Hints from Heloise

Tue., Aug. 31, 2004

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: There is a government Web site that gathers information all in one place about government benefits for citizens. The site is called www.firstgov.gov. There are more than 500 federal and state benefits that citizens may apply for on the site, including veterans benefits, Medicare, food stamps, Social Security, unemployment insurance, student loans and housing loans. — A Reader, via e-mail

I visited the Web site and found it to be very helpful. For those who don’t have access to a computer, call the toll-free phone number (800) 333-4636 to get answers to government questions in English or Spanish, Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT). — Heloise

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