Program Description
As of July 2012, the state of Illinois cut funding for the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief grant. We continue to maintain this page so that readers are made aware of these changes. More information on other tax deductions and credits for the elderly is available here. Aand information on financial assistance programs for elderly Illinois residents is available here.
The Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief program provides rebates to qualified seniors for rent, property taxes or nursing home charges. The amount of tax relief is relatively minor. Seniors with income of less than $45,000 a year can expect rebate amounts ranging from $1 to $350. Therefore, the Circuit Breaker program alone cannot solve the challenge of paying for senior care. But when combined with other forms of assistance, it may help to diminish the problem.
Eligibility Guidelines
-Must be a legal Illinois resident
-Must be 65 years of age. An exception is made for persons 63 – 64 years old if they have been widowed and did not re-marry.
-Must have paid property tax or rent. Some nursing home residents may not be aware they have paid property tax through their nursing home fees.
Benefits and Services
It takes between 6 and 16 weeks to process an application and distribute the rebate. Rebate amounts are determined by the level of property tax paid and the applicant’s income. A comparison chart that details exact rebate amounts is available for download here.
How to Apply / Learn More
To learn more about this program, one can visit the Illinois Circuit Breaker website or call their toll-free number at 800-624-2459. Seniors can also apply for Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief online.
