The public will now be able to access benefit information across Federal agencies in a centralized location on USA.gov, according to the Department of Labor (DoL) and the General Services Administration (GSA).
Previously, people wanting to access benefits information turned to Benefits.gov, a website managed by DoL since 2002. But that website will shut down in September, said GSA in a press release on Aug. 7.
USA.gov and USAGov en Español will feature an “easy-to-use location” for accessing benefits information and determining benefit eligibility, and will categorize benefits by “specific types” for easier access, the two agencies said.
“We are excited to build off of the years of Benefits.gov expertise and create a seamless benefits experience,” said Ann Lewis, director of GSA’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) group. “As the front door to government information and services, USAGov is committed to using data-driven and human-centered design to ensure the public has equitable access to the information it needs.”
The switch to the new website aligns with the Biden administration’s push for more efficient citizen services delivery which emphasizes that “improving service delivery and customer experience should be fundamental priorities.”
Benefits.gov was one of the first websites to make information accessible to the public following the E-Government Act of 2002, which promoted using the internet to provide citizens with government information and services. It also developed tools that allowed users to prescreen benefit eligibility and provided information for over 1,100 government benefits.
“For over 20 years, Benefits.gov was a leading example of interagency collaboration, technological innovation and customer experience,” said Gundeep Ahluwalia, chief information officer at DOL. “The collaboration with GSA to have USA.gov become the new destination for benefits information demonstrates what’s possible in providing streamlined services for the public.”
USA.gov has access to information on voting, immigration, agencies, education and other Federal data. The update to the website will include a new landing page for benefits.
The USA.gov update is scheduled for September 2024 when Benefits.gov shuts down.
