By Regina Agyemang
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An estimated $140 billion in critical federal benefits go unclaimed each year in the United States, leaving millions of vulnerable Americans without essential support. This stark figure underscores the systemic barriers preventing low-income individuals from accessing key programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, and Lifeline. These programs are designed to alleviate financial hardships and ensure that basic needs—food, energy, and communication services—are met. Yet, despite eligibility, millions of eligible Americans miss out on these benefits, exacerbating economic inequality.
At Link Health, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between healthcare and economic support by simplifying access to these programs. However, closing the $140 billion gap requires more than the outreach efforts of organizations like ours. It demands systemic reform, increased awareness, and collaborative efforts across sectors.
The primary obstacle standing in the way of benefit access is the complexity of the application process. Lengthy forms, unclear eligibility criteria, and bureaucratic red tape often deter low-income individuals from even attempting to apply. For many, the time and energy required to navigate these systems feel insurmountable. As a result, programs like SNAP—critical in the fight against food insecurity—are significantly underutilized, with millions of eligible households failing to apply. Similarly, LIHEAP remains underused, even as rising energy costs place vulnerable families at risk.
The digital divide further exacerbates these challenges. Many low-income individuals, especially in rural areas, lack reliable internet access or the technology needed to apply for these benefits. Although Lifeline aims to address this issue, its reach is still limited. Low awareness and inadequate outreach prevent many from benefiting, and without consistent internet access, applying for benefits or even receiving notifications about eligibility becomes a significant barrier.
To close the gap, the application process must be streamlined and simplified. Federal programs should be accessible and easy to navigate, with a universal application system that allows individuals to apply for multiple benefits simultaneously. Clearer eligibility guidelines and more user-friendly platforms would ensure that more eligible individuals can access the support they need, without unnecessary confusion or frustration.
Equally important is increasing outreach and education. Community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and trusted local leaders are best positioned to spread the word and assist with the application process. These groups can also provide hands-on support, ensuring that no one is left behind due to a lack of information or resources.
Furthermore, expanding programs like Lifeline to more low-income households and creating community access points for technology and internet services would help individuals apply for benefits and stay connected to vital resources.
Supporting digital literacy through training and community hubs offering free internet access is crucial. When families can apply for benefits online and receive timely updates, they are empowered to make the most of the resources available to them.
Finally, the stigma surrounding government assistance must be reduced. There is a societal tendency to view receiving benefits as a form of failure, which discourages many eligible individuals from applying. This stigma itself acts as a barrier, preventing people from seeking help even when they are entitled to it.
We must change the conversation and recognize that these programs are rights, not handouts. They exist to provide a safety net, to support individuals in need, and to ensure that everyone has the resources they need to thrive. Through educational campaigns that focus on the dignity of using these resources, we can help remove the stigma, encouraging more individuals to apply for the support they deserve.
Closing the gap is not a task that organizations like Link Health can tackle alone. It requires a collaborative effort from government agencies, nonprofits, technology companies, and community leaders.
An example of such collaboration is Code for America, which partners with governments to create more accessible and user-friendly digital platforms for benefits access. Their work has demonstrated that when technology and public services are combined effectively, it’s possible to reach more people and improve outcomes.
While substantial changes are needed to close this gap, there is cause for hope. Organizations like Link Health are already working tirelessly to simplify access to benefits, provide guidance, and educate communities. Through our outreach programs, we’ve put over $4 million in funding back into households. However, with more systemic reform, we could reach even more individuals and drastically reduce the unclaimed benefits gap.
The $140 billion gap is not just a statistic; it represents real lives, real families, and real communities being left behind. At Link Health, we will continue to provide support to those in need, but systemic change can amplify our impact, ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits they deserve. The time to act is now.
Author: Regina Agyemang
