Benefit access program of the illinois department on aging

Adult Protective Services

To report suspected abuse, financial exploitation or neglect of an older person or person with disabilities (ages 18-59), call 24-hour Adult Protective Services: (866) 800-1409, TTY: (888) 206-1327.

State Funded/AgeLinc Provided Services

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Education & Assistance

Benefit Access (Reduced License Plate Fees and Free City Bus Passes)

Caregiver Counseling and Education

Education – Monthly Lunch & Learn and Community Education, Aging Mastery Program, Stress Busters, Savvy Caregivers, Other Evidence-Based Programs

Farmers Market Coupons (Those applying will receive one 5-coupon booklet per person per year worth $25.00) starts late July, first come – first serve.  Coupons good until October 31st.  More information here.

Kinship Raising Grandchildren

LGBT+ Programs & Support

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

State Funded/Partner Provided Services

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Assistance

Energy Bill Assistance

Insurance Help

Legal Assistance

Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman:  When you need a Nursing Home Advocate

In-Home Care (Respite and Homemaker Assistance)

Senior Nutrition Program:  Congregate and Home Delivered Meals – (see County Services page, select your county, look under Nutrition Program and call our partner service to receive meal sign-up assistance)

Transportation Assistance

Referral Services 

Addiction Assistance

Community Care Program and Nursing Home Prescreening

Food Stamps (SNAP)

Housing and Homestead Exemption

In Home Care (Home Health, Health/Medication Management)

Medical Alert Systems

Routine Health Screenings

Senior Employment

Veterans Assistance

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) helps older adults live independently in their own homes and communities. As the population ages, services and programs for older adults must evolve as well because longevity means more when quality of life is enhanced. To best serve older adults, we must also serve their families and teach younger people about the realities of aging, so many of our programs have an inter-generational emphasis. Working with Area Agencies on Aging, community-based service providers and older adults themselves, the Illinois Department on Aging strives to improve quality of life for current and future generations of older Illinoisans.

You can find information about different services in your area with IDoA’s NEW Search Tool. Find information on programs and services that can help you in your home including the Community Care Program, Adult Protective Services Program, Area Agencies on Aging and Care Coordination Units.

  • 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 current processing times to determine eligibility of your Benefits Access Application is approximately 12 weeks.

Once your application is approved you may print a certificate of eligibility to take to your local transit authority or Secretary of State’s Office. Please wait 10 business days from the date of your approval for your license plate discount to be available. If you requested the ride free benefit, please contact your local public transit system for further information. Your local transit system may have additional requirements in order to obtain the free ride. You can check the Website at anytime to determine your application status.

How do I find out if my application has been approved?

You may check the Website for the status of your application here.

Apply Online

To file your application on the Internet, click here.

For information or help applying:

  • visit a local office of the following:
    • Senior Health Assistance Program​​ or
    • Area Agency on Aging
  • Call toll-free:
    1-800-252-8966 or 1-888-206-1327 (TTY)
    Note: Have your Social Security number ready when you call.
  • E-mail: 

Benefits for seniors and persons with disabilities, such as a fee discount on license plates and free rides on fixed-route transits. Eligibility is determined by age, disability, residency and income.

Go to Service

Who is eligible for Illinois benefit Access Program?

Age Must be 65 years of age or older by December 31 of the current year; or Must be 16 years of age or older and totally disabled before January 1 of this year. Residency Must live in Illinois at the time of application.

What is the Illinois Department of Aging Benefit Access Program?

Parts of the Department on Aging's Benefit Access Program, formerly known as the Circuit Breaker Program, allows for the Secretary of State's office to provide for a reduced-fee license plates aimed toward senior citizens and persons with disabilities with specific qualifications.

How do I get a senior discount on my license plate sticker in Illinois?

After you have been approved for the Benefit Access Program through the Illinois Department on Aging, you will receive a letter from Secretary of State Jesse White. When you buy license plates or renew your license plate sticker, submit the letter to verify that you are eligible for the discounted rate of $24.

What age is considered a senior citizen in Illinois?

"Aged" or "senior citizen" means a person of 55 years of age or older, or a person nearing the age of 55 for whom opportunities for employment and participation in community life are unavailable or severely limited and who, as a result thereof, has difficulty in maintaining self-sufficiency and contributing to the life ...