Seniors in Illinois have multiple resources for help paying daily living expenses.
Illinois Department on Aging administers programs through the 13 Area Agencies on Aging to help seniors with their daily living activities. Case managers are available to refer seniors to resources in their communities that provide free services. The network of Area Agencies on Aging, nonprofit organizations and the city of Chicago cover every county in the state of Illinois. The Illinois Department on Aging distributes funding based on the number of older citizens and minorities in a given area and the number of those living in poverty or alone.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Lifescape Community Services in partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons provides free tax preparation services for the elderly in Winnebago County. Seniors aged 60 and over can get annual tax preparation help every Tuesday and Thursday February through April 14. You must schedule an appointment. Seniors are required to bring their tax forms, income statements, real estate tax bill and the previous year's tax return for their appointment.
Amplified Phone Program
The Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation provides free amplified phones to seniors in Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Hancock, Pike and Schuyler counties. You must be a legal resident of Illinois and have phone service in your home to qualify for an amplified phone. You will also need to provide a doctor's certification that you are hearing impaired. You are provided a phone voucher once your application is approved. Seniors who are homebound have the option to have the amplified phone brought to your home for testing.
Meal Programs
Senior citizens aged 60 and over are eligible for the Meals Plus program. Local Area Agencies on Aging provide meals at senior community centers across Illinois. There is also home delivery meal services for those with limited mobility. Two meals per day are typically provided. Hot meal delivery is dependent on what area of the county you reside in. Frozen cooked dinners are available for delivery to seniors who require an evening meal in addition to the breakfast and lunch meal. All meals meet the Recommended Daily Allowance standards.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program
The state of Illinois estimates that there are over 200,000 minor children living with a grandparent who is the head of the household. The Illinois Task Force on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren helps seniors raising a child. Seniors aged 60 and over are eligible to receive help with respite care, school supplies and legal or emergency assistance. Other government organizations such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provide child-only grants for financial assistance and health care. The grandparent's income is not used to determine the child's eligibility for these services.
Tags: aged over, Agencies Aging, Area Agencies, Area Agencies Aging, aged over eligible, daily living
