GovBenefits.gov expands offerings

GovBenefits.gov

The Labor Department today launched a new version of GovBenefits.gov that includes information on benefits programs in 20 states, taking another step toward making the Web portal a truly governmentwide source for citizens.

GovBenefits.gov helps visitors find programs for which they may be eligible, such as food stamps and housing assistance. Users can search by program type, or rely on a wizard or questionnaire that guides them to programs that fit their profile.

By adding states such as Alabama, California and New Mexico, the portal now includes information on 48 state programs and 419 federal programs.

The 10-agency team, led by Labor, working on GovBenefits.gov also slightly redesigned the portal. Changes include:

* Improving the questionnaire by reducing the number of questions and allowing visitors to stop at any point to see what benefits are available using the information entered.

* Providing greater accessibility for citizens using screen readers or other technology.

* Linking to a new, simple customer satisfaction survey on the front page.

Labor and the Office of Management and Budget first launched GovBenefits.gov in April 2002, the first of the Bush administration's 24 e-government initiatives.