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Access Evanston Program
What is the Access Evanston Program?
In order to streamline how social service programs are administered, the “Evanston Benefit Card” was introduced in 2011. In one short in-person application, Evanston residents may be eligible to obtain program discounts based on a sliding-scale as well as reduced water and sewer rates. (See the water and sewer drop down)
Seniors may be deemed eligible for a variety of programs and resources without needing to juggle multiple membership cards or complete extra paperwork.
Although the City no longer issues a physical card, those who are approved for the Access Evanston Program will have their basic contact information updated on a secure online platform that can be accessed only by designated City staff. No income information is kept in the online platform or by City staff after applications are processed.
Enrollment is valid for two years, except the Recreation Fee Assistance program, which must be renewed each year. Since enrollees will not be notified when their benefits are set to expire. Participants may also call the Levy Center to check on their status.
Once approved, residents may be qualified for a variety of benefits in the community including the Recreation Program Fee Assistance and Reduced Water/Sewer Rate. Please refer to the table below for income qualification information.
| Percentage of Discount | Family of One | Family of Two | Family of Three | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75% | $18,954 | $25,636 | $32,318 | $39,000 |
| 50% | $26,973 | $36,482 | $45,991 | $55,500 |
| 25% | $36,450 | $49,300 | $62,150 | $75,000 |
| 10% | $43,740 | $59,160 | $74,580 | $90,000 |
In order to be eligible for the Access Evanston Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in Evanston;
- Be at least 65 years of age, or under the age of 65 with a disability; and
- Have an income of $35,000 or less for a one-person household, or $60,000 or less for a household of two.
Access Evanston Program applications are available at all community centers during office hours.
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
- Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St.
- Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.
Applicants will be asked to provide proof of the following:
- Age (Current Evanston State ID or driver's license);
- Evanston residency (Evanston ID/driver's license and a utility bill);
- Income (last year's tax return); and
- Disability if under the age of 65 (Social Security Award Letter).
- Social Security award letter (in the case where income taxes are not filed)
- If taxes are filed annually, please provide the 1040 IRS tax form
- For renters a lease is required for reduced water and sewer rates.
- A water utility statement. Please be sure the applicant's name is stated on the utility water bill.
These documents can be brought to any Evanston Community Center to begin the application process.
Applicants who wish to participate in the Subsidized Transportation must show proof of income to be deemed eligible, regardless of age.
For more information, please call the Senior Services office at (847) 866-2919 or email aging@cityofevanston.org.
Access Evanston Programs
The City of Evanston offers a choice of two special low-cost transportation options to Evanston seniors over the age of 65, and residents with disabilities over the age of 18 and are enrolled in the Access Evanston program.
Subsidized Taxicab Coupons
Overview:
By selecting this program, the rider is opting to use taxicab coupons in place of cash for each taxicab ride. Riders may purchase up to a certain amount of coupons per month; coupons may then be used to pay for taxicab rides within Evanston.
This program is designed for individuals who do not typically have travel needs outside of the City of Evanston and only use taxicabs when they travel, as well as those who prefer not to use a debit/credit card.
What are the costs?
Each one-way coupon purchased from the City of Evanston costs $5 to the rider. Drivers are reimbursed by the City for each validated coupon. Service area includes anywhere in the City of Evanston, with no in-between stops.
There is an additional $1 fee for each additional passenger, paid directly to cab driver.
The number of coupons that riders may purchase each month depends on their income, as assessed at time of the Access Evanston Program application:
- Group One: Program users with an income of less than $17,500/year (1-person household) may purchase up to 25 coupons per month.
- Group Two: Program users with an income between $17,501-$35,000/year (1-person household) may purchase up to 15 coupons per month.
How do I purchase coupons?
- In-person:
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston, IL 60202
- Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to -5 p.m.
- By Mail:
- Mail a check to the Levy Senior Center at the address above, along with a note containing your name, address, phone number, and the number of coupons you would like to purchase. Your coupons will be mailed to you along with a receipt for the purchase.
- By Phone:
- Call the Levy Center at 847-448-8250 and submit a payment over the phone using a debit or credit card. Your coupons will be mailed to you within a week, along with a receipt.
What companies can I use?
All of the following Evanston-based cab companies accept coupons:
| American Taxi | (847) 673-1000 |
| 303 Cab | (847) 733-0303 |
| Norshore Cab | (847) 864-7500 |
| Metro Cab | (847) 662-6000 |
Need an accessible ride?
- Use your coupons on a CJE Shalom Bus!
- Call CJE at 773-508-1300 the day before your trip to schedule ride.
- Rides may be scheduled beginning at 10 a.m. with completion of service by 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Lost/stolen coupons
Unfortunately, the City is not able to reimburse for lost or stolen coupons. Make sure you keep them somewhere safe, and try to purchase only the number you will need each month.
Transportation Debit Card
Overview
Riders who prefer having the option of traveling outside the City of Evanston and/or would like to utilize other modes of ground transportation are encouraged to select the debit card option.
Program participants will receive a MasterCard on which they may load up to a certain amount of their own money each month; the City will match that amount. Riders may then take any form of ground transportation going anywhere, provided that they have enough money on their card to pay for the full amount of the fare using their card. Keep in mind that half of the money on the card came from the City, so it's like splitting the bill each time!
What are the costs?
Although there is no fee associated with the card, program users will need to load at least $5 of their own money on the card at the time they pick it up in order to activate the card.
Subsidy is based on the following, as assessed at the time of application:
- Group One: Program users with an income of less than $17,500/year (1-person household) can load up to $125. City will match the amount up to $125 for a total not to exceed $250/month.
- Group Two: Program users with income between $17,501-$35,000/year (1-person household) can load up to $75. City will match the amount up to $75 for a total not to exceed $150/month.
How do I add money to my card?
- In-person:
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston, IL 60202
- Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- By Phone:
- Call the Levy Center at 847-448-8250 and submit a payment over the phone using a debit or credit card. Your balance will be updated while you are
How do I check my balance?
All cardholders are encouraged to keep track of their balance as they use the card to ensure they have adequate funds on the card before traveling. However, cardholders may call 847-448-4311 or simply dial 3-1-1 from inside the City of Evanston to check or confirm their balance during 311's regular hours of operation.
Please note, 311 staff are not able to take any payments; if you need to load funds, you will need to contact the Levy Senior Center at 847-448-8250 to submit a payment over the phone.
Lost/stolen cards
Please call the Levy Center at 847-448-8250 as soon as you notice your card has been lost or stolen. Staff will turn the card off and order you a new one right away.
- Replacement cards typically take about 7-10 days to arrive at the Levy Center; staff will contact you when the new card arrives and will activate it with your previous card value when you come pick it up.
- For security reasons, transportation debit cards must be picked up in-person by the cardholder; debit cards will not be mailed.
What transportation services can be used?
Riders can use any form of ground transportation, including but not limited to the following:
- Taxicabs;
- Ridesharing applications for smartphones such as Lyft and Uber*;
- Amtrak**;
- Greyhound**;
- Ventra passes**; and
- PACE paratransit ticket purchases.**
*When setting up the transportation card as the form of payment for one of these applications, please use 60202 as the billing zip code regardless of cardholder's actual zip code.
**Purchases made for these modes of transportation must be completed through their official website. Purchases may be declined when made at retail establishments or third-party websites.
Need an accessible ride?
- Curb Mobility manages fleets of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in the Chicagoland area, some of which are operated by local cab companies. Download the app today and use your transportation debit card to pay for your accessible ride!
Access Evanston Program participants can receive up to 75 percent off of eligible City of Evanston Parks & Recreation programs and activities. Fee Assistance eligibility must be renewed annually.
Seniors fulfilling certain requirements are eligible for a 50% discount on one wheel tax per household by participating in the Access Evanston Program.
Access Evanston Wheel Tax Discount
Evanston residents age 65+ or with a disability may be eligible for a 50% discount on their wheel tax if household income is:
-
$35,000 or less (1 person)
-
$60,000 or less (2 people)
Learn more and check your eligibility at www.cityofevanston.org/departments/prcs/facilities/levy_senior_center/senior_services/access_evanston_program.php.
What's New This Year:
-
Residents 80+ no longer automatically qualify. All applicants must now meet income and eligibility criteria.
-
Reapplication is required every two years.
Where to Apply or Renew
Visit one of the following community centers during office hours:
-
Levy Senior Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Prieto Community Center
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. -
Robert Crown Community Center
Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
What are Yard Waste Stickers?
Evanston residents who generate yard waste, including lawn trimmings and leaves, to be picked up by the City must bag the waste and purchase stickers to adhere to their bags prior to pick-up, or dispose of yard waste in a reusable yard waste cart.
What discount is available?
The City of Evanston provides discounts for both disposal options:
- Yard waste stickers: Two yard waste stickers may be purchased for the price of one. Limit two stickers per week, per household.
- Yard waste cart: $5 discount on the purchase of a wheeled cart.
Who is eligible?
Evanston residents who are actively enrolled in the Access Evanston Program program are eligible for the discounts noted above.
Where do I purchase stickers/cart?
Cardholders may purchase yard waste stickers from the City Collector’s office and the Levy Senior Center.
A yard waste cart may be purchased at the discounted rate at the City Collector's office.
For more information, please contact the Senior Services office at 847-866-2919 or aging@cityofevanston.org.
Affordable Water/Sewer Rate
Participate in the Access Evanston (Evanston Benefit Card)?
You qualify for a lower water and sewer rate!
Evanston community members who are determined to be income qualified ($26,973 for household of one, $36,482 for household of two, $45,991 for household of three, and $55,500 for household of four) for the Access Evanston (Evanston Benefit Card) can now receive a reduced rate for water and sewer services provided by the City of Evanston effective January 1, 2024. As part of the City’s efforts to ensure that all community members have access to affordable, high-quality drinking water, all Evanston community members who qualify for the Access Evanston (Evanston Benefit Card) can participate even if they don’t pay a water and sewer bill.
Qualified community members who enroll in the program will receive a reduced water rate of $2.09 per 100 cubic feet of water consumption, compared to the regular rate of $3.91 per cubic feet, and a reduced sewer rate of $1.94 per 100 cubic feet, compared to the regular rate of $3.08 per 100 cubic feet. A typical individual uses approximately 30 units (22,440 gallons) of water in a typical year. Those who qualify for the program but don’t pay a water and sewer bill will receive an annual payment reflecting their estimated savings.
How to enroll
Bring a copy of your most recent W-2, along with a copy of your lease (for renters) to Parks and Recreation staff at one of the following locations during their office hours:
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
- Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St.
- Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St.
When to enroll
Enrollment is open year round.
Benefits
Qualified community members will pay a reduced rate for water and sewer service starting January 1, 2024. Those who qualify but do not pay a water and sewer bill will receive an annual payment.
