ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 23, 2000 CONTACT: Dave Druker PHONE:  (217) 782-5984                 (312) 814-3175 or CONTACT: Randy Nehrt PHONE:  (217) 782-5984 TTY:      1-800-252-2904

Senior Citizens May Be Eligible For Vehicle License Discount Card

SPRINGFIELD –– Senior Citizens may be eligible for license plates at a reduced cost under the state’s Circuit Breaker Grant and Pharmaceutical Assistance Program. Secretary of State Jesse White is encouraging all senior citizens and disabled persons to determine if they qualify for a Vehicle License Discount Card.

"Through the Circuit Breaker Program, senior citizens can obtain a Vehicle License Discount Card to reduce the annual renewal fee for license plates from $78 to $24," said White. "In addition, the program provides property tax relief and reduces the cost of certain prescription medicines."

To qualify for the Circuit Breaker program and the Vehicle License Discount Card, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must have been 65 years of age or older before January 1, 2000; or

• Must become 65 years of age during 2000 (for a partial grant); or

• Must have been 16 years of a age or older before January 1, 2000 and totally disabled; or

• Must be a widow or widower who turned 63 years of age before the deceased claimant’s death and

• Must have lived in an Illinois residence in 1999 that was subject to property or mobile home tax; and

• Must live in Illinois at the time you file the claim for relief, and

• You and your husband or wife must have had a total combined income of less than $16,000 in 1999, and

• You must file Form IL-1363, Circuit Breaker and Pharmaceutical Assistance Claim, postmarked on or before December 31, 2000.

Those interested in the program, may contact the Secretary of State’s Department of Senior and Community Services at 1-800-252-2904 to obtain an application.