Good nutrition and affordable health care are critical to aging with health and independence. NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp is a free online tool that connects older adults to programs that can help them afford daily expenses—like food, health care, medication, utility bills, and more.

Having more wiggle room in your budget can make it easier to stay healthy and independent in your own home.

How we help match you with programs that can help you stay healthy and independent

  1. Answer some questions to get more information. Start browsing programs by entering your ZIP code and choosing the categories you're most interested in—like Food & Nutrition. When you make your selections and click next, you can review your initial results or enter more details to further personalize your options. For programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), the Medicare Low-Income Subsidy, and Medicare Savings Programs, among others, you may need to provide more information to see if you’re eligible. 
  2. Check to see if you qualify or if  further information is required. After you click “See If You May Be Eligible,” BenefitsCheckUp will ask you additional questions to determine if you qualify and then provide a personalized report. You can view your Eligibility Results report as a PDF or email it to yourself, go back and edit your answers, or perform a new BenefitsCheckUp for someone else.
  3. Find out how to apply or view more information on the agency's website. Now that you have your report, you can apply for specific programs online through the agency's website by clicking “Apply Online.” You can also view more information about the program or use the contact information provided to call the agency directly.

Not sure what your next step is? Call our Benefits Helpline at 1-800-794-6559, or contact a community resource in your area.