Social Security
(Updated for 2012 in Oct 2011)

Social Security is an income benefit, usually collected by retirees, for individuals aged 62 and older who have attained at least 40 credits from the Social Security Administration while they were employed. Disability and survivor's benefits are available for people younger than age 62.

In 2012, Social Security benefits will increase by 3.6 percent.

Earnings Limitations-- Survivors and retirement benefits may be affected for working people ...

• Working people receiving Social Security survivors or retirement benefits and who are between ages 62 and the Full Retirement Age (see the "Full Retirement Age" chart below) can earn up to $14,640 in 2012 without penalty. After earning this amount, $1 is withheld from benefits for every $2 earned.
• Working people who reach Full Retirement Age (see the "Full Retirement Age" chart below) during 2012 can earn up to $38,880 without penalty. After earning this amount prior to the month that their Full Retirement Age is attained, $1 is withheld for every $3 earned. Income earned in and after the month that the Full Retirement Age is attained this year is earned without penalty.
• Working people who have attained Full Retirement Age (see the "Full Retirement Age" chart below) prior to the start of the year receive their benefits with no amount withheld no matter how much they earn in wages.

Early retirement can still begin as early as age 62, but your benefit amount will be reduced. The amount of the reduction is based on when you were born and how early you start your retirement.

Full Retirement Age is the age of retirement when you receive full Social Security retirement benefits. This age will gradually increase in steps from age 65 to age 67 for new retirees (note that Full Retirement Age to receive survivor's benefits is slightly different from this chart). Use the chart below to determine Full Retirement Age for retirees--

Increased retirement benefits are obtained if you work past your Full Retirement Age as described above.

Before choosing your retirement date you should contact the Social Security Administration about 3 months prior to the date you would like to retire to make sure you understand the options that are available and to determine the best month to start collecting benefits. You can apply in person at a local Social Security office, by phone at 1.800.772.1213, or online. To apply for retirement benefits, you'll need your Social Security number; birth certificate, date, and place of birth; most recent year's W-2 forms, name of last employer, and amount earned this year; the name of your bank or other financial institution and your checking account number in order to start the direct deposit of retirement benefits into your account; and the beginning and ending dates for any U.S. military service. Other documents will be needed for non-citizens and to receive survivor's benefits.

Use this link for more information.

Medicare Part A
(Updated for 2012 in Jan 2012)

Hospitalization insurance for people aged 65 and older and individuals of any age who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for two or more years. Coverage includes inpatient hospitalization, critical access hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care (but not long-term nursing home care), home health care, and hospice.

Most people should apply for Medicare at age 65 even if they decide to delay their retirement date (unless they are covered by their employer's group health insurance). Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium (see "Part A premium buy-in" below for those who did not work enough to earn the required 40 credits of Medicare coverage).

Hospital deductible - in 2012 you pay:
$1,156 per illness for days 1-60
$289 per day for days 61-90
$578 per day for days 91-150
You pay all costs for each day beyond 150 days.

Skilled nursing facility (This is not the same as long-term nursing home care. You must be hospitalized under Part A coverage for at least three consecutive days for the same illness prior to admission to the Medicare-approved SNF) - in 2012 you pay:
$0 for days 1-20
$144.50 per day for days 21-100
You pay all costs for each day beyond 100 days.

Home health care - is free, if approved, limited to medically necessary part-time skilled care of a homebound individual.

Hospice - is free but you pay $5 for outpatient drugs and 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care.

Blood - obtained while hospitalized is free after you pay for the first 3 pints.

Inpatient Mental Health Care-- in 2012 you pay:
A total of $1,156 for days 1-60 for each "benefit period"
$289 per day for days 61-90
$578 per day for days 91-150 (these 60 "reserve days" may only be used once in your lifetime)
You pay all costs for each day beyond 150 days for each "benefit period" and all costs after 190 days of inpatient care in your lifetime.
A "benefit period" begins when the patient is hospitalized and ends when the patient has been discharged out of such facility for 60 consecutive days.
There is no limit to the number of benefit periods that Medicare will cover in a general hospital. There is a lifetime maximum benefit of 190 days that Medicare will pay for stays in a specialty psychiatric hospital. After 190 days in a specialty psychiatric hospital, many patients choose to receive treatment in the "psychiatric ward" of a general hospital that is covered by Medicare.

Part A premium buy-in. Most retirees & their spouses (about 99 percent) do not pay a monthly Part A premium. However, for people who did not work enough to earn 40 credits of Medicare coverage, there is a Part A buy-in premium. The Part A buy-in premium for people with 30-39 credits of Medicare coverage is $248 per month, and for people with less than 30 credits the premium is $451 per month.

These figures change in 2013.

Use this link for more information.

Medicare Part B
(Updated for 2012 in Jan 2012)

Medical insurance for people aged 65 and older and individuals of any age who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for two or more years. Coverage includes physician care, out-patient hospital care, some services of home health care that Part A doesn't cover, physical & occupational therapy, preventative services, durable medical equipment, laboratory tests and x-rays, mental health services, ambulance services, and blood.

Most people should apply for Medicare at age 65 even if they decide to delay their retirement date (unless they are covered by their employer's group health insurance). If someone fails to apply for Medicare at age 65 (there is a 7-month window to apply for the first time), they can enroll in Part B only during the open enrollment period each year, from January 1 to March 31 and in some instances, the monthly Part B premiums may be more than the amount shown below.

Part B premium depends on the beneficiaries' income (see chart below).

Part B deductible is $140 in 2012

Part B copayment is 20% of approved charges after the deductible is met. You may pay more if your doctor or medical supplier doesn't accept assignment or Medicare doesn't find the procedure to be medically necessary. Ask first!

Durable Medical Equipment - There is a 20% copayment for the approved amount. You may pay more if the medical supplier doesn't accept assignment or Medicare doesn't find the procedure to be medically necessary. Ask first!

Laboratory services - are free for approved amounts.

Outpatient hospital services - You pay a set co-payment amount depending on the service.

Outpatient mental illness claims - you pay 20% for the initial visit / review of medications amount and 40% for treatment amount that Medicare approves.

Blood - you pay for the first 3 pints, then 20% of the approved amount for additional pints of blood after meeting the deductible.

These figures may change in 2013.

Use this link for more information.

Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans are available for anyone with Medicare, regardless of income or age. There are many different plans available in Illinois. These plans are approved by Medicare, but administered by private companies.

When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you are still in Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage and must cover medically-necessary services. They generally offer extra benefits, and many include Part D drug coverage. These plans often have networks, which means you may have to see doctors who belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get covered services.

Medicare Advantage Plans include Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans.

Use this link to view more detailed information on Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage Plans.

Medicare Part D

Medicare prescription drug plans are available for anyone with Medicare, regardless of income or age. There are many different drug plans available in Illinois. These drug plans are approved by Medicare, but administered by private companies.

When you join a Medicare prescription drug plan, you are still in Medicare. Prescription drug plans provide assistance with some or all of your medication needs, depending on the plan that you choose.

Use this link to view more detailed information on Medicare Part D - Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
or QMB
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

QMB pays for Medicare Part A & B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance charges for all Medicare covered services. The applicant must be enrolled in at least Medicare Part A. If a Medicare beneficiary is approved for QMB, their Social Security check will not have the Part B premium amount deducted. There is no estate recovery in Illinois. Apply by mail using the MSP application.

1 person household, $956 income per month, $6,680 of countable assets.
2 person household, $1,311 income per month, $10,020 of countable assets.
Add $330 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 100% of the poverty level plus $25 ($50 for 2 persons), which is exempt income in Illinois. Exempt income may not be used in other states.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
or SLMB or SLIB
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

SLMB or SLIB pays the Medicare Part B premium for people with income higher than the QMB program. There is no estate recovery in Illinois. Apply by mail using the MSP application.

1 person household, between $956 and $1,142 income per month, $6,680 of countable assets.
2 person household, between $1,311 and $1,563 income per month, $10,020 of countable assets.
Add $396 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 120% of the poverty level plus $25 ($50 for 2 persons), which is disregarded income in Illinois. Exempt income may not be used in other states.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Qualifying Individual
or QI program
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

The QI program pays for the Medicare Part B premium for people with income higher than the SLMB / SLIB program. There is no estate recovery in Illinois. Apply by mail using the MSP application.

1 person household, between $1,142 and $1,282 income per month, $6,680 of countable assets.
2 person household, between $1,563 and $1,753 income per month, $10,020 of countable assets.
Add $446 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are between 120% and 135% of the poverty level plus $25 ($50 for couples), which is disregarded income (other than SSI income) in Illinois. Exempt income may not be used in other states.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Qualified Disabled Working Individual
or QDWI
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

QDWI pays Medicare Part A monthly premium (but not coinsurance or deductible) for working disabled people. To be eligible, the beneficiary must be a disabled individual who lost Medicare Part A benefits due to returning to work and not otherwise eligible for Medicaid benefits. No estate recovery in Illinois. Apply at a local Illinois Dept. of Human Services office.

1 person household, $1,882 income per month, $6,680 of countable assets.
2 person household, $2,562 income per month, $10,020 of countable assets.
Add $660 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 200% of the poverty level plus $20 of earned wages ($40 earned income for couples), which is disregarded earned income in Illinois.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Poverty Level
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

Many programs use these figures (or a multiplied percentage of these figures) in determining eligibility including the food stamps or SNAP program, QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI, Medicaid, energy assistance or LIHEAP, and Weatherization programs. The income guidelines for the programs listed on this Web page will be changed when each program publishes its own income guidelines. In general, that the public cash assistance programs, such as TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, SSI or Supplemental Security Income, and the Earned Income Tax Credit program, do NOT use these figures in determining eligibility.

1 person household, $11,170 annual income ($931 per month).
2 person household, $15,130 annual income ($1,261 per month).
Add $3,960 for each additional person in a household.

These figures are for the 48 contiguous states and District of Columbia.

These figures may change in early 2013.

Medicaid
Aid to the Aged, Blind & Disabled or AABD
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

Medical assistance for the older adults (aged 65 or older), the blind, or the disabled. This program is often used to finance nursing home care after an individual's life savings have been exhausted. Use the following link to view eligibility information for immigrants and foreign nationals. All SSI income is disregarded. Any non-SSI income over the limits will be counted as a spend down amount. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.

1 person household, limit are $956 income per month, $2,000 countable assets.
2 person household, limits are $1,311 income per month, $3,000 countable assets.
Add $330 for each additional person.

The monthly income limits are 100% of the poverty level plus $25 ($50 for couples), which is disregarded income in Illinois.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Use this link to view the DHS Cash, Food Stamps, & Medical Manual.

Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment
(Updated for 2012 in Jan 2012)

The amount of monthly income and assets that a person can keep when their spouse enters a long term care nursing home or requests the services of the Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) and financial assistance (Medicaid) is used to help pay for these services. Illinois uses liens and estate claims to recover medical and cash assistance provided on behalf of Medicaid recipients. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.

The spouse living at-home (or not receiving CCP services) keeps up to $2,841 income per month and up to $113,640 of countable assets in their name.
The spouse in a nursing home keeps $30 income per month and can have $2,000 of countable assets in their name.
The spouse receiving Community Care Program services can have $2,000 of countable assets in their name.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Use this link for more information.

Supplemental Security Income
or SSI
(Updated for 2012 in Oct 2011)

Supplemental income for older adults (aged 65 or older), the blind, and the disabled. The benefit amount is the amount that brings these individual's total income up to $674 for individuals and up to $1,011 for couples for those who have less income than these amounts. Apply at a local Social Security office.

1 person household, $698 income per month, $2,000 countable assets.
2 person household, $1,048 income per month, $3,000 countable assets.
Please note that an additional $20 or more may be is disregarded, depending on the source of the income.

These figures change if the poverty level changes.

Energy Assistance
or LIHEAP
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

Helps pay for heating bills. First two months of program (Sept. 1 through Oct. 30) are set aside for eligible people aged 60 or older and the disabled. Need proof of household gross income for last 30 days, current energy bill, Social Security number for everyone in household, TANF medical card for anyone receiving benefits, and either proof of home ownership and insurance or rental agreement or receipt that shows the amount of rent. The benefit amount is based on the eligible household's last 30-days income, amount of utility bills, and type of heating source. The average benefit amount is approximately $400-500 per household. Use this link to find out where to apply.

1 person household, $1,397 income per month.
2 person household, $1,892 income per month.
Add $495 for each additional person in the household.

The monthly income limits are 150% of the current poverty level.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Weatherization Program
(Updated for 2011 in Nov 2011)

Helps to weatherize or insulate a home, and possible help with a heating system. Rental homes are eligible with restrictions. Use this link to find out where to apply.

1 person household, $21,660 gross income per year.
2 person household, $29,140 gross income per year.
3 person household, $36,620 gross income per year.
Add $7,480 per for each additional person in the household.

The yearly income limits are 200% of the 2009 poverty level.

These figures change only if an updated poverty level is authorized for use.

Senior Employment Assistance
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

Helps senior adults, aged 55 and over, find employment. Use this link for more information.

1 person household, $1,164 income per month.
2 person household, $1,577 income per month.
Add $412.50 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 125% of the poverty level.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS

Circuit Breaker & Illinois Cares Rx
(Updated in Sept 2011)

Circuit Breaker & Illinois Cares Rx programs are for Illinois residents who meet the guidelines below. Benefits include property tax grants (if paid Illinois property tax, or paid rent or lived in a nursing facility that paid these taxes), reduced cost for one set of Illinois auto license plates (cost is $24), Seniors and People with Disabilities Ride Free, and help with prescription drugs. Apply with the Illinois Dept. on Aging by calling the Illinois Senior HelpLine at 1.800.252.8966, local legislator's office, or local senior center.

Eligibility includes people who are aged 65 & older, widow or widower who turned 63 before their spouse's death who was eligible, and disabled individuals aged 16 or older. Applicants can apply in the calendar year they turn age 65 or become disabled.

1. For Illinois Cares Rx for people with Medicare:
• Income limits are $21,780 for a one person household, $29,420 for a two-person household, and $37,060 for three or more.
• Assistance includes only the drugs on your Medicare Part D plan's formulary.
• The copayments are $5 for generic drugs, $15 for preferred brand name drugs, $20 for non-preferred brand name drugs, and $15 for specialty drugs.
• Illinois Cares Rx is supplemental insurance to the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
• When enrolled in a coordinating plan, Illinois Cares Rx pays the Part D plan monthly premium.
• There is a 25% copayment on prescription drugs after Illinois Cares Rx has paid $2,840 for the beneficiary's drugs (donut hole) during a calendar year.
• The monthly $25 drug rebate check program has ended.
2. For Illinois Cares Rx for people without Medicare:
• Income limits are $21,780 for a one person household, $29,420 for a two-person household, and $37,060 for three or more.
• Assistance includes only certain conditions and diseases, not all drugs. These conditions and diseases are Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and related conditions, arthritis, lung disease and smoking-related illnesses, cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, glaucoma, and Parkinson's disease.
• The copayments are $5 for generic drugs and $15 for brand name drugs.
• There is a 25% copayment on prescription drugs after Illinois Cares Rx has paid $1,750 for the beneficiary's drugs during a calendar year.
3. For the Circuit Breaker grant and Seniors & People with Disabilities Ride Free programs:
• Income limits are $27,610 for a one-person household, $36,635 for a two-person Household, and $45,657 for three or more.

The income limits for Illinois Cares Rx is based on 200 percent of the current poverty level.

The applicant's income from the previous year (or current estimated income if lower) is used to determine eligibility.

Use this link for more information.

Community Care Program
(Updated Aug 2011)

Adult Day Services, Choices for Care (alternatives to nursing home placement), Community Care for Residential Services, Homemaker, and Senior Companion services for people aged 60 or older (use this link for Office of Rehab if under age 60 and disabled). Apply with the Illinois Dept. on Aging by calling the Illinois Senior HelpLine at 1.800.252.8966. Use this link to apply in Southern Illinois.

Eligible persons may have up to $17,500 ($35,000 for couples if both eligible) in countable assets, unless Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment applies.

Many agencies offer private pay homemaker services to anyone regardless of their income or assets.

There is no longer a copayment amount.

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
or HBWD
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) is health insurance through Medicaid for individuals with disabilities in Illinois who return to work. Enrollees in HBWD pay a monthly premium depending on income and family size. In order to qualify for HBWD, an individual must be at least 16 years of age and under 65, meet the Social Security definition of disability, except that the ability to work and earn more than the Substantial Gainful activity amount shall not be part of the disability determination process, and be employed, which is defined as proof of payment of FICA, IMRF, or the equivalent. Apply by calling the hotline at 1.800.226.0768 or online.

1 person household, $3,278 income per month, $25,000 countable assets.
2 person household, $4,453 income per month, $25,000 countable assets.

The monthly income limits are 350% of the poverty level plus $20 of earned wages ($40 earned income for couples), which is disregarded earned income in Illinois.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Homestead Exemptions & Real Estate Tax Payment Deferral
(Updated Mar 2011, these rarely change)

Apply for the following homestead exemptions at your county tax assessor's office to help with county property taxes.

The Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption is a $4,000 reduction of the assessed value of the home you own and live in Illinois if you are aged 65 or older.

The General Homestead Exemption is in addition to the exemption above and allows a reduction of up to $6,000 in the assessed value of your home you own and live in Illinois (for taxpayers of any age).

The Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption freezes the assessed value of your homestead property, not the taxes you owe. You must be aged 65 or older or disabled, own and live in your home in Illinois, and pay taxes on the property. Your total household income must be no more than $55,000 per year. This exemption must be renewed annually. Use this link for more information.

Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act defers the payment of all or part of your Illinois property taxes. A lien is placed against your home (up to 80% of your equity interest) and your property taxes must be paid, with 6% interest, when your property is sold from your or your spouse's estate upon death or when you no longer qualify for this program. You must be aged 65 or older with an income of no more than $50,000 per year. Apply at the county clerk's office.

Reduction of Mobile Home Taxes by 20 percent for individuals aged 65 and older or disabled, who reside in the mobile home, and who hold title to the mobile home under the Illinois Vehicle Code. Apply at the county clerk or local tax assessor's office.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
or SNAP (Food Stamps obtained with IL LINK card)
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

Financial assistance with food purchases. Use the following link to view eligibility information for immigrants and foreign nationals. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.

Age 60+, 1 person household, up to $1,862 income per month, $2,000 countable assets ($3,000 if age 60 or older).
Age 60+, 2 person household, up to $2,522 income per month, $2,000 countable assets ($3,000 if at least 1 household member is age 60 or older).
Add $660 for each additional person age 60+ in the household.

The monthly income limits are 200% of the poverty level.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Household income may be higher for certain elderly disabled people. Some people may only be subject to specified "net" income guidelines.

Use this link to view the DHS Cash, Food Stamps, & Medical Manual, or
Use this link to view more information about the Illinois LINK card.
Use this link for more information.

Illinois Rx Buying Club
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

Illinois Rx Buying Club is for all Illinois residents who are uninsured. The Illinois Rx Buying Club card will save members an average of 24 percent on their prescription drug purchases when they purchase drugs from a preferred drug list (virtually all prescribed drugs).

• There is an annual $10 fee for the savings card.
• An application is available online by using this link.

1 person household, up to $33,510 annual income.
2 person household, up to $45,390 annual income.
Add $11,880 for each additional person in household.

The monthly income limits are 300% of the poverty level.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Illinois Volunteer Money Management Program
(Updated for 2011 in Aug 2011)

For senior adults who need help managing their finances and paying their bills. Tasks include opening and organizing mail, setting up a household budget, balancing a checkbook, paying bills, and/or serving as a Social Security representative payee. Volunteers are bonded and supervised. Call 1.800.642.7773 in Southern Illinois or 1.800.252.8966 elsewhere in Illinois.

1 person household, $39,800 annual income, $17,500 assets.
2 person household, $45,500 annual income, $35,000 assets.
Note: If a minor child or adult child with developmental disabilities is living in a household, these amounts may be higher.

For victims of documented elder abuse, eligibility limits are listed below.
1 person household, $39,800 annual income, $45,500 assets.
2 person household, $45,500 annual income, $45,500 assets.

These figures may change later in the year if the poverty level changes.

Many areas of the state, including Southern Illinois, offer this service for a small fee to individuals who have incomes or assets above these limits.

Illinois Farmers Market Coupons
(Updated for 2012 in Feb 2012)

Senior adults with low or moderate income can obtain coupons that can be redeemed for fresh fruit and vegetables at local farmers markets in southern Illinois from July through October. The coupons can be obtained starting in late June or early July at various area senior adult centers for use at participating farmers markets. Use this link for more information about where the coupons can be obtained and used.

Must be age 60 or over.
1 person household, $1,723 income per month.
2 person household, $2,333 income per month.
Add $611 for each additional person in household.

The monthly income limits are 185% of the poverty level.

These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Veteran's Care
(Added Nov 2006)

This program provides comprehensive and affordable healthcare coverage to uninsured Illinois veterans. Covers doctor and clinic visits, hospital inpatient and outpatient care, lab tests, x-rays, prescription drugs, vision care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health, and emergency medical transportation. It does not cover nursing home stays or transportation for medical care that is not for an emergency.

Must be:

• a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, have been honorably discharged, and a resident of Illinois aged 19 through age 64, and
• uninsured for at least the last six months prior to application, do not qualify for VA healthcare, do not qualify for any other Illinois healthcare program.

Income meets the guidelines at this link (varies by county of residence).

Apply at any Illinois Veterans office.

Seniors & People With Disabilities Ride Free
(Updated Mar 2011)

Senior adults and people with disabilities can ride designated mass transit programs for free in Illinois. This program requires mass transit agencies to allow eligible senior citizens, aged 65 and older, and people with disabilities who meet income guidelines for the Circuit Breaker program (see program details above) to use main line and fixed route public transit service free.

Use this link to review the rules for this program.