Benefits Access
How NCOA Helps Older Adults Find and Enroll in Benefits
The Center for Economic Well-Being
MIPPA Resource Center
SNAP Enrollment Initiative
Benefits Enrollment Centers
BenefitsCheckUp®
Boost Your Budget® Week
Financial assistance is available—but $30 billion goes unclaimed each year
NCOA is committed to helping all older adults understand the financial programs and supports available to them. According to NCOA’s research, there are major barriers to benefits program participation. Millions of older Americans qualify for programs that can help pay for food, prescriptions, health care, utilities, and other essential expenses. Yet $58 billion in benefits goes unclaimed each year because eligible people aren’t enrolled—money that could help older adults stretch their budgets and better meet their everyday needs.
The key to overcoming these obstacles is working collectively to provide proactive, targeted outreach. This outreach can happen within the community—from health care providers, area agencies on aging, religious organizations, and others.
How NCOA supports benefits access for older adults nationwide
Through the coordinated efforts conducted by our Center for Economic Well-Being, NCOA helps older adults find and enroll into benefits programs and connects them to tools and education to improve their finances.
Explore our resources below and learn more about the Center for Economic Well-Beings's work, the main benefits programs we focus on, and our national network of community-based organizations that work to achieve this mission in their communities.
Network and Get Inspired
Age+Action® is June 14-17, 2027, in Arlington, Virginia, where aging services professionals can discover innovative programs, network with colleagues, and gather ideas and inspiration for improving the lives of older adults.
Benefits Programs: Enrollment & Eligibility 101
There are several core benefits that can help people with low income afford the basic costs of living. Our Benefits 101 slide decks can be downloaded and tailored for your use in your community.
NCOA Partners in Benefits Access
Explore. Learn. Connect.
You're passionate about serving older adults. We're passionate about giving you the latest knowledge to do your job even better. NCOA's Learning Hub is where aging professionals can access educational content at your convenience. Access live and on-demand webinars, conferences, and events sponsored by NCOA and our partners.
The Latest in Benefits Access
Understanding Benefits Participation in Your Area
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.