BenefitsCheckUp — National Council on Aging

You answer a few quick questions and this free tool shows programs near you that can help pay for food, medicine, utilities, and other everyday costs.

Good to know

It checks close to 2,000 programs, keeps your information private, and a helpline counselor can walk you through it if you would rather talk to a person.

Before you call

They may ask

  • a few quick questions, to show which programs you may qualify for

They can

  • show programs you may qualify for to help pay for health care, prescriptions, groceries and other everyday expenses, and show how to learn more and apply online
  • put you in touch with a live representative by online chat, or by phone on 1-800-794-6559, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST
  • show a map (in English only) to find NCOA partners and programs near you

In the emergency guides: My health insurance or Medicaid is ending →

Hours
Helpline Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm ET; tool any time
Coverage
Nationwide (U.S.)
Languages
English, Spanish
Best for
Older adults
Last checked
September 6, 2026

See something out of date or wrong? Tell us by email.

We list this organization because people told us it helped. We’re not affiliated with it, and we don’t speak for it. Last checked September 6, 2026: we opened its own site and confirmed this link and number. We don’t call the lines, and hours can change — their site has the latest.

Heavy moment? Call or text 988 — or someone to talk to →

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