Benefits Services

Make Us Your First Call for Help

CJE Benefits Specialists

Valuable Assistance

Our team of highly experienced Benefits Specialists assists seniors, and their families, to explore and identify the broad range of resources, government benefits and support services that are available in Illinois. Our staff provides a person-centered service that helps seniors, and their families find ways to reduce expenses and increase income so they can live in the community with dignity and respect as they age. Our services are available at many locations across the Chicagoland area in English, Russian and Urdu.

CJE SeniorLife’s benefits assistance is available free of charge.

Benefits Counseling

Support for Seniors

Our Benefits Specialists will evaluate your needs and help you identify and apply for government and other benefit programs free of charge, including:

Medicare
Medicare Savings Program
Medicaid
Prescription Drug Coverage/Extra Help
Social Security
Real Estate Tax Relief
Energy/Utility Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Senior License Plate Discount
RTA Ride Free Pass
Housing Referrals
Community Agency Referrals
Lifeline Phone/Internet

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counseling

Expert Medical Advocacy

CJE has a team of certified Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors to help you navigate and make sense of your medical bills and health insurance coverage. Our SHIP counselors receive on-going training and education to keep up with frequent changes in our complex healthcare system The SHIP counselors are knowledgeable about resources that can reduce costs associated with medical bills, prescriptions, or health insurance premiums.

Thanks to a sponsorship from the Illinois Department of Aging, CJE Benefits Specialists can offer assistance during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period and throughout the year to find the most suitable prescription drug (Medicare Part D), Medicare Advantage and Supplemental plans available. Assistance is provided free of charge.

Housing Assistance

Options for Older Adults

Our team can help you apply for CJE Housing and work with you to identify other senior housing options such as subsidized independent apartments, assisted living and other types of housing. Staff can refer for legal advocacy when needed. Our services are  free of charge.

Bilingual services are available for our Russian and Urdu speaking clients.

Financial Literacy

Money Management Assistance

Managing your money or your loved one’s doesn’t have to be complex or overwhelming. Financial literacy, which is the ability to understand and effectively manage your financial resources, can help you make informed financial decisions, set and achieve financial goals, save for the future, and reduce financial stress. Having a firm handle on your finances can also protect you from financial scams and identity theft. CJE SeniorLife understands that your overall wellness can be impacted by your financial status so we’ve developed several tools to help you manage you money and improve your financial security. If you would like some one-on-one guidance, our team is available to help. Contact us by phone at 773.508.1000 or use our online form to request assistance.

Download CJE Financal Literacy PDF Guides and Tools:

Ready to meet with us?

Are you age 60+ and have questions about government benefits?

CJE’s Benefits Services Specialists can help you with Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and more. Free and open to all.

By appointment only. Please call 773.508.1000 or complete form below to schedule an Intake to become a CJE client.

During your Intake appointment or when completing a form, let us know that you are interested in meeting with a Benefits Specialist and your preferred location.

Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston
Robert Crown Branch Library, 1801 Main Street, Evanston
Tamarisk NorthShore, 1627 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield
West Deerfield Township, 601 Deerfield Road, Deerfield
CJE SeniorLife, 3003 West Touhy Avenue, Chicago

FAQ

Free Information and Referral Service

Our Benefits Specialists can answer brief questions about eligibility or provide a more in-depth consultation about assistance available for a specific situation. You’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below:

What is Benefits Services?

Benefits Services is a team of professionals who work with adults aged 60 and older on public benefits concerns. In addition, we work with people with disabilities who receive Social Security disability income. Staff review eligibility for benefits and services which may eliminate or offset expenses with the goal of enhancing quality of life and the ability to maintain independent living. Staff may also assist clients to rectify challenges with medical insurance, utilities, housing, and other types of vendors or service providers.
Do you have to be Jewish to access services?
Is there a fee for Benefits Services assistance?
Does CJE have a pro bono lawyer?
Does Benefits Services offer assistance at multiple locations?

The Benefits Services team offers services at CJE headquarters: 3003 W. Touhy Avenue, Chicago, by Zoom, or by phone. In addition, several team members maintain outposts at locations in the north and northwest suburbs. Please call 773.508.1000 and to make an intake appointment and request a benefits specialist who can provide services in your area.
Can you help me with Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP (food stamps)?
Do you offer services in multiple languages?
Do you offer daytime activities or programs?

We Can Help

Contact Us Today

Whether you’re not sure where to start or have specific questions for our team of professionals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Call to talk with a team member immediately at 773.508.1000 or submit the contact form to the right and someone from CJE will be in touch shortly.