BenefitsCheckUp

includes a database of approximately 1,000 federal and state programs

available to help older persons. The service asks for a user's age, income

and ZIP Code, but not one's name, Social Security number or other information

that could identify the user.

After completing

the questionnaire, users get a list of potential benefits, with details

about eligibility, where to find local offices, and the records needed

to apply for benefits.

Seniors may

qualify for financial assistance, educational opportunities, employment

programs, health care, home energy assistance, housing assistance; in-home

services, legal services, nutrition programs, prescription drug assistance,

and volunteer opportunities.

Mobilization

efforts are underway in Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Cleveland and in the

state of Washington to ensure that more low-income seniors have access

to the online service.

Many seniors

do not have computers or easy access to the Internet and The National

Council on the Aging is working with local community service organizations

and community health centers to expand that access.

"If you

don't have a computer or a close family member with one, visit a local

senior center or library and take advantage of BenefitsCheckUp,"

Firman said. "If you're on a fixed income, this is a service you

don't want to ignore."

The NCOA brought

together several corporations and foundations including AOL Time Warner

Foundation, New York Life Insurance Co., Lucent Technologies Family Care

Development Fund, FJC -- A Donor Advised Fund, Merck Company Foundation

and the Archstone Foundation, to make BenefitsCheckUp available as a free

service to the public. The Web site is hosted by AOL's GovernmentGuide.com.

To find out

what benefits you qualify for, just click on www.BenefitsCheckUp.org or

use the AOL keyword: BenefitsCheckUp.

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