SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — More Illinois seniors qualify for state benefits such as discounted license plates and free transit under new income guidelines that took effect for 2020.

The Illinois Department of Aging announced new, higher income limits will be used eligibility for the state’s Benefit Access Program.

State officials say the changes reflect annual cost of living increases for Social Security and supplemental security income benefits.

Under the new guidelines, single-person households will qualify if they earn less than $33,562 in annual income. That’s up from $27,610 last year.