Housing Assistance for Seniors in Illinois
Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel
The state of Illinois can be considered to be younger with the median age standing at 38.3 years. However, since 2010, the number has increased by 4.6%, around two times more than the national rate of increase. The population of seniors above 50 years is 35% ranked 33rd in the country with the median age being 35.30%. The life expectancy in the state of Illinois is 79 and it is ranked 22nd in respect to the US average of 78.5.
Seniors who are above 55 years and still in labor has 33% of the population. This percentage is ranked 26th nationally while the average in the U.S. is 40.80%. The median household income for seniors above 65 years is $44,498 ranking Illinois 20th in the country with the national average being $43,735.
With a housing index of 96.20, Illinois is one of the more affordable states in the US. A one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $852 and a two-bedroom apartment average cost is $1,028. Home health care is available in the state and with a monthly cost averaging $4,195 seniors get daily assistance as they live independently.
Housing Options
Independent Living Communities, also known as retirement communities or senior apartments, are housing complexes designed specifically for seniors who are capable of living independently. These communities often offer amenities, social activities, and maintenance services while providing a sense of community and security. Independent living facilities in Illinois can cost anything from $576 to $3,575 per month on average.
Assisted Living Facilities are suitable for seniors who require some assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, or meal preparation. These facilities provide a combination of housing, personalized support services, and social engagement opportunities. In Illinois, assisted living facilities can cost anything from $1,048 to $6,500 each month. The average cost is $3,720 a month.
Memory Care Facilities Memory care facilities cater to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of memory impairment. These facilities have specialized staff, secure environments, and tailored programs to support residents’ cognitive needs and provide a safe and structured living environment. Memory care facilities can provide care at an average cost of $96,921 a year.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are comprehensive senior living communities that offer a range of housing options and care levels within one location. They typically provide independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care, allowing seniors to transition seamlessly between levels of care as their needs change over time.
Nursing Homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, offer round-the-clock care for seniors with more significant medical and personal care needs. These facilities assist with daily activities, medical monitoring, rehabilitation services, and access to skilled nursing care. Nursing Home facilities charge an Average of $5,688 and $6,524 per month for a semi-private and private room respectively.
In-Home Care: Seniors who prefer to remain in their own homes can opt for home care services. These services assist with activities of daily living, medication management, light housekeeping, and companionship, allowing seniors to age in place while receiving the necessary support.
Senior Co-Housing is a shared living arrangement where seniors live independently in their private units within a community setting. Residents often share communal spaces, and activities, and may collaborate on managing the community.
Adult Day Care facilities in Illinois costs an average of $1,563 a month.
Respite Care can be beneficial because towns are spread out in Illinois and families caring for seniors at home will find it difficult to give complete care without outside assistance. The average cost a year is $62,050.
Average Hospice Care in Illinois is $5,270.
State Housing Assistance
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) offers a variety of programs to assist with affordable housing, including rental assistance, down payment assistance, and mortgage assistance. These programs aim to help low-to-moderate-income households access safe and affordable housing options. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, administered by local public housing agencies (PHAs), provides rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. Participants in the program receive vouchers that can be used to rent housing in the private market.
Rental Housing Support Program (RHSP) is a state-funded program that provides rental assistance to extremely low-income individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness. The program is administered by local service providers. Emergency and Transitional Housing: Illinois has emergency and transitional housing programs that provide temporary shelter and assistance for individuals and families facing homelessness. These programs often include case management, counseling, and supportive services.
Homelessness Prevention Programs: Various organizations and non-profits in Illinois offer homelessness prevention programs that provide financial assistance and support to individuals and families at risk of losing their homes. These programs may offer rental assistance, utility assistance, or other forms of aid to help stabilize housing situations. Supportive Housing Programs: Illinois also has supportive housing programs that combine affordable housing with support services for individuals or families with specific needs, such as individuals with disabilities or those experiencing chronic homelessness. Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund (IAHTF) provides funding to create and preserve affordable rental housing units throughout the state. The program supports the development of affordable housing for low-income individuals and families, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
Rent Assistance
The Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) is a program that provides rental assistance to low-income seniors who are behind on their rent. The program provides up to $25,000 in rental assistance to help seniors catch up on their rent and stay in their homes. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) also provides rental assistance to low-income seniors through its General Assistance program. The General Assistance program provides a monthly cash assistance grant to low-income seniors who meet certain income and asset requirements. The grant can be used to pay for rent, utilities, food, and other essential expenses.
The Catholic Charities of Illinois provides rental assistance to low-income seniors through its Housing Assistance Program. The Housing Assistance Program provides rental assistance to seniors who are unable to afford their rent on their own. The program also provides case management services to help seniors find and maintain affordable housing. The Lutheran Social Services of Illinois also provides rental assistance to low-income seniors through its Housing Assistance Program. The Housing Assistance Program provides rental assistance to seniors who are unable to afford their rent on their own. The program also provides case management services to help seniors find and maintain affordable housing. Senior Housing Assistance Program (SHAP) is a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income seniors for rent, security deposits, and utility costs. Eligible seniors can receive subsidies to help make their housing more affordable.
Home Repair and Improvement Grants
Single-Family Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (SFOOR) Program provides grants to income-eligible homeowners for essential repairs, including roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, and structural repairs. The program is administered by local government agencies or non-profit organizations. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides federal funding to local communities in Illinois to support a wide range of community development initiatives, including housing rehabilitation. Some communities may offer home repair grants or loans to eligible low-income homeowners through their CDBG programs. Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Home Accessibility Program (HAP) offers grants to income-eligible homeowners with disabilities to make accessibility modifications to their homes. This program helps individuals with disabilities make their homes more accessible and accommodating to their specific needs.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides grants to income-eligible homeowners to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs in their homes. The program focuses on insulation, weather-stripping, and other energy-saving measures to help homeowners save money on utility bills. Veterans Affairs Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) Program provides grants to veterans with service-connected disabilities or veterans with non-service-connected disabilities who have limited income. The grants assist with home modifications necessary for improving accessibility and maintaining independence.
Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repair Program: Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Illinois may offer critical home repair programs to low-income homeowners. These programs provide grants or low-interest loans to address critical health, safety, or accessibility issues in the home. Rebuilding Together is a national non-profit organization that provides free home repairs and accessibility modifications to low-income homeowners, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Housing Assistance from Local Organizations and Charities
All Chicago is a non-profit organization that focuses on preventing and ending homelessness in Chicago. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago: Catholic Charities operates numerous programs to support individuals and families in need, including housing assistance. Housing Action Illinois is a statewide coalition that advocates for affordable housing and works to expand housing resources in Illinois. Salvation Army Metropolitan Division – Illinois: The Salvation Army operates various programs in Illinois to assist individuals and families in need, including housing support.
Low-Interest Loans for Housing
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Program provides down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers in Illinois. The program offers a variety of loan options, including fixed-rate loans, adjustable-rate loans, and interest-free loans. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program offers mortgage insurance to borrowers who have low or moderate incomes. FHA loans have lower down payment requirements than conventional loans, and they also have more flexible credit requirements.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan program offers mortgage loans to eligible veterans and their spouses. VA loans do not require a down payment, and they also have no mortgage insurance premiums. The National Housing Trust (NHT) offers a variety of mortgage loans to low- and moderate-income borrowers, including seniors. The NHT also offers down payment assistance to borrowers who qualify.
The NeighborWorks America (NWA) Downpayment Assistance Program offers down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers. The program is available in all 50 states, including Illinois. The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are a type of financial institution that provides loans and other financial services to low- and moderate-income borrowers. CDFIs offer a variety of loan programs for seniors, including home purchase loans, home improvement loans, and reverse mortgages.
Legal Assistance for Eviction
Eviction Help Illinois provides free legal assistance to tenants facing eviction. The program also provides mediation services and connections to other resources, such as rental assistance. The Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Chicago provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of Cook County, Illinois. The organization has a team of lawyers who specialize in eviction defense. The Illinois Legal Aid Online provides information about eviction laws in Illinois and resources for tenants facing eviction. The website also has a chat function where you can connect with a lawyer for free legal advice. The Chicago Renters Legal Clinic provides free legal assistance to tenants facing eviction in Chicago. The program also provides mediation services and connections to other resources, such as rental assistance.
Illinois strives to ensure that seniors can age with dignity and access the support they need. Whether it’s through state-funded programs, non-profit organizations, or local initiatives, Illinois is dedicated to helping seniors find housing options that promote their well-being and enable them to maintain their independence. Feel Free to check out Programs – Illinois Department on Aging for more information.