BenefitsCheckUp® Encourages Seniors to Tap Into Available Benefits and Remain Active in Their Communities

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of Older Americans Month, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) encourages seniors to take advantage of all of the online services offered through the  BenefitsCheckUp® web site.

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The theme of this year's Older Americans Month celebration -- Older Americans: Connecting the Community -- pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities. The theme also highlights the many ways technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier and more engaged lives.

BenefitsCheckUp® is the nation's most comprehensive Web-based service to screen seniors with limited income and resources for benefits programs. By visiting www.benefitscheckup.org, seniors can find more than 2,000 federal, state, and local benefits programs to help with the cost of health care, prescription drugs, food, housing, utility bills, and more.

In addition, local and state agencies across the country can use Older Americans Month as an opportunity to extend and promote outreach of this valuable service.

"Especially during Older Americans Month,  we want to reach older people throughout the country and help them find the benefits programs they need and deserve," said Stuart Spector, National Council on Aging's senior vice president. "Many seniors of limited means and the people who care about them simply don't know about the benefits available to them. The programs they will find through BenefitsCheckUp® can significantly enrich their quality of life."

About NCOA  
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults -- 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 | www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

About BenefitsCheckUp^®

Developed and maintained by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), BenefitsCheckUp is the nation's most comprehensive Web-based service to screen for benefits programs for seniors with limited income and resources. It includes almost 2,000 public and private benefits programs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since 2001, more than 2.8 million people have used the service, identifying benefits valued at more than $9.7 billion.  For more information, visit www.benefitscheckup.org.

SOURCE National Council on Aging