Seniors, disabled have 1 week to get tax help

Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD — Low-income seniors and disabled Illinoisans have one week to apply for property tax help through the state’s Circuit Breaker program.

The Legislature didn’t approve funds for Circuit Breaker property tax grants for fiscal year 2013. That means they’ll no longer be available after June 30.

Seniors and the disabled can apply online at the Illinois Department on Aging’s website. Mailed applications must be postmarked by June 30.

Illinois residents must be 65 or older or have a disability. Total income for 2011 must be less than $27,610 for a single-person household.

Starting July 1, only the license plate discount, “Seniors Ride Free” and “Disabled Ride Free” benefits will continue to be processed. The property tax grant and Illinois Cares Rx drug assistance program are no longer available. For more on how to apply, visit www.cbrx.il.gov/