Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Over 9 Million Eligible Older Adults Are Missing Out on $58 Billion in Benefits That Can Help Them Afford Basic Necessities

NCOA says eligible older adults are missing $58 billion in food and health aid because millions are not enrolled in three benefit programs.

  • On Tuesday, the National Council on Aging released an updated Benefits Participation Map showing 9.1 million older adults are missing out on $58 billion in annual benefits.
  • Developed with the Urban Institute, the map tracks enrollment gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , Supplemental Security Income , and Medicare Savings Programs , where participation rates lag at 38%, 40%, and 49% respectively.
  • NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin stated, "Behind every data point is an older adult forced to make impossible choices," noting average monthly aid reaches $188 for SNAP, $552 for SSI, and $165 for MSP.
  • Participation rates vary significantly across states, with Alaska and Florida ranking among the highest for engagement, while Wyoming reports the lowest participation across all three programs.
  • Seniors and their families are encouraged to use BenefitsCheckup to determine eligibility and apply for assistance, ensuring they can better cover essential daily costs.
Insights by Ground AI

18 Articles

Bennington BannerBennington Banner
+17 Reposted by 17 other sources
Center

Over 9 Million Eligible Older Adults Are Missing Out on $58 Billion in Benefits That Can Help Them Afford Basic Necessities

Updated Benefits Participation Map reveals enrollment gaps in SNAP, SSI, and

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

PR Newswire broke the news in United States on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal