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Information and Assistance

Our Information and Assistance department helps seniors apply for certain state and federal programs such as I.H.E.A.P. (Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program), SNAP (food stamps) and the Benefit Access Application (formerly known as Circuit Breaker). I&A staff also provide Medicare and Medicaid counseling/education through the Senior Health Insurance Program (S.H.I.P.). The Information and Assistance Department operates by appointment only from Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment to meet with the Information and Assistance department, Madison County residents, please contact Kelly Chapman 618-465-3298 ext. 115 or Albana Seljimi at ext. 112. St. Clair County residents, please contact Madisyn Wheatley at 618-234-4410 ext. 7028

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 (HMOs, PPOs, PFFS), prescription drug coverage, Medicare Assistance Programs (Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help from Social Security for prescription drug costs), Medicaid, Medicare claims and appeals, and beneficiary rights and guarantees. The SSP I & A Department offers this service by appointment only at both of our location. We have three full-time SHIP Counselors who can assist with your Medicare questions.

More information about S.H.I.P. can be found on the Illinois Department of Aging’s website:
https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/ship/Pages/default.aspx
or
1-800-252-8966

Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program (IHEAP)

Illinois Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low income households with heating costs. Eligibility depends on household size and income. The I & A Department at SSP accepts LIHEAP applications for seniors 60+ living in Madison or St. Clair Counties who meet certain income guidelines.

More information about IHEAP can be found at the following website:
https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/HomeWeatherization/CommunityActionAgencies/Pages/default.aspx

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:

You must be 65 years or older by December 31 of the current year or 16 - 64 years of age and totally disabled before January 1 of this year.

Your income must be less than:

1 person household- $33,562

2 person household- $44,533

3 person household- $55,500

The SSP I & A Department can assist you with completing this application. Or you can apply online. Once your application has been approved, benefits are good for two years and then you will have to renew your application.

More information about the Benefit Access Program and the online application can be found here:
https://webapps.illinois.gov/AGE/BAA/Welcome.aspx

Options Counseling

Long-term care options, comprehensive needs assessments, and connection to benefit programs are provided through a person-centered planning approach.