Information and Assistance is the first point of contact for adults over 60, adults with disabilities, families, and caregivers, bridging the gap between needs and services. Our specialists are trained to confidentially answer questions and complete applications for services and benefits that help you remain at home, retaining your independence.

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Medicare Savings Programs

Trained Senior Resource Center specialists can explain how to get help from the state of Illinois in paying your Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments, if you meet certain income and asset based criteria.

There are three kinds of Medicare Savings Programs. Why struggle with understanding these programs and wondering whether or not you qualify? Our SRC specialists can assist in clearing up questions that you may have about these programs.

For example, our team of specialists will assess what items are included or excluded in the Medicare Program resource limits. Upon an evaluation of your income and assets, they will help you apply for the program for which you are eligible, helping keep your costs down.

For questions regarding the details concerning Medicare Savings Programs, call your Senior Resource Center in Stephenson County at 815-235-9777, or 815-777-1316 in Jo Daviess County. Visit our Contact page for any comments or questions.

For more information from Medicare.Gov, visit:

https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-program/medicare-savings-programs.html#collapse-2614.

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

SHIP is a free state of Illinois program administered by your Senior Resource Center. Trained health insurance counselors are here to help you as a Medicare beneficiary, and they will also answer any questions your caregivers may have. SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company. Our counselors do not sell or solicit any type of insurance.

The mission of the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is to help you learn about:

Medicare.
Medicare Supplement insurance.
Medicare health plans.
Medicare Prescription Drug coverage.
Long term care insurance.

SHIP provides you with accurate and objective counseling, assistance, and advocacy regarding Medicare-related issues and products. This service ensures that you have the information needed to make an informed decision about your healthcare insurance needs.

Counseling is most often provided in a one-on-one confidential session, but we also offer monthly educational Medicare classes. These classes explain the basics of Medicare, Medicare Part A & Part B, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplements, and Medicare Part D. Our classes offer a great way to get the information you need to know when turning 65 or as refresher. We know Medicare can be complicated, and our goal is to help you navigate through the process so you can make an informed decision.

If you have SHIP questions, call your Senior Resource Center. For Stephenson County, call 815-235-9777, or for Jo Daviess County, call 815-777-1316. Visit our Contact page for any comments or questions.

Benefit Access Program

Many older Illinois residents were familiar with the State “Circuit Breaker” program. That program was discontinued on July 1, 2014. Since then, the Illinois Department on Aging has begun the Benefit Access Program.

Money-Saving Benefits

Secretary of State License Plate Discount
Seniors or Persons with Disabilities Ride Free Transit Card

Eligibility

Age 65 or older by Dec. 31 of the current year, or 16 and older if totally disabled
A resident of Illinois when you file the application
Your last year’s Federal tax form with income less than
- $27,610 for a 1 person household
- $36,635 for a 2 person household

Expiration

Eligibility is good for two years under the Benefit Access Program. The two-year period starts at the time your application is approved. You may file again, beginning 90 days before your eligibility expires.

An application must be completed on the internet – paper applications are not available.

To file your application online, follow the Benefit Access Application link: https://idoaweb.aging.illinois.gov/baa/Welcome.aspx.

Note: You must be able to upload documents.

Processing time may take up to 8 weeks for a license discount to be available. For help with details or more information, please contact your Senior Resource Center specialist in Stephenson County at 815-235-9777, or in Jo Daviess County at 815-777-1316. Visit our Contact page for any comments or questions.

Social Security Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) – Extra Help

Some people with limited resources and income may also be able to get extra help to pay for costs, such as monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments, related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. This program is income and asset-based, and a visit to an SRC specialist can help determine if you are eligible. Applications may be filled out online at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp/, or at the Senior Resource Center. Call for an appointment at 815-235-9777 in Freeport or 815-777-1316 in Hanover.

Homestead Property Exemptions

Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption

The Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption (PTAX-342) provides a reduction in a property’s Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) to a qualifying property owned by a veteran with a service-connected disability.

EAV Reduction Eligibility

$2,500 exemption to veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 30%, but less than 50%

$5,000 exemption to veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 50%, but less than 70%

Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% are exempt from paying taxes on their primary residence.

The unmarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty is exempt from paying property taxes on the primary residence.

Note: Qualifying veterans and surviving spouses must file an annual application by county deadlines to continue to receive this exemption.

To apply or for more information, please contact your Senior Resource Center specialist in Stephenson County at 815-235-9777, or in Jo Daviess County at 815-777-1316. Link to forms on the Stephenson County Assessor website: http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/assessor/forms.asp and on the Jo Daviess County Website: http://www.jodaviess.org.

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities

The Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (PTAX343) provides an annual $2,000 reduction in the equalized assessed value (EAV) of the property owned and occupied as the primary residence on January 1 of the assessment year by a person with a disability who is liable for the payment of property taxes.

Establishing disability: The State of Illinois outlines three ways of establishing disability:

You receive Social Security for a disability.
You have received an Illinois Disabled Person’s ID card stating you have a Class 2 disability.
You have seen a doctor, designated by the state, and the doctor has determined, using the same standards as used by Social Security, that you are disabled.

Establishing Conditions Relating to Your Home:

You must occupy your home as a principal residence.
You must be liable for paying the property taxes.
You must be the owner of record or have a legal or equitable interest in the property.
In the case of a leasehold interest, your residence must be a single family home.

Note: You qualify for the exemption in the tax year you become disabled. This exemption can be taken in addition to the General Homestead Exemption. Contact your County Assessor’s office for the specific application periods. To apply or for more information, please contact your Senior Resource Center Specialist in Stephenson County at 815-235-9777, or in Jo Daviess County at 815-777-1316.Link to forms on the assessor website: http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/assessor/forms.asp
and on the Jo Daviess County website: http://www.jodaviess.org/.

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption

The Limited Senior Citizens Homestead Property Exemption (PTAX-324) for older adults is another way for eligible homeowners to save on the annual amount of real estate property taxes on dwellings, such as a single-family home, condominium, or cooperative apartment that serve as your principal residence.

Seniors who are at least 65 or will be turning 65 during a tax year are eligible for a senior homestead exemption regardless of income and assets. This exemption provides for an annual $5,000 reduction in the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of your property. This exemption can be used in addition to the General Owner Occupied Homestead Exemption given on principle residences.

To qualify for the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption you must:

be 65 years of age or older during the assessment year,
own or have a legal or equitable interest in the property on which a single-family residence is occupied as your principle residence during the assessment year, and
be liable for the payment of the property taxes.

To apply or for more information, please contact your Senior Resource Center specialist in Stephenson County at 815-235-9777, or in Jo Daviess County at 815-777-1316.Link to forms on the assessor website: http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/assessor/forms.asp

And on the Jo Daviess County website: http://www.jodaviess.org/.

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption

The Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze (PTAX-340) will “freeze” the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of your home for those age 65 or older, the year prior to the first year you apply and qualify. The result is a benefit that allows you to keep the EAV of your home the same each year going forward.

This doesn’t mean your annual property tax bill will not increase due to other factors that can affect your tax bills, such as an increase provided for operation of your local school district, park, or library.

Eligibility requirements include:

Must be age 65 or older, and own the property.

Household income of $55,000 or less.

Live on the property as of January 1 in the year you apply and the previous January 1 for a full exemption.

An application to reapply is necessary each year, along with a copy of the first two pages of your prior year’s Federal Income Tax Return.

To apply or for more information, please contact your Senior Resource Center Specialist in Stephenson County at 815-235-9777, or in Jo Daviess County at 815-777-1316.Link to forms on the assessor website: http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/assessor/forms.asp

and on the Jo Daviess County website: http://www.jodaviess.org/.

Tax Deferral Program

Everyone would like to save money on taxes. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, this Illinois Real Estate Tax Deferral Program will do just that.

A deferral program for your annual real estate taxes is offered by the state of Illinois that allows older adults the opportunity to defer payment of real estate taxes on your primary residence. This tax relief program acts as a loan on your property. Note: It is not a reverse mortgage.

Upon qualification, you may defer part or all of your home’s real estate taxes, while maintaining a minimum 20% equity in your home. You repay when the property is sold, transferred to another owner, or refinanced.

To qualify for this program, the following criteria must be met:

Be 65 years of age or older by June 1^st of the year that the taxes would be paid.

Have a household income of $50,000 or less.

Have owned and occupied your property as your primary residence for the past three years.

Not have a lien on your property for past due taxes or special assessments.

Have adequate homeowner’s insurance coverage.

This is a program for older adults who have ample equity in their homes and at the same time would benefit by using funds normally spent on annual real estate taxes.

Applications are accepted annually, January 1 through March 1 of the year taxes are to be paid.

If you are interested in this program or would like to learn more, please contact the Senior Resource Center in Stephenson County at 815-235-9777 or 815-777-1316 in Jo Daviess County to speak with one of our specialists.

Link to forms on the assessor website: http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/assessor/forms.asp

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

The Illinois Department on Aging works to locate, assist, and promote awareness of older caregivers who are currently raising their family’s children. Your Senior Resource Center plans and coordinates the following services and programs for older caregivers:

Information about available services
Assistance in gaining access to services

Support Groups

Stephenson County Area Support Groups

Fibromyalgia Support Group
New Horizons Counseling Center
34 N. Whistler Ave. Freeport, IL
Last Tuesday each month 6:30-8pm
(815) 217-2174

Powerful Tools
Senior Resource Center
206 E. Stephenson St. Freeport, IL
Call for time and dates
(815) 235-9777, ext. 228

Adult Diabetes Support Group
FHN
Nicolette Drane @ FHN
First Monday each month 1pm
(815) 599-6253 for times/places

Arthritis Support Group
FHN Community Services
(815)-599-7437 for times/places

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group
FHN Community Services
(815) 599-7437 for times/places

Parkinson’s Support Group
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
118 E. Mason St. Lena, IL
Second Monday each month
Times vary – Call (815) 369-5552
FHN Community Services
(815) 599-7437 for times/places

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Park Hills Evangelical Church,
2525 W. Stephenson St.
Freeport, 5:30 -7:30
Third Tuesday every month
Dinner and child care provided
815-235-9777, ext. 222

The First Steps Grief Support Group
FHN-Lower Level
1045 W. Stephenson St. Freeport, IL
FHN Pastoral Care
Third Tuesday each month 9am
(815) 599-7240
NAMI Family Support Group
(National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mental Illness Sufferers, Caregivers,
& Family
813 S. State Ave. Freeport, IL
First and Third Thursday each month 6-7:30pm
(815) 232-4841

HopeKeepers
Living with Chronic Illness or Pain
Freeport Public Library
100 E. Douglas St. Freeport, IL
First & Third Tuesday each month
6pm
Crossroads Community Church
(815) 233-9004

GriefShare
Crossroads Community Church
1668 Crossroads Ln. Freeport, IL
Tuesdays 6:30pm
13-week program
Call for session dates
(815) 233-9004 Ask for Linda

Grief Recovery Group
FHN-Cafeteria Dining Rooms
1045 W. Stephenson St. Freeport, IL
FHN Pastoral Care
Second & Fourth Monday
each month 7pm
(815) 599-7240

Jo Daviess County Area Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
Alzheimer’s Association Office
5900 Saratoga Pl. Suite 11
Dubuque, IA
(515) 440-2722 call for times

GriefShare
Community Evangelical Free Church
300 Pioneer Rd. East Platteville, WI
Thursdays 7pm
13 week sessions
Call for session dates (608) 348-7330

NAMI Dubuque “Care and Share”
(National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mental Illness Sufferers, Caregivers, & Family
Schmid Innovation Center
Millwork Collective Area
900 Jackson St. Dubuque, IA
First Tuesday each month 7pm
(563) 557-6264

Caregiver Support Group Social
Midwest Medical Center
Education Room (off the Café)
1 Medical Center Dr. Dubuque, IA
Fourth Thursday each month
11am-1pm

Memory Keeper Support Group
Oak Park Place-Screening Room
1381 Oak Park Dubuque, IA
Third Tuesday each month 2:00pm
(563) 585-4900 ask for Laura

Brain Injury Support Group
Mercy Medical Center
250 Mercy Dr. Dubuque, IA
Conference Room 1B
Second Thursday each month 7pm
(563) 589-8694

Grief Support Group
Mercy Medical Center
250 Mercy Dr. Dubuque, IA
Back of Cafeteria
Thursdays 5-7pm
(563) 589-9660

Laryngectomy Support Group
Mercy Medical Center
250 Mercy Dr. Dubuque, IA
Second Wednesday each month
12-1pm
(563) 589-9660

Tri-State “Us Too” Prostate Cancer Support Group
Unity Point-Finley Hospital
350 N Grandview Ave. Dubuque IA
Second Tuesday each month 7pm
(563) 588-1686

Powerful Tools
Senior Resource Center
Jo Daviess County Office
800 Filmore St., Hanover, IL
Call for time and dates
(815) 777-1316 ask for Linda

Caregiver Resources

Our caregiver resource specialists provide valuable assistance to family and friends who are caring for an older adult. Who is a caregiver? Generally, caregivers are adult family members or another individual who provides help with day-to-day activities for someone who is age 60 or older.

Taking Care of You… Powerful Tools for Caregiving

The role of a caregiver for older adults can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. This straight-forward 6-week scripted program for caregivers will provide you with tools and strategies to better handle the unique challenges you face.

“Taking Care of You… Powerful Tools for Caregiving” (PTC) is designed to reduce personal stress, change negative self-talk, and address the need for effective communication. The program demonstrates how to communicate your needs with family members and healthcare providers, and it also helps you communicate more realistically in challenging situations and in making tough caregiving decisions.

Studies have shown that caregivers are at risk for depression and stress-related illnesses. The PTC program has shown positive results in giving caregivers the abilities needed to take better care of themselves and to feel a renewed confidence in providing the best possible care.

For more information visit the Powerful Tools official website: https://www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org/.

Upcoming Powerful Tools Classes:

To register click on the class below.

Caregiver Education and Support Groups

Caregivers can feel overwhelmed and concerned about not having enough time for themselves. Caregiver support groups give you a time to relax and share your concerns with others who have experienced the same problems. The Senior Resource Center offers classes and information on caregiving support groups in the area.