Federal and state social programs are hindered in effectiveness by low participation rates. The general public is often unaware of the various social programs that exist at federal, state and local levels and therefore never apply for programs that might bring much needed assistance. Those who are aware are often unsure what agencies to turn to - some programs are administered by the federal government while other programs are administered by state and/or local governments. In many cases, older adults and low-income or disabled individuals face other barriers to successfully completing applications for social benefit programs, including literacy, language and a variety of other challenges.