Free Senior Resources In Chicago

This is part four of a series covering some of the resources and opportunities that are available to those living in Chicago.

Part 1: Free Adult Bike Lessons/Free Bikes 

Part 2: Free Vocational Training In Chicago 

Part 3: Free Tax Help In Chicago

Today is going over some of the resources available to seniors through the city (this is another case I would suggest you call ahead to make sure these programs have not changed since the city is not always the best on keeping their webpages updated.

Benefits and Services

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services links Chicago residents age 60 and better to more than 70 city, state and federal benefits to which they may be entitled

Use www.Benefits CheckUp.org to determine eligibility for more than 70 city, state and federal benefits to which you may be entitled. These programs include:

• Energy Assistance;
• Financial Assistance;
• Housing;
• Transportation;
• Health;
• Legal; and,
• Many Support Services

Congregate Dining Program (Golden Diners Program)

The Golden Diners Program offers older adults (60 years of age and older) and their spouses of any age, an opportunity to have a healthy, nutritious meal each day while enjoying the company of friends at approximately 50 community sites throughout the City of Chicago.

Home Delivered Meals

This program provides nutritious meals to older persons (60 years and older) who are frail and/or home bound because of illness or incapacitating disability or are otherwise isolated.

Insurance Counseling for Seniors

Volunteer counselors with Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)offer free, one-on-one insurance counseling at our Regional Senior Centers.

Care Coordination Unit (CCU's) Referrals

Care Coordination Units (CCUs) serve as central access points for older adults who have intensive long-term care needs. If an older adult has a functional impairment(s) and needs in-home service, home-delivered meals, personal care or other services, he/she could contact the nearest CCU.

A care coordinator will assess the person’s needs, determine eligibility for various programs, develop a plan of care, and arrange for services.

An email request to aging@cityofchicago.org will be forwarded to the DFSS Information & Assistance Unit. A staff member will follow up with the request.

Caregiving Assistance

The Chicago Department of Senior Services offers a variety of programs and services for families who are caring for their older loved ones. We know that your goal as an informal caregiver is to help your loved one maintain as much control over their own lives as possible under the circumstances. Our goal is to help you do that.