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 Medicare Savings Programs among adults 65 and older

Key findings:

ARLINGTON, Va., May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person's right to age well, has updated its interactive Benefits Participation Map that shows over 9 million older adults are missing out on $58 billion in benefits programs that can help them pay for food, medicine, and other daily costs.

Developed with the Urban Institute, the map provides national, state, and local level estimates on participation rates and the number of eligible older adults who are not enrolled in three benefits programs—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, monthly support for food), Supplemental Security Income (SSI, monthly cash aid), and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs, help for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance).

"Behind every data point is an older adult forced to make impossible choices—between groceries and medication, or rent and medical care," said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO. "These life-saving benefits are crucial in helping them stretch their limited dollars and being able to afford essentials."

Many older adults are simply unaware these programs exist, and others incorrectly believe they are ineligible. NCOA encourages older adults and their loved ones to use BenefitsCheckup.org to see what they might be eligible for and how to apply  

Key national findings:

As a result, NCOA estimates that in 2023:

NCOA estimates that the total value of these unused benefits in 2023 was $58 billion based on the following assumptions: $188 a month for SNAP (average for households with an adult age 60 or over in 2023), $552.29 a month for SSI (average for older adults ages 65 and over as of December 2023), and $164.90 a month for MSP (the standard Part B premium in 2023).

Not having economic resources is a life-and-death issue in America. Recent research from NCOA and the LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston found that older adults who make $20,000 a year or less die nine years earlier than those who make $120,000 a year or more.

Key state findings:

About NCOA The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person's right to age well. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, best practices, and advocacy to create the conditions for all to age well today and into the future. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

SOURCE National Council on Aging