The following is a listing of resources offered by the City of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and third party organizations for the benefit of Seniors:
Helpful Senior Specific Phone Numbers:
– Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 312-744-4016
A resource center that helps Seniors find benefits that they are eligible for.
– Elder Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 866-800-1408
A hotline where anyone can confidentially report elder abuse.
– Senior Helpline (IDOA): 800-252-8966
A helpline for Seniors and people with disabilities that can provide information on specific programs.
Department of Family and Support Services Northeast (Levy) Senior Center
2019 W. Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
312-744-0784
Department of Family and Support Services North Area Community Center
845 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
312-744-2580
Learn more here.
Housing Counseling Services
For a full list of HUD approved housing counselors in Chicago for free help with finding new housing and maintaining your current housing status residents can visit Chicago.gov/HousingCounseling.
Homeowner, Property Owner, and Renter Resources
For a full list of Chicago’s Department of Housing Programs, residents can visit Chicago.gov/SweetHome.
Rebates and Tax Programs:
Changes to Senior Sewer Rebate submission process as of January 2020: Submit directly to Department of Finance, DO NOT deliver to the Alderman’s office
The Senior Citizen Sewer Exemption entitles seniors aged 65 or over, residing in their own residence with separate metered water service or a separate city water assessment for that residential unit, to an exemption from payment of the sewer service charge for their residence. This exemption provides substantial savings to seniors.
As of January 2020, all Senior Sewer rebates will be handled by the Department of Finance, Utility Billing & Customer Service at 333 S. State Street. These rebates will NOT be handled by the City Council Committee on Finance and DO NOT need to be turned in to the Alderman’s office.
The Department of Finance is in the process of transitioning this program to the office of Utility Billing and Customer Service.
They expect to send renewal notices to previous applicants of the Senior Sewer Rebate in early March 2020. The new application will be posted to the City’s website. The yearly renewal form will require the claimant to provide a copy of their government issued identification and a recent property tax bill for verification purposes.
Starting immediately, please submit all claim forms and supporting documentation to:
City of Chicago, Department of Finance
P.O. Box 6330
Chicago, Illinois 60680-6330
Or e-mail to: utilitybill@cityofchicago.org
This change is designed to streamline the application process so residents can receive their checks more quickly. If you have any questions, you may contact the Utility Billing & Customer Service office at 312.744.4426 or contact Alderman Cappleman’s office.
Click here for more information and application forms.
Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program
This program is meant to help senior citizens struggling to pay Cook County property taxes as a result of the rising cost of living.
The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program is a tax-relief program that works like a loan. It allows qualified seniors to defer a maximum of $5,000 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home. The State of Illinois issues the loans, which do not have to be repaid until the property is sold or the homeowner dies. An interest rate of 6 percent per year is charged by the state. The maximum loan is $5,000 per year. To qualify, homeowners must be at least 65 years old by June 1 of the year in which the application is made and have an annual household income of $55,000 or less.
To apply:
• Download the application from cookcountytreasurer.com
• Submit the completed application and copies of the required documents to the Treasurer’s Office
• The First Installment for Tax Year 2019 is due March 3, 2020
• Homeowners must reapply every year
The Deadline for applications is March 1st, 2020
Click here for more information.
Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption Automatic Renewal
The Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption allows Seniors to potentially save hundreds of dollars on their taxes. The applicant must have owned and occupied the property as of January 1 and must have been 65 years of age or older during the tax year in question.
The Assessor’s Office now automatically renews Senior Citizen Exemptions for properties that were not sold to new owners in the last year.
Click here for more information.
Services and Agencies:
Illinois Department on Aging
Illinois’ department for seniors is a helpful resource that offers support and services to seniors, including legal counsel, protective services, and the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
City Hall, Room 100
121 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-744-4016
Click here for more information.
Senior Services/Area Agency on Aging
The City’s Senior Services Area Agency on Aging administers a variety of programs designed to address the diverse needs and interests of older Chicagoans. The agency operates six Regional Senior Centers that act as community focal points for information and assessment, and provide senior services in health and fitness, and education and recreation. The Northeast (Levy) Regional Senior Center serves the 46th Ward at all stages of life, from independent and active to home-bound with assisted care. There are approximately 300 senior citizen groups and clubs that participate in programs at the Northeast Senior Center.
Northeast (Levy) Senior Center
2019 W. Lawrence Avenue Chicago, IL 60625
312-744-0784
Click here for more information.
Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly, H.O.M.E.
H.O.M.E.’s services include an upkeep and repair service to ensure seniors enjoy healthy and safe living conditions. A shopping bus assists seniors with transport to grocery stores where they have access to food and supplies that are essential to their well-being. H.O.M.E. also manages three affordable buildings where seniors choose between individual apartments or, for residents who need some assistance, shared living. H.O.M.E. also launched a new model of its moving program, which is a sustainable service that assists low-income seniors who need help moving H.O.M.E.
1419 W Carroll Ave, Floor 2
Chicago, IL 60607-1149
Phone: (773) 921-3200
Fax: (312) 455-1500
Click here for more information.
H.O.M.E. Moving Program
Part of H.O.M.E., moving specialists will:
- Schedule your move with vetted commercial movers
- Act as your liaison with the movers throughout the moving process
- Provide you with 20 boxes
- Be on-site on the moving day
- Provide you with any needed support
To participate, you must be 62 or over (55+, if disabled) and a resident of Chicago, moving to another Chicago location.
Participants are responsible for a $25 service fee, and additional fees are based on your income level.
1419 W. Carroll Ave, Floor 2
Chicago, IL 60607-1149
Call Mike Laz: (773) 295-2709
MikeL@homeseniors.org
Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS)
The SARFS program provides safety, security and accessibility improvements that help senior citizens remain in their homes. Repair types are limited to minor repairs that may include, but are not limited to: grab bars, lever faucets, door repairs, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and wheelchair ramps.
Due to a backlog of registered repairs with the SARFS Program, Chicago’s Department of Housing is temporarily closing the application process for registered repairs. Residents are encouraged to go to Chicago.gov/HousingCounseling for a list of HUD approved housing counselors who can help with financial assistance for needed repairs and talk residents through other housing related needs.
More Resources
Learn more about Discrimination in Senior Housing and housing resources with the UIC JMLS Fair Housing Training: