Write a commentFeaturing a special event to connect older adults in Syracuse to benefits. InterFaith Works of CNY is committed to empowering all older adults in Central New York to age well.
On April 13-17, 2026, the Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), a program of InterFaith Works, is partnering with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to mark Boost Your Budget Week with free benefit screenings for seniors.
Millions of dollars in benefits go unclaimed every year because eligible older adults don’t know about them or how to apply. The Benefits Enrollment Center is leveraging people power and digital power to connect them to programs that will help pay for food, medicine, rent, utilities, and more.
"So many older adults in our community can use a little ‘boost’ to help make ends meet,” said Lori Klivak, Senior Director for the Center for Healthy Aging. “The Benefits Enrollment Center has information and opportunities that can make a real difference in people’s lives every day.”
In Onondaga County alone, less than half of older adults eligible for benefits programs are enrolled. For older adults living on a fixed income, benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy can make a significant difference in helping them stay healthy, financially secure, and independent in the community.
“Having access to benefits programs means our older friends and neighbors do not have to cut pills in half, skip meals, or turn down the thermostat in the middle of winter in order to make ends meet each month,” said Jessica Luis, Assistant Manager for the Aging Services Coalition at InterFaith Works. “We are here to help older adults see what benefits they may be eligible for—and take the steps to apply.”
Boost Your Budget Week is a national effort to educate older adults about benefits. InterFaith Works will be hosting an event where older adults can learn more and get a free benefits screening.
WHAT: Boost Your Budget Age Well Day
The purpose of Age Well Days is to connect older adults with services and resources that can help stretch their income and improve the quality of their life, while also being a safe space for learning and connection. Join us on April 16 and learn about money-saving programs and benefits that can support you as you age, receive a free benefits screening from the Benefits Enrollment Center staff, and connect with other community resources!
WHEN: April 16, 2026, 11am - 1pm
WHERE: St. Lucy Catholic Church, 432 Gifford St., Syracuse, NY 13204
The Benefits Enrollment Center is a partnership with InterFaith Works of Central New York, PEACE, Inc., and the Aging Services Coalition of Greater Syracuse. Funding is provided by the National Council on Aging. For more information, please contact the Aging Services Coalition Assistant Manager at ASC@ifwcny.org or 315-449-3552 ext. 210.
InterFaith Works of Central New York’s mission is to affirm the dignity of each person and every faith tradition, build racial and religious equity, and create bridges of understanding among us.
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 everyone to age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.
