Born in 1959 or earlier?

If you own and live in your home in Cook County, you may qualify for the Senior Citizen Exemption — a property tax break that lowers your home’s taxable value by $8,000, saving most homeowners hundreds of dollars a year.

You don’t have to have lived there all year — the exemption can be pro-rated — and if you missed it before, you can apply for refunds up to three years back.

When you apply, bring proof of age (65+) and proof you live in the home.