Local Senior Resources
Senior Resources in Illinois
Statewide aging services, benefits programs, and caregiver support available to older adults anywhere in Illinois, in addition to the county-level resources on each town's page.
Reviewed by Valerie VanBooven, RN, BSN
Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine
Information & Referral
Connects older adults and caregivers to care coordination, legal services, transportation, employment, nutrition, ombudsman services and other aging programs.
Older adults, caregivers and families statewide.
Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
Medicare Counseling
Free, unbiased Medicare and health insurance counseling for beneficiaries and caregivers.
Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers statewide.
Community Care Program (CCP)
In-Home & Community-Based Care
Case management, in-home care, adult day services, emergency home response and related supports designed to help eligible older adults remain at home.
Generally Illinois residents age 60+ who meet program eligibility requirements.
Persons Who Are Elderly Waiver
Medicaid Long-Term Services & Supports
Medicaid HCBS waiver component of the Community Care Program for qualifying older adults.
Eligible Medicaid members age 60+ who meet level-of-care and program criteria.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Elder Abuse / Safety
Investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect involving older adults and adults with disabilities living in the community.
Adults age 60+ and adults 18-59 with disabilities living in the community.
Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Long-Term Care Advocacy
Resident-directed advocacy and assistance for people living in long-term care settings.
Residents of nursing homes and other covered long-term care settings and their families.
Nursing Home Central Complaint Registry
Facility Complaints
Takes complaints regarding nursing homes and certain long-term care facility concerns.
Residents, families and members of the public with facility complaints.
Family Caregiver Support / Resource Centers
Caregiver Support & Respite
Caregiver assessment, counseling, support groups, training, respite and local resource-center referrals.
Family caregivers, including certain grandparents and relative caregivers.
Illinois Nutrition Programs
Meals & Nutrition
Congregate meals, home-delivered meals and other nutrition supports funded through local AAAs.
Primarily adults age 60+; local eligibility and availability vary.
Transportation Services
Transportation
Local transportation resources that help older adults access health care, nutrition, social services, shopping and other destinations.
Older adults; availability and eligibility vary locally.
Senior Centers and Focal Points
Socialization & Local Services
Community locations offering activities and services that may include meals, transportation, counseling, legal help, education and health screening.
Older adults; programs vary by center.
Senior Legal Assistance Program
Legal Assistance
AAA-funded legal aid for older adults on civil legal issues and access to benefits and protections.
Older adults; local providers prioritize needs under Older Americans Act guidance.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Employment
Part-time community service training and employment assistance for eligible older job seekers.
Low-income unemployed adults age 55+ who meet federal eligibility criteria.
Ride Free Transit Benefit
Transportation / Benefits
Free rides on participating fixed-route public transit systems for qualifying older adults and people with disabilities enrolled in the Benefit Access Program.
Eligible Illinois residents enrolled in Benefit Access.
Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption
Property Tax Relief
Freezes the equalized assessed value of a qualifying senior homeowner residence, subject to income and other eligibility rules.
Qualifying Illinois homeowners age 65+; annual application through county assessment office.
Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program
Property Tax Deferral
Allows qualified senior homeowners to defer all or part of property tax and special assessment payments on a principal residence.
Qualified senior homeowners meeting state eligibility requirements.
County & Town Resources in Illinois
Choose a town to see senior centers, meals on wheels, parks, and other local resources near you.