What MyAARPBenefits Does
MyAARPBenefits is a free online tool on AARP's website that shows you which federal, state, and local information programs may be available to you based on your age, income, and household situation. You answer a short questionnaire about your circumstances, and the tool returns a personalized list of programs — including Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, food information, utility help, and housing programs — along with links to how to learn more about each one.
The tool does not determine whether you actually may have access to for any program, nor does it submit information to any government agency. It is a screening and information resource only. The actual information of your may be able to access happens when you contact the program directly or work with a counselor.
MyAARPBenefits is designed for adults 55 and older, though some programs it lists may serve younger household members as well. The tool is available at aarp.org/myaarpbenefits and takes about five to ten minutes to complete.
Key Takeaways
- MyAARPBenefits is a free screening tool that shows which information programs may be available to you based on your age, income, and household details.
- The tool asks basic questions about your income, housing status, and family composition, then returns a customized list of programs with contact information.
- Results include both federal programs like Medicare and Supplemental Security Income, and state and local programs that vary by where you live.
- You will need to contact each program separately to learn the full may be able to access rules and how to move forward with any that interest you.
What Information You Will Need to Answer the Questions
The questionnaire asks for basic household information but does not require you to prove anything or upload documents. Have the following ready before you start: your age, your household size (how many people live with you), your approximate monthly or annual household income, and your state of residence.
If you are unsure of your exact income, a rough estimate is fine — the tool uses income ranges rather than exact figures. You do not need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, or any personal identifiers. The tool does not store your answers or create an account.
How the Tool Works: Step by Step
Go to aarp.org/myaarpbenefits and select your state from the dropdown menu. The tool will then ask you a series of questions about your household: how many people live in your home, your age or age range, your approximate household income, whether you own or rent your home, and whether anyone in your household has a disability or is a veteran.
Answer each question as accurately as you can. If a question does not explore to you, you can skip it. Once you have answered all the questions, click the button to see your results. The tool will display a list of programs that may be available to you, organized by category (healthcare, food, housing, utilities, and so on).
Each program listing includes the program name, a brief description of what it covers, who typically runs it (federal, state, or local), and a link to more information or a contact number. Some listings also show whether the program has income limits or other common restrictions.
Understanding Your Results
The programs shown are those that may be available to you based on the information you provided. The tool uses broad may be able to access rules, so appearing on your results list does not mean you will be found may be able to access when you contact the program. Each program has its own detailed rules, and some may require documents, interviews, or other steps before making a final information.
Programs are grouped by type so you can focus on the areas that matter most to you. If you see a program you are interested in, click the link to go to that program's official page or call the number provided. That is where you will learn the complete may be able to access rules and next steps.
Your results are specific to your state. If you move or if your household situation changes significantly, you can run the tool again to see if different programs become available.
Programs Commonly Shown in Results
Most results include Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are federal programs. You may also see Medicaid, which is jointly funded by federal and state money but run by your state, so the rules and income limits vary by location.
Food information programs often appear, including the Supplemental Nutrition information Program (SNAP), sometimes called food stamps. Housing and utility information programs vary widely by state and county — some are permanent programs, while others are temporary or seasonal.
If you are a veteran or have a veteran in your household, you may see Veterans Benefits or programs run by your state's veterans affairs office. If anyone in your household is disabled, programs like Ticket to Work (for people on Social Security Disability Insurance) or state disability services may appear.
What to Do After You Get Your Results
Write down or print the programs that interest you most. For each one, use the link provided to visit the program's official website or call the phone number listed. You will need to contact the program directly — the MyAARPBenefits tool does not forward your information anywhere.
When you contact a program, be ready to answer more detailed questions about your income, assets, household composition, and citizenship or immigration status. Have recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements available if you are asked for proof of income. Different programs have different document requirements, so ask what you will need before your first appointment or call.
If you find the process confusing or need help understanding the rules, many programs offer free counseling. AARP also runs a Benefits Counseling service through trained volunteers in many areas — you can ask about this when you call a program, or search for "AARP Benefits Counseling" plus your state name to find a local counselor.
When MyAARPBenefits May Not Show All Available Programs
The tool focuses on the most common federal, state, and local programs. It may not include every small local program, emergency information fund, or nonprofit service in your area. If you do not see a program you have heard about, that does not mean it is not available — it may straightforward not be in the tool's database.
To find additional programs, you can call 211 (available in most areas) and speak with a specialist who knows local resources. You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging, which maintains a list of services for older adults in your county. Your state's department of social services website often has a complete list of information programs as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MyAARPBenefits send my information to government agencies?
No. The tool is a screening resource only. Your answers are not stored, not sent to any agency, and not used to create an account. You must contact each program separately if you want to move forward.
What if I do not know my exact household income?
An estimate is fine. The tool uses income ranges, not exact figures. If you are unsure, give your best guess — you can always provide exact numbers later when you contact the actual program.
Can I use MyAARPBenefits if I am not an AARP member?
Yes. The tool is free and open to anyone. You do not need to be an AARP member or create an account to use it.
What if my results show a program I do not think I may have access to for?
The tool uses broad may be able to access rules, so it may show programs you ultimately do not may have access to for. Contact the program directly to learn the full rules. Many programs have exceptions or special circumstances that the screening tool cannot capture.
Can I run the tool again if my situation changes?
Yes. If your income, household size, or living situation changes, you can return to aarp.org/myaarpbenefits and run it again to see if different programs appear or if programs you previously saw are no longer available to you.