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Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should ensure that states do not deter the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards needed for services.

The federal government should require state CSBG and SSBG officials to consult with state and local agencies and organizations representing older people and other groups served by the programs.

Policymakers should explore new, more consumer-centered systems for providing low-income assistance. 

Congress and state legislatures should ensure that all lawfully present non-citizen residents who qualify for essential low-income benefits have access to them.

Asset limits for public-benefit programs should be increased to ensure that they do not discourage saving. These limits should then be indexed to keep up with inflation.

The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit level should be increased to bring beneficiaries up to the poverty level. States should supplement those benefit payments. 

Policymakers should streamline and coordinate application procedures among different public-benefit programs.

Policymakers and the private sector should ensure that reintegration programs for people released from the criminal-justice system address the employment, housing and health needs of older adults. 

Access to government benefit programs should be fair and equitable.

Information about public-benefit programs should be shortened and simplified. This includes application forms, procedures, and program notices.