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National Council on Aging logo. We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030.

Benefits Access

Inflation is eroding the buying power of the fixed incomes many older adults depend on, which is barely enough to make ends meet. Discover a wide range of benefits that can help older adults pay for health care, prescriptions, food, housing, and more.
For Professionals
An older Black female professional is discussing Medicare benefits with an Asian male colleague.

$30 Billion Left on the Table: Connecting More Older Adults With Money-Saving Public Benefits

Apr 04, 2024
Each year, $30 billion in public financial assistance goes unclaimed. Learn why so many older adults are missing out—and what we can do to change this.

How to Participate in Boost Your Budget® Week

Feb 20, 2024
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Where to Get Food Help Now: A Guide for Older Adults

Jan 24, 2024
A "We Accept Supplemental Nutrition Assitance Program (SNAP)" sign appears on the window of a grocery retailer.

How to Make It Easier for Older Adults to Get Energy and Utility Assistance

Jan 13, 2022
A senior Black man is adjusting the thermostat at home.

Keeping the Lights On: Housing & Utility Benefits

Aug 08, 2024
A senior woman in bed is turning off her lamp, indicating that she's going to sleep.

Understanding Benefits Participation in Your Area

Benefits Access

NCOA's new tool shows participation rates for older adults enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Get started by selecting specific areas to see how they compare to national and state averages. 

Use Our Map

How to Navigate VA Benefits for Older Veterans and Caregivers

Nov 26, 2024
A close up, portrait of a Hispanic female U.S. Veteran.

18 Benefits for Veterans: Helping Our Nation’s Heroes

Nov 25, 2024

How To Improve the Health and Wealth of Older Women Veterans

Nov 21, 2024

How Enrolling in Benefits Programs Saved Sherlea at 74

Nov 01, 2024

Use BenefitsCheckUp® to Find Money-Saving Benefits

Older adults living in or near the poverty level are eligible for billions of dollars of unclaimed benefits. These unclaimed benefits are not for everyone, but if you’re a Benefits Enrollment Center working with older adults, , you can help them find out if they qualify.

NCOA Benefits Enrollment Centers

NCOA 2024 Grantees

Meet the 87 community-based organizations across 38 states that are helping older adults and people with disabilities enroll into benefits programs to help pay for health care, food, medicine, and more. 

Learn More about Our 2024 Grantees

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