+ Benefits Check-Up

Are you curious about what benefits you may be eligible for as a senior? You may be eligible for energy assistance, financial assistance, housing, transportation, legal or other health services. Click here for more information or go to https://www.benefitscheckup.org/ and enter your zip code.

To receive a Benefits Eligibility Check-Up application via post mail or if you have questions about the program, call 312-744-4016, or send e-mail to BenefitsCheckup@cityofchicago.org

+ Home Repair Programs

Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) provides several programs for senior residents. Full information on their home repairs assistance program can be found at - https://homeseniors.org/upkeep-repair

Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS)

The City of Chicago's Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) program provides safety, security and accessibility improvements that help senior citizens to remain in their homes. For full program requirements, please visit - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/homeowners/svcs/sarfs.html. 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
  • Wheelchair ramps

The agencies administering this program on behalf of the City of Chicago in the 1st Ward are Bickerdike & LUCHA

+ Smart 911

The Office of Emergency Management & Communications encourages residents to sign up for a Smart911 safety profile in order to provide 9-1-1 with critical information that can better assist first responders in an emergency. A Smart911 profile can automatically provide the 911 dispatcher with any personal details a resident would like to share: any existing disabilities, mental health conditions, pets in the home, building specifications, and more that can assist emergency personnel when responding to an incident. When residents sign up or have an existing profile, they can opt in to sharing home security camera footage with police if a crime has occurred nearby or outside the residence. To create a Smart911 profile, download the Smart911 mobile app or visit Smart911.com.

+ Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program

Seniors whose annual household income is $55,000 or less can apply for loans to cover property tax payments.

+ Senior Legal Resources

Elder Justice Center of the Illinois Circuit Court provides case management, interpretation services, legal advocacy, financial literacy training, counseling for victims of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation and seminars on issues affecting older adults. The center is located at the Richard J. Daley Center (50 West Washington Street, Concourse Level, Room CL-16) and is open 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, by walk-in or appointment. Their offices can be reached at 312-603-9233.

Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL) offers pro-bono legal services for low income seniors and individuals with disabilities. CDEL practice areas include Adult Guardianship, Advance Directives/Power of Attorney, Wills and Estates, Divorce, Landlord Tenant, Home Ownership and Real Estate Taxes among other areas. Call 312-376-1880 for questions or to begin a consultation.

+ Senior Sewer Exemption and Rebate

Senior Sewer Exemption

The Senior Citizen Sewer Exemption allows seniors aged 65 or over, residing in their own residence with separately 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 residents. This exemption can provide seniors with substantial savings. To be eligible for the sewer service charge exemption, you must be 65 years of age or older, the owner of the residential unit occupy the residential unit as your principal place of residence and the residential unit must have a separate water meter or assessed account. If you meet all the above criteria and wish to apply, you must submit a Senior Exemption Application, which can be found here. The form must be completed in its entirety and submitted with all supporting documentation. If the conditions under which you submit your application change, you are required to make the City aware of these changes to determine if the exemption still applies. If it is determined that this exemption was approved under false pretenses, you may be liable for any previously waived charges as well as any applicable penalties or fines. The City reserves the right to request recertification of the exemption periodically.

Senior Sewer Rebate

Persons aged 65 or over who reside in their own residence but do not qualify for the Senior Citizen Sewer Exemption because their residence is a townhouse, condominium unit, or cooperative apartment that does not have a separately metered water service or a separate City water assessment for the residential unit may apply for a refund in lieu of exemption. The amount of the refund is $50 per calendar year. To be eligible for a Senior Sewer Rebate, you must be 65 years of age or older as of January 1 of the year you are applying, be the sole owner, an owner in joint tenancy, or tenancy in common of the property, occupy the property as your principal place of residence, and own a townhouse, a condominium unit, or a cooperative apartment that shares a common water bill.

You may find additional information at the Committee on Finance’s website. To begin, click here, fill out the application and print it. Then mail or bring the application and supporting documentation to: Alderman La Spata’s Office 1958 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL, 60647