Seniors Leave Billions in Benefits Unclaimed in 2023

Eligible Americans aged 65 and older missed out on $58 billion in federal support during the 2023 calendar year.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Senior Health

Isometric editorial illustration of a tall stack of plain, sealed envelopes representing unclaimed federal benefits, in muted teal and cream tones. — Eligible Americans aged 65 and older missed out on $58 billion in federal benefits during the 2023 calendar year, according to Wisevoter data. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Eligible seniors in the United States failed to claim $58 billion in federal benefits throughout 2023. This shortfall includes significant under-participation in major assistance programs like SNAP and Supplemental Security Income.

Why it matters

Many seniors struggle to navigate a complex, fragmented system to access essential support, leading to billions in unclaimed aid. Confusion regarding eligibility and a lack of awareness remain primary barriers to enrollment.

Eligible seniors missed an average of $552.29 in monthly SSI payments and $188 in monthly SNAP benefits during 2023. Participation rates for these programs trailed significantly, with millions of qualified individuals failing to enroll in support services.

The players

National Council on Aging

The NCOA is an advocacy organization that provides resources and tools to help seniors understand and access government benefit programs.

The details

The National Council on Aging reports that 9.1 million seniors missed SNAP benefits, 3.6 million skipped SSI, and 6.6 million did not join Medicare Savings Programs. These programs are designed to assist with rising costs, such as the $164.90 standard Part B premium observed in 2023.

2023: Eligible seniors failed to claim $58 billion in federal benefits.

Health Landscape

This lack of benefit uptake illustrates a persistent gap in the execution of the Supplemental Security Income program and other federal social safety nets. Ensuring equitable access remains a central challenge for healthcare policymakers aiming to improve outcomes for aging populations.

Seniors can utilize the free eligibility tools provided by the NCOA to determine if they qualify for missing aid. Checking these programs can directly offset monthly expenses like Medicare premiums and grocery costs.

The takeaway

Proactive outreach and simplification of application processes are critical to ensuring seniors receive the financial support they are entitled to. Families should verify eligibility for aging relatives to help them secure essential monthly benefits.