Senior (65 years old or older) Discounts and Benefits
Updated May 2024
CITY OF CHICAGO
Senior Services
A variety of support services are available citywide to address the diverse needs and interests of older adults, from those who are active and healthy to those residing in long-term care facilities and seniors who are fragile and may be confined at home.
Chicagoans 60 and Over: Need Help at Home?
Chicago Seniors Connected Virtual Programming Schedule
Chicago Seniors Connected Brochure
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services Division provides social services and support programs to adults 60 years of age and older. We serve a diverse population of older adults including those who are vulnerable, homebound, active, and fit. Please share the attached Summer Edition of the Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure with your constituents so they can learn about our virtual and in-person programs, senior resources, and upcoming special events.
Key highlights featured in the brochure include:
- Return of Senior Fest 2024 which is gearing up to be the event of the season! (see page 26)
- Chicago’s Passport to the World Congregate Dining Program which has served over 40,000 special meals to seniors across the city. The program has also supported a Senior Gala serving 1,000 seniors culturally diverse dining options featuring live entertainment by a Mariachi band, a jazz band, and highlighting African, Chinese, and Indian cultural performances. (see page 44)
- The newly launched Passport to the World Senior Summer Bash series (see page 45). These events support indoor and outdoor activities celebrating delicious meals paired with exciting themes such as the eternal spirit of the Olympics, a Hawaiian luau with a special guest appearance by Elvis, and the renaissance of Country and Western. These events are intentionally and exclusively designed to support safe senior summertime fun! Please check with your local Regional Senior Centers for more information. (see page 63)
- Chicago’s Good Food Good Life Senior Services Food Box Program with distributions at our six Regional Senior Centers which include boxes of fruits, vegetables, shelf stable items and protein (see page 46)
While we highly encourage seniors to be active and to visit senior centers during this summer season, please also see A Note from the Executive Director where we include key tips from the Centers for Disease Control on how to stay safe during extreme heat conditions.
Senior Citizen Sewer Service Charge Exemption & Rebate
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.
Senior Citizens, who own and occupy their own residence, but who are not eligible for the Senior Citizen Sewer Charge Exemption due to property type, can apply for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate. This provides an annual $50 rebate in lieu of the exemption.
For eligibility and to apply, visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/provdrs/utility_billing/svcs/apply-for-utility-charge-exemptions.html.
Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. This popular program consists of low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. The program’s cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.
Applications are taken in early January on a first-come, first-served basis and only accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311 or through the City’s service request website 311.chicago.gov. The property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of the request. Please call the office in December with an update as to when the program will open in January.
For more information, visit www.chicago.gov.
CITY CLERK
Senior Discount City Sticker (2024)
Per City Ordinance, residents that meet the requirements below are eligible to purchase one discounted City Sticker at $35.37 per year for a Passenger (P), Large Passenger (LP) or Motorbike (MB) and one discounted City Sticker at $148.83 per year for a Small Truck (ST).
For requirements and restrictions, visit https://www.chicityclerk.com/stickers/chicago-city-vehicle-sticker-faq.
City Clerk Chicago Senior Guide
COOK COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
Senior Exemption
Most senior homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they are 65 years of age or older (born in 1958 or prior) and own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence. Once this exemption is applied, the Assessor’s Office automatically renews it for you each year. A Senior Exemption provides property tax savings by reducing the equalized assessed value of an eligible property.
Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Exemption
Senior homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they are over 65 years of age and have a total household annual income of $65,000 or less in the 2022 calendar year. A “Senior Freeze” Exemption provides property tax savings by freezing the equalized assessed value (EAV) of an eligible property. This does not automatically freeze the amount of their tax bill, only the EAV remains at the fixed amount. Tax rates may change and thus alter a tax bill. The automatic renewal of this exemption due to COVID-19 has ended. Applicants must apply annually.
For eligibility requirements regarding the Senior Exemption and Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Exemption, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com.
COOK COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE
Senior Citizen Garbage Fee Discount
No application is required. If a customer is currently receiving the Cook County Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze, the Senior Garbage Fee Discount will be automatically applied to their utility bill.
For more information, visit www.chicago.gov.
Senior Citizen Tax Deferral
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 $7,500 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home. The loan from the State of Illinois is paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant. The household income limit to participate in this program has increased to $65,000 or less.
To apply, contact the Cook County Treasurer’s Office at 312.443.5100 or visit www.cookcountytreasurer.com.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Super Seniors
Super Seniors is a convenient and voluntary program for driver’s license renewal, which includes Rules of the Road classroom instruction, and a vision-screening exam. The Rules of the Road Review Course also includes a review of safe driving techniques and Illinois driving laws.
For more information, visit www.ilsos.gov.
Reduced Fee License Plate
The Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program, formerly the Circuit Breaker Program, allows the Secretary of State’s office to provide a reduced-fee license plate for senior citizens and persons with disabilities with specific qualifications such as age, residency and income.
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGING
Benefits Access Program Benefits
- Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit
- Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride
- Secretary of State License Plate Discount
To be determined eligible for these benefits, you must submit a Benefit Access Application on the Internet. Paper applications are not available. Please note that the current processing time to determine the eligibility of your Benefits Access Application is approximately 12 weeks.
For more information and the online application, visit www2.illinois.gov.
Senior Health Insurance Program
The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Visitors will find information and resources about applying for Medicare, sites in their area that they can get assistance applying for Medicare and tools for SHIP sites around the State to utilize in serving Medicare beneficiaries.
For more information, visit www2.illinois.gov.