Kitsap County Senior Information and Assistance is partnering with the National Council on the Aging in launching a free, easy-to-use online service that helps older Americans identify both federal and state assistance programs that can improve the quality of their lives. Seniors, their family members, or caregivers can now access the service at www.BenefitsCheckUp.org.

Nearly 1.2 million seniors in America qualify for but don’t receive Social Security; 3 million never receive the Medicaid assistance they deserve and 3.7 million qualify for but do not receive food stamps.

BenefitsCheckUp helps older Americans find these and other government programs. Over 40 federal and state programs are included in BenefitsCheckUp for Washington State. The site provides visitors the information they need to access services such as, healthcare programs, prescription drug assistance, property tax relief, financial assistance, affordable housing, in-home services, energy assistance, legal services, meal programs, and employment opportunities. The service is not only free of charge, it is confidential.

In Kitsap County, seniors or their caregivers who do not have a computer or access to the Internet can get assistance by stopping by or calling Senior Information and Assistance or the Caregiver Support Center. Both are programs of the Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long Term Care and can be reached by calling (360) 337-5700 or 1-800-562-6418.

Senior Information and Assistance is located in the Givens Community Center in Port Orchard at 1026 Sidney Avenue and open M-F, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Caregiver Support Center is located in the Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way, and available for visits M-F 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment.