Website Helps Citizens Determine Possible Eligibility for Benefits
WASHINGTON — As the weather grows cooler,
many greet the coming winter months with anticipation of family
gatherings, good food and the exchange of gifts. For others, the
winter can be particularly challenging, with higher heating costs,
the need for warmer clothes and other financial pressures. For
those in need of assistance, the GovBenefits.gov website provides
a valuable service by identifying potential benefit options available
to citizens.
GovBenefits.gov ( www.GovBenefits.gov
) is a free, on-line resource that helps citizens determine their
potential eligibility for benefit programs. The site provides
information and links to nearly 1,000 federal and state benefit
programs, including the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the
Community Food and Nutrition Program, Emergency Food Assistance
Program, Food Stamp Program, Housing Counseling Assistance Program,
Low Income Home Energy Assistance and Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families.
The website, which is managed by the U.S. Department
of Labor, has provided government benefit eligibility information
to more than 15 million visitors and generated more than 2.5 million
citizen referrals to benefit programs tailored to their needs.
GovBenefits.gov is available in both English and Spanish, and
features benefit programs for seniors, students, children, prospective
homeowners, entrepreneurs, caregivers, veterans, retirees, people
with disabilities, farmers, ranchers and many more.
GovBenefits.gov is a collaboration of 10 federal
agencies: the U.S. Departments of Labor (managing partner), Agriculture,
Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security,
Housing and Urban Development, State, Veterans Affairs and the
Social Security Administration.
GovBenefits.gov has earned numerous awards from
private industry and government organizations, including an Excellence.gov
Award from the Industry Advisory Council and a Gracie Award for
Excellence in Government Technology from Government Executive
Magazine.
