GovBenefits.gov Helps Make Holidays Brighter for Those in Need

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.Benefits.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.

Media Availability: Ed Hugler, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management or a GovBenefits.gov website expert are available for interviews. Please call 202-693-5052 to schedule an interview.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.