How to apply for Illinois Care Connections (ICC)

Who it's for

Illinois Care Connections provides free technology and assistive devices to Illinoisans age 60 and older who live in the community. Devices are meant to help people stay safely at home, take part in activities, and keep in touch with family and friends. Examples include tablets, laptops, headphones and Wi-Fi routers; canes, walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs and adaptive kitchen tools; and smart-home items like video doorbells, keyless locks and voice assistants. There are no income or asset limits, but there must be a physical, functional, cognitive, or psychological need that keeps you from doing a task at home or in the community, or that leaves you socially isolated. Devices and usage instructions are provided at no cost. You cannot refer yourself: a referral must come from an Area Agency on Aging, an AAA-funded provider, an Adult Day Service, Adult Protective Services, a Care Coordination Unit, or a Home Care Ombudsman. The program does not cover hearing aids, prescription items, installed grab bars or shower seats, or electric scooters and wheelchairs. Contact IATP at 217-522-7985 with questions about a referral.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60 or older
• Proof of Illinois residency
• A referral from an Area Agency on Aging, AAA-funded provider, Adult Day Service, Adult Protective Services, Care Coordination Unit, or Home Care Ombudsman
• A description of the need the device would address

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Illinois Care Connections (ICC). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 60 or older, proof of Illinois residency, a referral from an Area Agency on Aging, AAA-funded provider, Adult Day Service, Adult Protective Services, Care Coordination Unit, or Home Care Ombudsman — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 to connect with an Area Agency on Aging or other approved provider who can assess your situation and submit a referral on your behalf — you cannot apply directly to this program.
2. Work with that provider to describe the physical, functional, cognitive, or psychological need that keeps you from completing a task at home or in the community, or that leaves you socially isolated.
3. Gather proof of your age (showing you are 60 or older) and proof of Illinois residency.
4. Have your provider prepare a description of the specific need the requested device would address.
5. Your provider submits the referral — either online or by phone through the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 — along with your supporting documents.
6. If you have questions about the referral process, contact the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) directly at 217-522-7985.

What to expect: After the referral is submitted, the program reviews your need and determines whether a device is a good fit. There are no income or asset limits, but there must be a clear, demonstrated need that matches the program's definition. If approved, devices and usage instructions are provided at no cost. Processing times vary, so ask your provider or IATP for an estimate. Because eligibility is referral-based, there is no set annual renewal — if your needs change over time, reach back out to an approved provider to discuss whether a new referral is appropriate.

Renewals

as needed (referral-based)