HB5770 Summary

• Expands the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to include disabled persons, effective for disabled persons beginning in taxable year 2012.

• Defines "disabled person" as someone unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to result in death or last at least 12 months continuously.

• Allows disabled persons to qualify for the exemption if they meet the same requirements as senior citizens (65 years or older): household income not exceeding the maximum limitation ($55,000 in 2008 and thereafter), property ownership or legal interest, and liability for real property taxes.

• Requires disabled persons applying for the exemption to submit proof of disability, which can include federal Social Security disability benefits eligibility or an Illinois Disabled Person Identification Card showing Class 2 disability status.

• Changes the official name of the exemption to "Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption" throughout the Property Tax Code.