Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

 The Illinois Department of Insurance site provides information on the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. A Medicare Supplement Premium Comparison Guide is available, as is Medicaid Related and Long Term Care Information

E-payments to Americans receiving federal benefit and non-tax payments

The U.S. Department of the Treasury moved in late 2010 to make all federal benefit payments electronic by March 2013, a change that will impact everyone nearing retirement and the more than 10 million Americans are already receiving benefits by paper check.  Please click here for more information to ensure benefits continue without interruption.

Social Security office relocated

The Social Security Administration has moved from its location on Euclid and Elmhurst in Prospect Hts. to:

 

705 N. Wheeling Rd.

Mount Prospect, Il 60056

 

The new location opened on Monday, Oct. 17, 2011.  The office is on the southeast corner of Kensington and Wolf roads, about a block east of the southeast corner of Randhurst.

  

Choices for Caregivers

Marking caregiving decisions is difficult.  Deciding if a relative is ready for additional help, evaluating health issues, checking finances, and finding the right facility take time and patience.

The National Caregivers Library was created by FamilyCare America, Inc. and is one of the largest single sources of information and tools for caregivers and seniors in the country. 

The site provides guidelines for housing, health, and legal issues as well as ways for caregives to pay attention to their emotional needs and well being.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has a site for Nursing Homes in Illinois and shares criteria to select a nursing home, level of care expected, patient resident rights, and a Health Care Worker Registry. 

Social Security Benefit Statements Going Online

The SSA recently discontinued mailing annual estimates of benefits to future Social Security recipients.  In attempts to cut costs, this information will now be available on the SSA website, www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator - then click on "Estimate Your Retirement Benefits".

To receive information on earnings history or disability and survivor benefits, please call the agency at 1-800-772-1213.

The agency estimates svings of $60,000,000 annual by going online.  It plans to resume mailing paper statements to thos over 60 within the year.

Free rides for most seniors to end on CTA, Metra, Pace on 9/1/11

A vast majority of the 440,000 senior citizens who registered to receive free transit rides over the last three years will lose the privilege on Sept. 1.  The Chicago Tribune posted this article which discusses the income caps of seniors who will qualify.

Job Help for 50+ at Arlington Heights Senior Center

The Arlington Heights Senior Center has programs for job seekers over the age of 50 and opportunities for one-on-one scheduled appointments with  Bruce Cruz.  A presentation on the benefits of volunteering during unemployment will be held on Monday 2/21/11 at 7p and another session on job interview preparation will be hosted on Monday, 3/14/11 at 7p.  Registration is required for both: 847-253-5532. The center is at 1801 W. Central Road. There are no residency requirements.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

This training program is sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging and is designed to assist the mature worker (age 55+) in re-entering the job market.