An estimated 9 million older adults are missing out on benefits they’d likely qualify for — not because they don’t need the help, but because they don’t know the programs exist or how to check. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) built a free tool to close that gap. Here’s what BenefitsCheckUp is, what it can find for you, and how to use it.
What Is BenefitsCheckUp
BenefitsCheckUp is a free, confidential online screening tool run by the National Council on Aging. It checks your situation against nearly 2,000 benefit programs nationwide and tells you which ones you may qualify for — without you having to research each program’s rules yourself.
What Kinds of Benefits It Can Find
Depending on your location and situation, BenefitsCheckUp can surface programs covering:
- Food assistance (SNAP)
- Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
- Medicare Part D Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy)
- Medicaid
- Utility and home energy assistance
NCOA estimates roughly 9 million eligible older adults currently aren’t receiving benefits like these, often simply because they’ve never been screened.
How the Screening Works
The process is straightforward:
- Enter your ZIP code and answer a short series of questions about your household and situation
- Get a personalized report listing the programs you may be eligible for
- Review each program’s details and start the enrollment process, either online or through the agency directly
Who Should Use It
BenefitsCheckUp is built for older adults (55+) and people with disabilities, particularly those on a fixed or limited income who want a quick way to check for help with food, health care, or utility costs without hunting down dozens of individual program websites.
Other Ways to Get Help
If you’d rather not do it online, or need it in Spanish:
- A Spanish-language version is available at BuscaBeneficios.org
- A toll-free helpline, 1-800-794-6559, is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., for in-person benefits assistance
FAQ
Is it really free and confidential?
Yes — BenefitsCheckUp is free to use, and NCOA states the screening process is confidential.
Do I have to enroll in everything it finds?
No. The tool only generates a personalized report of what you may qualify for; enrolling in any specific program is entirely up to you.
Is this only for U.S. residents?
BenefitsCheckUp screens against U.S. federal, state, and local programs, so it’s intended for people living in the United States.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not financial or legal advice. Program availability varies by state and county — always confirm current details on BenefitsCheckUp.org before applying.