council
on Aging (NCOA) encourages seniors to take advantage of all of the
online services offered through its BenefitsCheckUp.org web site, which
helps senior citizens find local assistance organizations.
BenefitsChkeckUp, says the
NCOA, is the nation's most comprehensive Web-based service to screen
seniors with limited income and resources for benefits programs.
By visiting
www.benefitscheckup.org, seniors can find more than 2,000 federal,
state, and local benefits programs to help with the cost of health care,
prescription drugs, food, housing, utility bills, and more.
Since 2001, more than 2.8
million people have used the service, identifying benefits valued at
more than $9.7 billion.
The theme of this year's Older
Americans Month celebration - Older Americans: Connecting the Community
- pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration
and continuity to the fabric of our communities. The theme also
highlights the many ways technology is helping older Americans live
longer, healthier and more engaged lives.
In addition, local and state
agencies across the country can use Older Americans Month as an
opportunity to extend and promote outreach of this valuable service.
"Especially during Older
Americans Month, we want to reach older people throughout the country
and help them find the benefits programs they need and deserve," said
Stuart Spector, National Council on Aging's senior vice president.
"Many seniors of limited means
and the people who care about them simply don't know about the benefits
available to them. The programs they will find through
BenefitsCheckUp can significantly enrich their quality of life."
About NCOA
The National Council on Aging
is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in
Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults --
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:
www.NCOA.org |
www.facebook.com/NCOAging |
www.twitter.com/NCOAging
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
May
11, 2011 - In recognition of Older Americans Month, the National Council
on Aging (NCOA) encourages seniors to take advantage of all of the
online services offered through its BenefitsCheckUp.org web site, which
helps senior citizens find local assistance organizations.