Illinois · Resources
The numbers you actually need — Illinois.
Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.
If you need help right now
State Medicaid agency
The office that determines eligibility and runs the program
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) — Medicaid
HFS administers Illinois Medicaid (HealthChoice Illinois, MyCare Illinois for dual-eligibles). Apply through the ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) portal.
Aging services — your entry point
Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging
Illinois Department on Aging
Illinois Senior HelpLine. Coordinates the 13 Area Agencies on Aging and the Community Care Program (CCP).
Adult Protective Services
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number
Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)
Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan
Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
Illinois's federal SHIP. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Department on Aging.
State health department
Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities
Illinois Department of Public Health
Regulates assisted living, supportive living facilities, and nursing homes in Illinois.
Finding a lawyer
Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified
Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Statewide self-help legal information and referrals.
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
Civil legal aid for central and southern Illinois.
Legal Council for Health Justice (Chicago)
Free legal assistance for older adults with health-related legal issues.
Nonprofits worth knowing
State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state
Alzheimer's Association — Illinois Chapter
24/7 helpline, caregiver support groups, education statewide.
AARP Illinois
Statewide advocacy and caregiver resources.
AgeOptions (suburban Cook County AAA)
Area Agency on Aging for suburban Cook County.
Other hotlines
Numbers worth saving in your phone
- 1-800-633-4227
Medicare (federal)
1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.
- 1-800-252-8966
Illinois Senior HelpLine
Single point of entry for elder services statewide.
- 211
Illinois 211
Local community resource referrals, 24/7.
Forms & templates
Official Illinois document references
Illinois Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney for Property
Statutory form under 755 ILCS 45/3-3. Witnessed and notarized.
Illinois Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney for Health Care
Statutory form under 755 ILCS 45/4-10. Witness requirements differ from financial POA.
Illinois Living Will Declaration
Per 755 ILCS 35/3. Witnessed by two adults.
Illinois POLST
Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. Signed by physician/APRN/PA.
Key statutes we cite
Illinois laws referenced across our topic guides
| Citation | Subject |
|---|---|
| 755 ILCS 45 | Illinois Power of Attorney Act |
| 755 ILCS 35 | Illinois Living Will Act |
| 755 ILCS 40 | Illinois Health Care Surrogate Act |
| 35 ILCS 405 | Illinois Estate Tax (~$4M exemption) |
| 755 ILCS 5 | Illinois Probate Act |
| 320 ILCS 20 | Adult Protective Services Act |
| 210 ILCS 9 | Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act |
| 210 ILCS 45 | Nursing Home Care Act |
More from Illinois
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