Financial

Circuit Breaker License Plates and Ride Free Transit Card

• License Place Discount – if you qualify for the Circuit Breaker you will receive a discount on your license plate fee, applications are available at the Township office.

• Ride Free Transit Card – if you qualify for the Circuit Breaker, only the new Ride Free Transit Card will be accepted on the CTA, Metra and Pace buses and trains.

Eligibility requirements for the above programs:

• Age 65 or older

• Age 16 or older and permanently disabled

• Live in Illinois at the time of filing a claim

For Circuit Breaker License Plate Discount and Ride Free Transit Card, your total income in 2011 must be less than:

• $27, 610 for a household of one

• $36, 635 for a household of two

• $45,657 for a household of three

DuPage Rx Cards – help DuPage County residents whose prescriptions are not covered by insurance to save money on their prescription medications. Note: this card is not insurance. To find out where you can pick up a DuPage Rx card, visit www.dupageco.org, or call (800) 942-9412 or (630) 407-6500.

Illinois Rx Buying Club – has no income requirement. For a $10 annual fee, senior citizens and people with disabilities receive discounts on all prescription drugs approved by the FDA and available through participating pharmacies and a mail-order option. Call (866) 215-3463 or (866) 215-3479 TTY – www.illinoisrxbuyingclub.com.

Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment – if your spouse is in a nursing home and receives Medicaid, you are protected from becoming impoverished. You may be allowed to keep your home and car and $104,400 of other assets, plus $2,610 of your combined monthly income. Call the Illinois Department of Public Health at (630) 293-0466 for more information.

Counseling for Senior Homeowners – the DuPage Homeownership Center offers free, confidential, unbiased information and counseling to senior homeowners about reverse mortgages, tax relief options and low-cost home repair programs that can help seniors maintain their independence. For an appointment call (630) 260-2500.

Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP) – assists eligible households to pay for winter heating services. Eligible households are determined by household size, income, geographical location and type of fuel used. Home visits are available to home bound persons. Call DuPage County for further assistance (800) 942-9412.

Property Tax Exemptions – for more information on the property tax exemptions offered for seniors, contact the Downers Grove Township Assessor’s at (630) 719-6630.