Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (HEPD)

Benefit:

This exemption lowers the equalized assessed value of the property by $2,000, and may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption, if applicable. However, this exemption cannot be claimed in addition to the Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption or the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption of $70,000; you can only receive one of these exemptions and, if you are a veteran, you should choose to apply for the one most beneficial to you.

To Qualify:

To qualify, applicants must:

• Own or have a legal or equitable interest in the property
• Have lived on the property on or before January 1st of the tax year.
• Be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and supply either:
  • A copy of your Illinois Disabled Person Identification Card (PDF) stating that you are under a Class 2 disability (for each year you qualify); or
  • Proof of Social Security Administration Social Security Benefits. This proof includes an award letter, verification letter, or annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) – This paperwork must be issued in the tax year for which you are applying. Whichever you supply, it must indicate that the benefits are for disability; or
  • Proof of Veterans Administration disability benefits which would be an award letter showing total 100% disability; or
  • Proof of Railroad or Civil Service disability benefits which would be an award letter showing a total 100% disability

To Apply:

Applications may be initiated at the Cuba Township Assessor’s Office or the Chief County Assessment Office. An annual verification of eligibility must be filled out each year in order to continue to receive the exemption. The Chief County Assessment Office will mail this verification form each year to all applicants who received the exemption in the prior year.

35 ILCS 200/15-168

Properties Held in Trust

When you are applying for a new exemption and the property is held in trust, we must verify that the applicant is a beneficiary of that trust. The exemptions cannot be applied without this verification. Please include a copy of that part of the actual trust agreement which states that the applicant is a beneficiary. This can usually be found on the first few pages of the trust document. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly at 847-381-1120.