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    3 min read 5 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Find Government Benefits You Qualify For Using BenefitsCheckUp

    BenefitsCheckUp.org is a free National Council on Aging tool that screens seniors for assistance programs — utilities, prescriptions, food, housing.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Government & Civic
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    3 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    BenefitsCheckUp
    government benefits
    assistance programs
    NCOA
    seniors
    low income
    utilities

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Go to BenefitsCheckUp.org
    2. 2.Enter your basic information
    3. 3.Review your results
    4. 4.Get details on each program
    5. 5.Apply for programs that interest you
    1

    Go to BenefitsCheckUp.org

    ~19s
    On any computer or phone, go to benefitscheckup.org. The website is run by the National Council on Aging — a nonprofit, not a government agency. Click "Get Started" or "Check Your Benefits." No account or Social Security number is required.

    Quick Tip

    You can complete the screening on behalf of a family member — answer the questions based on their situation.

    2

    Enter your basic information

    ~15s
    Answer questions about: your zip code (programs vary by state), your age, household size and income level, whether you have Medicare, any health conditions, your housing situation (renting vs. owning), and whether you are a veteran. These answers determine which programs to screen you for.
    3

    Review your results

    ~22s
    After completing the questionnaire, you will see a list of programs you may qualify for — each with a brief description, estimated benefit amount or value, and eligibility notes. Programs are grouped by category: Health, Food, Energy, Housing, Employment, and Tax Relief.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Even if you have applied for some programs before, check the full list — new programs are added regularly and state-level benefits change often.

    4

    Get details on each program

    ~15s
    Click any program name to see: what it provides, who qualifies, how to apply, and the phone number or website for the administering agency. Some programs have an "Apply" button that takes you directly to the online application.
    5

    Apply for programs that interest you

    ~23s
    Start with any programs in the Health category (prescription savings can be significant) and Energy category (LIHEAP helps with bills). Call the provided phone number or visit the program website. Have your income information, Medicare card (if applicable), and photo ID ready for most applications.

    Warning

    BenefitsCheckUp only screens for eligibility. It does not apply on your behalf. You need to contact each program separately to complete an official application.

    You Did It!

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    BenefitsCheckUp is a free, confidential online tool from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) that helps older adults and people with limited income find government and nonprofit help programs they may qualify for.

    Many people who are eligible for help — with utility bills, prescription costs, food, housing, and healthcare — never apply because they do not know the programs exist. BenefitsCheckUp screens you for over 2,000 federal, state, and local programs in one place.

    Programs it can find include: - **LIHEAP** (Low Income Home Energy Help Program) — help with heating and cooling bills - **Extra Help / LIS** — reduces Medicare prescription drug costs - **Medicare Savings Programs** — help paying Medicare premiums - **SNAP** (food help) - **CHIP and Medicaid** — health coverage - **Property tax relief** for seniors and people with disabilities - **Utility company discount programs** — many electric companies offer low-income rates - **State-specific programs** for transportation, vision, dental, and more

    BenefitsCheckUp does not collect your Social Security number and keeps your information confidential. It is purely a screening tool. You can answer questions to see what programs you likely qualify for, then apply for the ones that interest you.

    The website is benefitscheckup.org. It is free and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

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    How helpful was this guide?

    BenefitsCheckUp
    government benefits
    assistance programs
    NCOA
    seniors
    low income
    utilities

    Official Resources

    USA.gov — Government ServicesSSA — Social SecurityBenefits.govIRS Free File

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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