Funding for Case Management, Information and Assistance, Jo Davies Transportation, Caregiver Services and Health Management is provided under the Older Americans Act through the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging
Services
The Stephenson County Senior Center provides current information on opportunities
and services available for persons age 60+ in the service area, provides assistance
in completing applications for benefit programs, makes referrals and linkages for
services, and acts as an advocate for seniors. There are no fees for this service,
but donations are accepted.
§ Act as advocates for those seeking public benefits and services.
§ Provide information on senior housing and long term care facilities and help with application process.
§ Provide information on food pantry programs in the community.
§ Supply durable power of attorney forms.
Programs available through the Senior Center include (Click on each item for more information):
§ SHIP – Senior Health Insurance Program
§ Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
§ Circuit Breaker and Illinois Cares Rx
§ Medicare Part D Prescription Program
§ Low Income Subsidy – Extra Help Application
§ Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
§ Property Tax Assessment Freeze
AARP Tax-Aide
Assist seniors with the preparation and filing of federal and state income taxes. This all volunteer program has been cosponsored nationally by the AARP Foundation and the IRS for over 35 years. Tax assistance sites are located in Stephenson County in Freeport at the Senior Center and the VFW, Lena, Orangeville and Winslow and in Jo Davies County in Stockton and Galena.
SHIP – Senior Health Insurance Program
The Senior Center is a S.H.I.P. site. S.H.I.P. is a state-
Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
Senior Center staff is available by appointment to seniors and caregivers to provide information about, or to assist in filling out applications for prescription drug programs. Included in those programs are:
Circuit Breaker and Illinois Cares Rx
Eligible persons may receive the
- Illinois Cares Rx Pharmaceutical benefits
- Possible Circuit Breaker grant for those who pay rent or property
taxes; and/or - License plate discount.
Applicants must be a resident of Illinois and
- 65 years of age or older, or
- 16 years of age or older and qualify as disabled, or
- A widow or widower who was age 63 or 64 years old before the dealth of a spouse, if the spouse was receiving or was eligible for benefits, and
Have an income of less than
- $25,532 for a one-
person household, or - $33,877 for a two-
persons household, or - $42,220 for a three-
person or more household.
Interested persons may contact the Senior Center at 1-
They can file on-
Call 1-
Call the Senior HelpLine toll-
Email the Illinois Dept. on Aging at ilsenior@illinois.gov, or
Write to: Illinois Department on Aging, PO Box 19003, Springfield, IL 62794-
For information on 2007 enrollment, click here.
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program
Senior Center Staff are available by appointment to assist seniors in comparing plans or applying for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program. Persons must be receiving Medicare Benefits to apply. There are no income requirements.
Persons turning 65 have a special enrollment period – the month they turn 65, three months prior, and three months after to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan. There are also special enrollment periods for certain circumstances.
If you want to change plans you are generally limited to making changes between November 15 and December 31 of each year.
Persons may also apply on line at www.medicare.gov, or by calling 1-
Low Income Subsidy – Extra Help Application
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The Low Income Subsidy is an asset based benefit, that if eligible, may pay for a
percentage of a persons Medicare Part D monthly premiums and have a lower co-
Senior Center Staff are available by appointment to assist seniors in applying for the Federal Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) application. The Low Income Subsidy application must be filed every year. All persons receiving Illinois Cares Rx Pharmaceutical Benefits must apply for the Low Income Subsidy, regardless of asset level.
Persons may apply on-
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP provides a one time payment toward energy bills for homeowners and renters
whose incomes fall within eligibility guidelines. Senior Center staff can assist
persons who are over the age of 60 and meet the monthly income guidelines of less
than 150% of the poverty guidelines. To schedule an appointment for assistance call
the Senior Center at 1-
You will need proof of gross income for all members of the household for the 30-
Property Tax Assessment Freeze
Senior Center staff is available, by appointment, to assist eligible seniors in filing
for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Application and Affidavit.
(PTAX-
- must be 65 or older during 2007 and
- have a total household income in 2006 of $50,000 or less
- have used your property as your principal place of residence from January 1, 2006 – January 1, 2007 and
- owned the property, or had a legal interest or leasehold interest in the property and,
- were liable for the payment of property taxes.
You do not qualify for this exemption if your property is assessed under the mobile home privilege tax.
With incomes up to $55,000 you will receive a 100% exemption benefit
You may contact the Senior Center or the Chief County Assessment Office in your county for an application.
Homestead Exemption
The Senior Homestead Exemption is $3500. The Homeowner Owner Occupied Exemption is $5,000. Persons may apply for these Exemptions, if they qualify, at age 65.
- Act as advocates for those seeking public benefits and services.
- Provide information on senior housing and long term care facilities and help with application process.
- Provide information on food pantry programs in the community.
- Supply durable power of attorney forms.
Money Management
The Illinois Volunteer Money Management Program, offered by the Stephenson County Senior Center, is a protective service for limited income seniors who need help managing their finances. The goal of the program is to assist low income seniors, so they can continue to live independently.
- The Money Management program is insured by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
- Volunteers are carefully selected, trained and provided ongoing support.
- Volunteers only work from one designated account with a $3500 limit.
- Volunteer activity and accounts are monitored on a monthly basis.
What do Volunteer Money Manager’s do?
- Bill Payer volunteers will provide opening/organizing mail, budget set-
up, checkbook balancing and bill paying services for seniors who remain in control of their financies, but need some help keeping things in order. - Representative Payee volunteers are appointed by the Social Security Administration to manage monthly benefits of a client determined incapable of handling his/her own finances. The Representative Payee manages and pays the client’s expenses from this account.
Who is Eligible?
- Individuals must meet eligibility criteria based on limits in income and assets, and use of specific services.
- Clients must be age 60 or over.
- Clients must reside in Stephenson or Jo Daviess Counties.
For Information or to make a referral:
Contact a Case Manager at the Stephenson County Senior Center.
Call 815-
