You can get a helping hand to stretch your income, pay for medications, eat well, gain assistance for living independently, and handle other ongoing needs.

The free BenefitsCheckUp^® (BenefitsCheckUp.org) offered by the National Council on Aging, Washington, D.C., can help you determine which senior benefits are available to you.

BenefitsCheckUp compiles information from national, state, and local programs, sorts it by location, matches it to information that you, your loved one, or a caregiver provides, and delivers the results online along with application forms for many programs.

Seniors have used the site to learn about benefits that make it possible for them to purchase prescription drugs, pay for food and utilities, and continue to live independently.

More Sources of Help
Many programs help seniors with everyday tasks such as finding a ride to the doctor, participating in meal programs, or learning more about caregiver options.

The best way to learn about these programs is to contact your local agency on aging.  To find the nearest agency, visit the Eldercare Locator online at ElderCare.gov, or call its toll-free number at 800-677-1116.  The Eldercare Locator service is funded by the federal government.

The service links seniors to local agencies on aging as well as state agencies, Social Security offices, and other sources of help.

Local Options
Churches, libraries, clubs, United Way, and other programs designed to help the aging vary significantly based on where you live.

Many communities offer a 2-1-1 service that allows local residents to dial 2-1-1 on their phones to reach referral programs that share information about benefit programs and volunteer opportunities.

United Way Worldwide and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems support the nationwide 2-1-1 website (211US.org) to offer online information about local 2-1-1 referral programs.