Benefits.gov
Benefits.gov (formerly GovBenefits.gov) was one of the earliest “E-Government” initiatives to launch in 2002 as part of the President’s Management Agenda, and was established as the official benefits website of the U.S. government. Prior to Benefits.gov, citizens looking for government benefit information had to search through a complicated maze of web pages. There was no easy-to-use, single source of benefit information to help citizens understand which benefit programs they may be eligible for, or how to apply. Operated, managed, and supported by a Federal agency Partnership, Benefits.gov provides an innovative, technology-based solution to benefit information delivery. Today, millions of citizens have easy, online access to information from across multiple Federal agencies on Benefits.gov. The beneficiaries include U.S. citizens, businesses, and Federal and state government entities.
Benefits.gov is a cross-governmental collaboration between multiple Federal agencies. Our Partner agencies share in the governance and strategic guidance of the Program, approve the features and enhancements to the site, provide the benefit program content, and contribute funding. The U.S. Department of Labor serves as the Managing Partner for Benefits.gov.
When this program began, the U.S. Secretary of Labor relseased the following statement:
We designed this web site to make it easier for you to search government-wide for benefits you may be eligible to receive. As the Secretary of Labor, I am very proud to participate in a collaborative partnership of government agencies committed to providing citizens with better services such as this free, confidential, on-line benefits screening tool. Early in his Administration, President George W. Bush directed his Cabinet to use the Internet to empower citizens, allowing them to request customized information from the federal government when they need it, not just when the government wants to give it to them. With [Benefits.gov], we are doing just that.
In the months ahead, [Benefits.gov] will add additional benefit programs as it evolves into a truly complete one-stop point of service. I encourage you to take full advantage of this tool, find out which benefits you may be eligible to receive, and use the "site feedback" button to let us know what you think of the service.
Sincerely, Elaine L. Chao
- U.S. Secretary of Labor
