Benefits Services

CJE Benefits Specialists

Valuable Assistance

Our team of highly-experienced Benefits Specialists is available to help you identify and apply for the broadest range possible of benefits and support services. 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 service is available at many locations across the Chicago area in English and Russian.

CJE SeniorLife 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
• Social Security
• Real Estate Tax Relief
• Energy/Utility Assistance
• Supplemental Nutrition
• Assistance Program (SNAP)
• License Plate Discount and 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 sort out your medical bills, or advocate on your behalf with doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and health insurance companies. They receive on-going training and education to keep up with frequent changes in our complex healthcare system. SHIP counselors can also help you find assistance in paying for your medical bills, prescriptions, or health insurance plans. All of their assistance is provided free of charge.

Thanks to a sponsorship from the Illinois Department of Aging, CJE Benefits Specialists are also available to help if you have a problem with Medicare, a Medicare Supplemental Plan, a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Part D, or any other type of health insurance plan.

Housing Resource Center

Accommodation Options for Older Adults

Contact CJE when you need information about housing options for older adults. Our service is extensive and free of charge. Our team can identify and help you apply for housing within our own CJE properties, such as subsidized independent apartments, group living, or assisted living. We’ll help you solve problems with a landlord, and share information on other subsidized housing that’s available in Chicago and the suburbs, as well as affordable housing, independent and supportive living, and alternative housing for seniors with special needs.

Bilingual services are available for our Russian 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: