The state has eliminated a 40-year-old property tax relief program for senior citizens and the disabled because of Illinois' escalating budget problems.
Gov. Pat Quinn's administration ended the Circuit Breaker Program on Friday.
It was formed by the state in 1972 to help seniors and the disabled with property taxes.
The state spent $24 million on the program during the fiscal year ending June 30, with grants to homeowners typically ranging from about $90 to $350 depending on a recipient's income.
Quinn's administration said it had no choice but to abandon the program because no money was appropriated for it in the fiscal year starting July 1.
River Grove retiree Joeine Sheehan says her $35 annual check helped buy shoes or vitamins.