The National Council on Aging (NCOA), has launched a "new and improved" version of its BenefitsCheckup.org website, which connects older adults and people with disabilities with nearly 2,000 benefits programs to help them pay for food, medicine, utilities, and other daily expenses.

"We completely redesigned BenefitsCheckUp to make it even easier for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers to find the resources they need to age with dignity," said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO. "No one should have to choose between paying for medication or food."

Millions of people miss out on saving money through public and private benefits simply because they don't know the programs exist, or how to apply, according to NCOA. Programs featured on the site include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and Affordable Connectivity Program.

Visitors can learn which programs they might be eligible for, and find the right contact information to take the next step to apply. The site features:

• Details on nearly 2,000 federal, state, and local benefits programs in both English and Spanish
• Free, confidential eligibility checks by specific program or benefits category
• The ability to create an account for visitors who want to save their results
• Personalized support via a call center, online chat, email, and NCOA's network of local Benefit Enrollment Centers. "Benefits programs are a critical piece in ensuring that every person has what they need to age well—regardless of gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code," Alwin said.

Visit the site at https://benefitscheckup.org/