Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today launched QuickCheck, a simplified Internet-based version of UNIForm, a comprehensive benefit application system developed for senior citizens by the New York City Department for the Aging in cooperation with New York City's Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications and the New York State Office for the Aging. The updated and enhanced version of UNIForm is another e-Government initiative that provides access to more benefit programs administered by City agencies, including the New York City Department of Finance, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Human Resources Administration. The UNIForm system is expanded through QuickCheck, a simplified version available for use on the Internet.

"This system is an invaluable 'one-stop' service for seniors," said Mayor Bloomberg. "The QuickCheck and UNIForm systems were developed for seniors to reduce the amount of physical exertion and redundant paperwork that so often present barriers to essential support services. UNIForm and QuickCheck are examples of the many ways that this administration is using technology to streamline City services and improve the quality of the interaction between citizens and government."

QuickCheck is phase one of the Internet version of UNIForm. QuickCheck is an interactive application to assist New York City seniors in checking their eligibility for specific benefit programs on-line. Access is available through the Department Web site:www.nyc.gov/aging. No user information is stored in a database server or shared with certifying agencies so it is also completely confidential. QuickCheck allows the user to complete an application on-line and provides the name and location of the certifying agency and the documentation requirements for each of the benefit programs.

"UNIForm is currently available at the Department for the Aging's 165 community-based sites throughout the City's five boroughs," said Department for the Aging Commissioner Edwin Méndez-Santiago. "With the addition of QuickCheck, seniors and their loved ones can get access to valuable information from their home, senior center, public library or anywhere that has access to the Internet."

The QuickCheck system allows seniors, as well as other New York City citizens to quickly check eligibility for eleven Federal, State and City benefit programs. Through a series of multiple-choice questions, QuickCheck is able to identify benefit programs the user is eligible to receive, allows the user the option to print the application and provides information on how to apply for that benefit.

"Helping older New Yorkers access benefits is one way 21st century technology is making life better," said Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications Commissioner Gino Menchini.

Trained service professionals use the UNIForm application to interview and collect information on a senior citizen's household income and other relevant data to determine whether or not a client is eligible for 18 different Federal, State and City benefit programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program (SCRIE), Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC), and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to name a few. Once the data is collected and eligibility is determined, the program provides printed applications for each of the agencies, which are forwarded to the certifying agencies. The worker assists the client to ensure that the application is properly signed and is accompanied by the supporting documentation that is required for the certifying agency to determine the applicant's eligibility.

"This is another excellent example of City agencies working together to provide assistance to New Yorkers and servicing their needs in a fast and efficient manner," said Human Resources Administration Commissioner Verna Eggleston.

The Department for the Aging also dispatches case managers with laptop computers and traveling printers to the home of elders who are unable to attend an interview with a trained service professional. For more information about UNIForm and QuickCheck, call the Department for the Aging's Helpline at 212-442-1000.