BenefitsCheckUp Helps Seniors Take Advantage of Poverty Guidelines Extension

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The federal government’s recent announcement that the 2009 poverty guidelines will remain in effect through 2010 is good news for many Americans. This extension means that there will not be a reduction in the income limits for key public benefit programs, and Americans nationwide who fall within the current poverty threshold will continue to qualify for these much needed programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Medicare's Part D Low-Income Subsidy and Medicare Savings Programs. Unfortunately, not all individuals who qualify for these benefits are aware of their eligibility.

“In these tough economic times, public benefits can be a lifeline to seniors struggling with the cost of medications, energy bills or food”

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 threshold, can access updated information on a comprehensive listing of federal, state, and local programs by visiting www.benefitscheckup.org.

The extension of the 2009 poverty guidelines is good news for many older adults, who will now remain eligible for benefits for the remainder of the year. Poverty guidelines are used to determine financial eligibility for federal programs. These guidelines are determined in part by the Consumer Price Index, which decreased at the beginning of the year. Had the poverty guidelines also decreased for 2010, fewer older adults would have been financially eligible for benefits.

“In these tough economic times, public benefits can be a lifeline to seniors struggling with the cost of medications, energy bills or food,” said Stuart Spector, senior vice president at NCOA. “BenefitsCheckUp is a valuable resource disadvantaged seniors can use to find benefits and 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 information, eligibility rules 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. Since 2001, more than 2.5 million people have used the service, identifying benefits valued at more than $8.7 billion.

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.