Our office can help you connect with available state and city services. Within the ward, we also maintain a volunteer Call Crew to check in on seniors upon request and our Shovel Squad who ready to help shovel snow for people who need assistance.
State of Illinois Services
Benefits Access Program
The Illinois Department of Aging (IDOA) offers a Benefit Access Program for seniors and persons with disabilities. To be determined eligible for these benefits, you must submit a Benefit Access Application on the Internet. Paper applications are not available. Benefits include:
- A license plate fee discount
- Free rides on fixed-route transit systems
- Eligibility is determined by income, residency, age and/or disability
Additional programs and support resources are available through the Illinois Department of Aging (IDOA) such as housing assistance, health insurance, legal support, and much more. Veteran’s services are also available through this State department and through the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
AABD Cash – Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled
The Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) Cash program is available through the Illinois Department of Human Services. The program is for people who are elderly, blind or have a disability and need money and medical care to help take care of themselves.
City of Chicago Services
Seniors (60+)
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) has a Senior Services Division which serves Chicagoans aged 60 and older are eligible. Some programs may have lower ages of eligibility.
- Senior Service programs – The Senior Services Division offers programs that address the diverse needs and interests of older Chicagoans and their caregivers.
Senior Centers
- Edgewater Village – Their mission is to “engage and support older adults, enhancing their quality of life as they age so they remain active and contributing members of the community”. Many activities take place in the Edgewater Senior Satellite Center, which is inside the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway.
- Levy Senior Center – 2019 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, call: (312) 744-0784
A full listing of Chicago-area Senior Centers be be found on the City of Chicago website.
People with Disabilities
The Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities (MOPD) aims to foster accessibility, full participation, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Below are some of the services available through this office:
- Transportation and parking – Driving and parking in Chicago for motorists with disabilities, placards and plates
- The Home Mod Program – The HomeMod Program provides accessibility modifications for Chicago residents with disabilities, ages 0-59 years old, with low income.
- Advocacy Services
- Service Animals and Housing Guidelines
Veterans
The Chicago Office of Veteran Affairs includes links to resources and programs to help you with housing, employment, starting a business, education, legal assistance and support services.
Local Support and Services
Resources for Veterans
- Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Blue Star Families – founded by military spouses in 2009, helps military families by connecting them to community and resources
Resources for Seniors
- Northside Community Resources – offers The Small Accessibility Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) program, Provides case advocacy and support
- Jane Addams Senior Caucus – a multiracial, grassroots organization led by seniors in the Chicagoland area.
- Japanese American Service Center (JASC) – support services for aging adults
- Lunch at the Edgewater Senior Center, 5917 N. Broadway Street, Chicago, IL 60660. Open for Dine – In, Monday – Friday from 11:30am – 12:30pm.
Resources for People with Disabilities
- Access Living – Support, services, and advocacy for people with disabilities in Chicago
- Anixter Center – serving people with disabilities, mental health needs, and people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing
- Equip for Equality – protecting and advancing the civil and human rights of people with disabilities
- Friedman Place – provides housing and supportive services to adults who are blind
- Gateway to Learning – promotes lifelong learning for adults with intellectual challenges and developmental disabilities
- Search, INC – services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Contact the 40th Ward Office
Our office works to ensure you feel supported, connected, and valued. Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have—we are here to help!