Aug. 26, 2004
Website Offers Parents, School Officials Back-to-School Benefits Information Award-Winning Website Features Head Start, School Nutrition, Other Programs
WASHINGTON: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently began a Back-to-School campaign aimed at highlighting education- and school-related benefit programs that can be found at www.GovBenefits.gov, an award-winning website that enables citizens to determine their potential eligibility for more than 410 Federal benefit programs and more than 250 State benefit programs.

"The GovBenefits.gov website offers parents, teachers, school officials and others a wealth of information about the Head Start, School Breakfast and Lunch, student loan, immunization, special education and other programs 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week", said Deputy Secretary of Labor Steven J. Law. "We strongly encourage parents and educators to take advantage of this one-stop, easy-to-use resource for school- and education-related benefits and information."

In April 2004, the Department of Labor unveiled GovBenefits.gov En Espaņol, offering Spanish-speaking communities greater access to available Federal and State benefits. At the same time, this comprehensive website continues efforts to expand the number and diversity of State benefit programs.

Since the site was launched in April 2002, GovBenefits.gov has provided government benefit eligibility information to more than 13 million visitors and generated more than 2 million citizen referrals to benefit programs tailored to their needs. In addition, GovBenefits.gov has earned an Excellence.gov Award from the Industry Advisory Council and a Gracie Award for Excellence in Government Technology from Government Executive Magazine, among other awards.

GovBenefits.gov is one of 24 key initiatives that comprise the President's e-Government Strategy, which focuses on creating a more accessible government. GovBenefits.gov is the collaborative effort of 10 Federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Labor (managing partner), Agriculture, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, State, Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration.

Visit www.GovBenefits.gov to learn about the educational and other comprehensive benefit resources featured on the site, including benefits for veterans, seniors, farmers, people with disabilities, prospective homeowners, caregivers, retirees and many more.

Media Availability: Ed Hugler, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management or a GovBenefits website expert are available for interviews. Please call 202-693-5052 to schedule an interview.