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Information and Assistance
The Information & Assistance Department is where seniors can learn about and apply for public benefit programs such as: IHEAP (energy assistance), SNAP (food stamps), the Benefit Access Program (formerly Circuit Breaker), Medicare, Medicare Assistance Programs, Medicaid, and much more!
I &A staff are providing all the same services telephonically. If we are not able to answer your call immediately, please leave a message. Most messages are returned by the end of the day or within 24 hours depending on call volume. We appreciate your patience and look forward to helping you in any way that we can!
Senior Health Insurance Program (S.H.I.P)
SHIP is a free counseling service provided by the Illinois Department of Aging. SHIP Counselors do not sell or solicit insurance, but rather provide Medicare beneficiaries and their family members with information so that they can make informed decisions about their Medicare benefits. SHIP Counselors can answer questions about the following:
Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part D Prescription drug coverage, Medicare Assistance Programs (Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help from Social Security for prescription drug costs), Medicaid, The SSP I & A Department offers this service by appointment only. We have two full time SHIP Counselors who can assist with your Medicare questions. Please call 618-465-3298 x115 or x119 to speak to a SHIP Counselor.
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Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program (IHEAP)
The Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program, administered by Madison County Community Development, assists eligible households paying for winter energy services by providing a one-time benefit to be used for energy bills. The 2023 program begins on September 1st and will continue until May 31st or when funds run out. We only take applicants 60 years or older. Please call to apply 618-465-3298 x115 or x119
More information about IHEAP can be found at the following website 
here.
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Emergency Financial Assistance
There is Emergency Financial Assistance available to Madison County residents. Eligibility is determined by household size, age, income, and assets. Please call one of our I & A Specialists for additional information.
Benefit Access Program
This program provides a Secretary of State license plate discount and a ride free transit benefit (free bus pass) to qualifying individuals. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
Qualifications:
- 65 years of age or older before January 1 of the current year; or
- You must become 65 years of age this year; or
- You must be 16 years of age or older before January 1st of the current year and qualify as disabled.
Residency Requirements
- You must live in Illinois at the time you file your application
Income Requirements
Your income must be less than:
- 1 person household- $33,562
- 2 person household- $44,533
- 3 person household- $55,500
*Note: You must include your spouse's income if married and living together on December 31 of last year. If your spouse died last year, you would file as single and claim only your income.
More information about the Benefit Access Program and the online application can be found here:
https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/Pages/default.aspx
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Options Counseling
Long-term care options, comprehensive needs assessments, and connection to benefit programs are provided through a person-centered planning approach.
Senior Services Plus, Inc.
Headquarters
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Service Area
Our service region
varies by program.
Hours of Operation
Main Building Hours
Mon - Fri: 7:00AM - 4:00PM
Holidays may affect hours
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Wellness Center Hours
Mon - Fri: 6:00AM - 8:00PM
Saturday: 7:00AM - 3:00PM
Sunday: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Holidays may affect hours
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