icon of a head and body

a senior (60 years or older)

Portrait of a senior man at home

Legal tools for older adults (at least sixty years of age). Find more info for legal problems under Resources.

To report suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of an older person, call Illinois' 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409. 

Transfer on Death Instrument basics
Learn more about Transfer on Death Instruments and how you can use it to transfer a house to someone after you die.
Guide
Transfer on Death Instrument Revocation
You can use this form to revoke a real estate Transfer on Death Instrument that you have filed with a county Recorder of Deeds.
Form download
Protection from abuse and neglect for senior citizens
Explains laws that protect older people in Illinois from abuse. Includes how to get an Order of Protection ("restraining order").
Text article
Getting visitation rights as a grandparent or step parent
Explains how to get a court order forcing parents to let you spend time with a child who is your grandchild or step-daughter or step-son.
Guide
Assistance for older adults and people with disabilities
Explains who qualifies for AABD benefits in Illinois. Recipients receive cash and medical assistance.
Guide
Understanding nursing home resident's rights
Explains what you can expect if you are moving to a long-term care facility.
Guide
Differences between Medicaid vs Medicare
Explains the differences between Medicare and Medicaid and the additional services you could receive through Medicaid.
Text article
Nursing home financing
Explains ways of paying for nursing home care, including through Medicaid.
Text article
Fight a denial, reduction, or end in Social Security benefits
Steps to appeal a Social Security decision from the deadlines you must follow to how the administrative hearing works.
How-To
Aid to the aged, blind, and disabled or AABD benefits
Steps to apply for Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) benefits including how to appeal an AABD decision.
How-To
Apply for Social Security retirement benefits
Provides information on where to apply for Social Security retirement benefits.
Text article
Reporting discrimination at work
Learn what is considered workplace discrimination and how to report discrimination.
Guide
Using the POLST form for end of life decision making
Explains the POLST form, which can be used to plan end-of-life medical care. POLST stands for Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment.
Text article
Social Security benefits
An article that explains how to apply for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. These are available for retired workers and families, and people with disabilities.
Guide
Medicare Part D drug coverage
Describes the Medicare Part D program, what it covers and how to apply. Anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, or both may also enroll in a Medicare Part D program.
Guide
Lisa's story
When you make your wishes known and set up a plan for the future, you give the gift of clarity to your loved ones. That is what advanced planning is about.
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