Earlier this week I hosted a discussion with representatives from the Social Security Administration, Illinois Department on Aging, Bradley University, CEFCU, and OLLI at Bradley University so they could provide details about the unique resources available to those transitioning into retirement.

If there's a particular agency you'd like to hear from, feel free to skip ahead to:
1:00 - Megan Forristall with Social Security Administration on Medicare
12:00 - Kelly Dehlinger with the Department on Aging on the Senior Health Insurance Program
21:00 - Dr. Amit Sinha from Bradley University on estate planning and taxes in retirement
33:25 - Eric Pilat from CEFCU on refinancing mortgages and other ways to reduce debt
43:01 - Catheryn Lawless with OLLI at Bradley University on staying educated and active within the community.

Disclaimer from the Social Security Administration: Participation in this presentation does not constitute an endorsement by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or its employees of the organizations and information and products not provided by SSA.

The 3rd lottery application period is now open for Illinoisans who wish to deer hunt this fall. Applications close August 21, 2020.

Illinois residents and nonresidents can apply and find more information by visiting: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/Pages/DeerFirearmMuzzleloader.aspx

Dear Community Partners:

In recent days, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has received many important questions about participation in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), such as who should apply, and whether certain organizations meet the PPP’s economic requirements.

First, any IDHS provider whose ability to provide services has been impacted, either in whole or in part, by the COVID-19 pandemic, is strongly encouraged (i) to apply for PPP funding and (ii) if successful in applying, to keep the federal PPP funds provided. If you need additional clarification on this, please reach out to your program division.

IDHS makes this recommendation to maximize funding for State providers and to ensure that limited State funding is stretched as far as possible, particularly in light of increasing economic uncertainty and diminishing State revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As noted previously, providers cannot seek and receive payments from both the State and the federal PPP program for the same cost (i.e. a provider cannot be paid twice for the same obligation). To do so, could result in criminal, civil, regulatory, and/or audit issues for the provider.

Providers whose ability to perform has not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e. providers who are able to fully perform and to be paid for that performance) are not encouraged by IDHS to apply, but must make their own, independent determination as to whether they should.

While providers will need to make their own, independent determinations, providers who are unable to perform, either in whole or in part, due to the COVID-19 pandemic should meet the PPP program “current economic uncertainty” requirements, making their “loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the applicant.” This letter can be used in support.

As providers know all-too-well, IDHS and its providers are living through significant economic uncertainty. While IDHS is trying to support providers with retention payments, federal support is necessary to ensure the long-term operations for many providers and to maximize IDHS’s and the State’s limited funding.

We do not know how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last, but we do know that without ongoing federal support, IDHS retention payments for services not performed will not be sustainable. With reduced State revenues, there is uncertainty as to IDHS’s funding capacity, cash flow, and when IDHS’s service delivery system will be able to return to something close to normal.

So, while IDHS is committed to maintaining retention payments, at a minimum, for FY2020, while the pandemic continues, “current economic uncertainty” supports federal funding for providers whose performance has been impacted, both to support providers and to maximize limited State funds.

IDHS is grateful to every provider making good faith efforts to secure and to retain federal funding. Both directly and indirectly, this helps the provider, IDHS, the State, and the social and human services system everyone is counting on to get Illinois through this unprecedented challenge.

Thank you,
Grace B. Hou

Secretary, IDHS

Western Illinois Regional Council-Victim Services provides sexual assault counseling for adults, adolescents, children, victims’ significant others, and group counseling. They also provide medical/legal advocacy, civil no-contact orders, emergency shelter, and operate a 24-hour hotline for sexual assault victims. All of these services are free of charge.

During this time, all forms of interpersonal violence continue to occur. Not only is the violence continuing, but victims are more isolated. Victims may have no one to talk to, and may not be aware that our services continue to be available. Victims are also concerned about receiving medical care due to concerns over COVID – 19.  If a person discloses to you that they have been a victim of sexual violence you can refer them to WIRC and they will receive the adequate resources to handle the situation.

The number for the Fulton County office is 309-333-1934. The after-hours hotline number is 309-837-5555. For additional information visit their website: http://wirpc.org/victim-services/