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Older adults and people with disabilities who are enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program are eligible to ride free on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace fixed-route services.
To ride free, you must first qualify and be enrolled in the Illinois Benefit Access program.
Income levels for eligibility range from $27,610 or less for an individual, $36,635 for a two-person household, and $45,657 for a household of three or more people.
Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
Applicants must have a State ID or Driver's License.
To begin the process, click on the link above and select "Benefit Access Online Application" from the Benefit Access drop down. Items needed include: the applicant's social security number, their SSI award letter, and date of birth.
Within 48-hours of submitting the application, applicants will be approved or denied. If they are denied, additional information may be needed.
Once applicants are approved, they will need to go to their local Department of Aging office (housed within Regional Senior Centers) with their approval letter, their ID, and their social security card to take their Ride Free card picture.
The Ride Free card will be mailed to the home address within 1-2 weeks.
Once the card is in the applicant's possession, they must call the number on the card to activate it. The card can be used as soon as it is activated.
Applicants will need to reapply for a new card every 2-years.
PUNS-Prioritization for Urgency of Need of Services
PUNS-Prioritization for Urgency of Need of Services
Visit our PUNS page by clicking here!
The Home Services Program (HSP) provides services to individuals with severe disabilities so they can remain in their homes and be as independent as possible.
To be eligible, the applicant must:
Be an individual with a severe disability, who needs help with daily living activities, aged 18-60.
Eligible for Medicare (can currently be eligible, or start the application process.
Made less than $18,500 income in the last 3 years.
Must sign an affidavit saying there are no other hidden assets.
Be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States and a resident in the State of Illinois.
Services can include: Personal Assistant, Maintenance Home Health, Adult Day Care, Assistive Equipment, Respite, etc.
To begin the process, parents can complete the online application (check, "I'd like help living independently at home") or call their local DRS office.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.
There are many myths associated with Social Security, but here is the truth...
Families and students have a 95% chance of being denied benefits the first time they apply.
Families and students should appeal if they are denied disability eligibility.
There is a $2000 asset limit for SSI and Medicaid.
$3000 for a couple.
SSDI is an entitlement program.
If a student works and pays enough credits into FICA they can become eligible for SSDI and Medicare.
There is a 24 month waiting period for Medicare
The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) allows for working SSI recipients, who are attending school to earn up to $1,900/month or $7,670/year without their benefits being affected.
Click here for more information on the SEIE!
Families/Students can begin the process by completing the online application, however, an in-person application meeting is highly recommended.
Call 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday to make an appointment at your local office.
Below are direct links to resources and support documents on the Social Security Administration Website.
Below are direct links to resources and support documents on the Social Security Administration Website.
Medicaid is a jointly funded state and Federal government program that pays for medical assistance services. Medicaid pays for medical assistance for eligible children (All Kids)*, parents and caretakers of children, pregnant women, persons who are disabled, blind or 65 years of age or older, those who were formerly in foster care services, and adults aged 19-64 who are not receiving Medicare coverage and who are not the parent or caretaker relative of a minor child.
*Students under age 19 can access All Kids insurance, regardless of documentation status.
For more information on Medicaid, contact your Network's Medicaid/SNAP Coordinator by clicking here. Additional literature can be found here.
SNAP Benefits provides monthly benefits to purchase groceries. Only certain non-citizens are eligible for SNAP, such as asylees, refugees and some green cardholders. Parents who are not eligible for SNAP can apply for their eligible household members, such as children who are U.S. citizens.
For more information on SNAP, contact your Network's Medicaid/SNAP Coordinator by clicking here. Additional literature can be found here.
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