Financial Assistance Available For Seniors and Disabled

Senior Services Community Days Scheduled

Ford County, IL - If you are 65 years of age or older or over 16 years of age and disabled, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Circuit Breaker Program and the Illinois Cares RX Program.  According to Jeanne Brown, Senior Information Services Specialist for the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department, if you pay rent or property taxes and your income is less than $27,610 for a one person household or $36,635 for a two person household then you will most likely be eligible for the Circuit Breaker Program.

Brown said the Circuit Breaker Program does not pay utility bills but will assist in the payment of your Medicare D premiums and decrease co-pays for your prescriptions.  Those qualifying for the program will also receive a discount on their license plate sticker for one vehicle.  Some may receive a grant from the State of Illinois if income is low and rent or taxes are high. 

To enroll, a form must be completed annually, either paper or electronically.  Those participating in the program last year who filed with a paper application will receive a paper application in the mail.  Those who filed on the internet last year will receive a post card reminder in the mail.  Internet applications are now available on line and may be downloaded at the Illinois.Benefits.org site.   Both programs are applied for using the same application form. 

Mrs. Brown has scheduled several Senior Services Community Days in various locations of the county and will be at these sites to provide assistance to those requesting it.  The dates and locations are as follows:

• February 6, 2012 – Happy Days Café – Roberts, IL -   11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• February 10, 2012 – Moyer Public Library – Gibson City, IL – 10:00 a.m. to noon
• February 17, 2012 – Moyer Public Library – Gibson City, IL – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• February 22, 2012 – Melvin Public Library – Melvin, IL – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.                    
• February 23, 2011 – Piper City Library – Piper City, IL – 10 a.m. to noon
• Tuesdays by appointment at the Gibson City Telecare Office – Call 217-379-9281
• Thursdays by appointment at the Health Department Office in Paxton – Call 217-379-9281

Individuals should bring proof of their 2011 income, proof of payment of rent or a copy of their 2011 property taxes.  For questions or further information contact Jeanne Brown at 217-379-9281.