AARP Foundation Tax Aide  (Jan - April)

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helps low to moderate income taxpayers age 55 years and up prepare simple tax returns, assist in filing tax forms, 1040 forms, and  certain schedules, at the Levy Senior Center. 

• Appointments can be made beginning in January.

• Call 847-448-8250 or 311 (847-448-4311) to schedule an appointment.

• Appointments are on Mondays & Wednesdays ONLY from 9am-3pm.

• To be eligible for this free service, you must be an older adult with low or moderate income with simple returns only. 

• For more complex returns, please seek paid tax assistance. 

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all the programs and series we offer.

Access Evanston Program

What is the Access Evanston Program?

In one short in-person application, Evanston seniors may be deemed eligible for a variety of programs and resources without needing to juggle multiple membership cards or complete extra paperwork.

Some benefits available are:

• Fee matching program for ground transportation (taxi, trains etc.)

• Subsidized taxicab coupons

• Recreation program fee assistance

• Yard waste stickers & cart discount

• Reduced water/sewer rate

• Handyman Program (when available)

Requirements:

• Evanston Resident

• 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.

Find complete information, including how to apply at Access Evanston Program 

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Illinois Benefit Access Program 

Need help for applying or renewing for the State of Illinois Benefits Access Program?

The Benefits Access program is a State of Illinois program that can provide:

• A discount on license plate registration fee from the Illinois Secretary of State and/or Ride Free transit card from the Regional Transit Authority(RTA) to ride CTA buses and trains, as well as Metra commuter train for no charge.
• Eligibility is determined by age, disability, residence and income.
• Visit the Benefits Access Program for more detailed information about this program.

Need Help Apply or Renewing your benefits?

• Make an appointment by calling (847) 866-2919 or emailing aging@cityofevanston.org.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

• Social Security Number
• Government-issued ID verifying your age
• Current Federal 1040 Tax Return or SSI Benefit state (from SSA 1099)

Senior Congregate Meal Program

The Senior Congregate Meal Program is open to adults 60 and over. No person age 60+ shall be denied participation due to the inability to contribute. Menus are posted monthly. Funding provided whole or in part by AgeOptions.

• Hot meals are offered 5 days a week from 11:30-1:00 pm at the Levy Center.

• Registration for participation needs to be completed one week in advance.  

• Meals are available at no cost to those ages 60+,  with a suggested donation of $5.00

• For those ages 59 and younger, the cost per meal is $7.00

Visit the Senior Congregate Meal Program to register  for the program.  Thereafter, you will need to call the Levy Center front desk  at 847.448.8250 each week by Thursday, to register for meals for the following week. 

Monthly Hot Meals Menu:    August 2024 Lunch Menu September 2024 Lunch Menu

Heaven Can Wait

This program is designed to honor our most experienced community members.

The Levy Senior Center Foundation will underwrite the Levy Senior Center annual membership fees for program participants who are age 90+. To qualify, registrants need only to show an official ID with proof of their birthday when they register at the Levy Senior Center.

Our finance lecture series can help you navigate topics such as retirement funds, inheritance, the Secure 2.0 Act, Backdoor Roth IRA and more.   All adults ages 50 and over are welcome to attend.  

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all the programs and series we offer.

Visit our Parks & Recreation Guide  to see our current programing, or Online Registration page or call 847.448.8250. 

Senior Health Insurance Counseling (SHIP)

• SHIP is a free health benefits counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.

• SHIP’s mission is to educate, advocate, counsel and empower seniors to make informed healthcare benefit decisions.

• Our SHIP counselor can help you understand MEDICARE  supplements and coverage options.  

• SHIP is an independent program funded by federal agencies, managed by the State of Illinois and is not affiliated with the insurance industry.

• Levy Senior Center staff and volunteers counsel Evanston residents by appointment only.

• To schedule an appointment, please contact 847.448.8250.

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all the programs and series we offer.

SilverSneakers/Renew Active or Silver & Fit

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, your health insurance may include a free fitness membership for adults 65+ The Levy Center offers several class that qualify for these programs.  More Information about how to check if you have this type of benefit 

Visit our Parks & Recreation Guide  to see our current programing, or Online Registration page or call 847.448.8250.

Snow Shoveling Services

Snow shoveling services are available by simply dialing  311

Senior Tech Support 

Do you have questions about how to use your computer, tablet or phone?  We can help.  Call 847.448.8250 to sign up for Tech help on Tuesdays or Thursdays. 

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all the programs and series we offer.

Please see Transportation Services for more information about available transportation options for seniors offered through the City of Evanston.

Thrive with Pride

The Thrive with Pride cafe provides a safe and affirming space for older adults. The Levy Center partners with AgeOptions to provide this discussion group where you can share and receive support, learn more about local services and resources and discuss topics that matter.  www.thrivewithpride.org

 Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all the programs and series we offer.

Happy 100th Birthday 

The Levy Senior Center Foundation will also be honoring members in our community turning 100. Centenarians will be recognized with a birthday cake in their honor to be shared with other Levy Senior Center members at the Levy Senior Center. 100th Birthday recognition forms are available on the Foundation table in the lobby or at the front desk. Please allow 5 days advance notice.