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April 2006

Technology Connects Seniors with Services and Benefits They May Have Been Missing
By Troy Dunning, Life Enrichment Director
University Hills

BenefitsCheckUp is a unique online resource designed to connect individuals age 55 and older with services and benefits that may be available to them. A list of potential benefits and services is made available based upon the information provided through a questionnaire. This list gives the names, addresses and contact information of organizations that provide these services. This program is a service by the National Council on the Aging and is made possible through the charitable contributions of companies, foundations and individuals.

BenefitsCheckUp started in the mind of Dr. James Firhman. Dr. Firhman's vision was to provide a resource where senior adults could access benefits and services that may be available to them. Many seniors were missing out on potential benefits simply because they were not aware of them. BenefitsCheckUp was fifteen years in development. Through the growth of technology and the Internet, BenefitsCheckUp became the premier resource for benefits and services for the nation's senior adult population.

The service is free and confidential. Personal information such as name and social security number are not necessary. Only a zip code is required so that the closest location for programs can be determined.

Potential services and benefits include financial assistance, health care programs, prescription drug assistance, legal services and educational programs.

The questionnaire includes questions such as age, military service, and monthly income. Upon completion of the questionnaire, an individualized report can be printed listing assistance programs, location of programs and documents necessary to apply for the programs. It is then up to the individual or the care-giver to follow through and apply for the benefits or services.

BenefitsCheckUp is free and can be used as many times as needed. As an online service, a long-distance care-giver can fill out a questionnaire in one state for a friend or relative in another state to determine what help may be available in that area. Since BenefitsCheckUp is an online database, information is updated immediately whenever changes occur.

To find out what benefits you or your family may be eligible for, complete the BenefitsCheckUp questionnaire on their website at www.benefitscheckup.org.