ADvancing States, is pleased to announce the release of a new brief on Information and Referral/Assistance's (I&R/A) Role in Connecting Clients to Benefits. Individuals reach out to aging and disability programs for assistance with many needs. Public benefits, such as Medicaid and the Medicare low-income subsidies, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), help individuals access healthcare, food, and home heating and cooling. I&R/A agencies and professionals serve as a gateway to state and local aging and disability services. As needs are changing and growing, the roles of I&R/A specialists are expanding to include screening, application assistance, outreach, and other functions.

In collaboration with the I&R Support Center at ADvancing States, the 2018 National I&R/A Network Survey gathered data about the role that aging and disability agencies and I&R/A specialists play in connecting individuals to public benefits. Survey questions gathered information about benefits screening, application assistance, and outreach efforts for the Medicare low-income subsidies, SNAP, and LIHEAP.

This brief, made possible with support from NCOA, is a summary of the survey results related to aging and disability agencies and I&R/A specialists' role in connecting individuals with public benefits. It provides an opportunity to learn about benefits screening, assistance, and outreach within aging and disability networks.

Click here to read the brief.