On the first day after a robocall reminding seniors to apply for the senior exemption before the February 7th deadline, the Cook County Assessor’s Office and suburban satellite offices were flooded on Friday with a record number of 1,053 seniors seeking to apply for the exemption. Assessor Berrios recently passed legislation that increased the senior exemption and reduced the annual household income required to qualify for the senior freeze. To qualify, seniors should be a property owner in Cook County and 65 years of age. In early January, the Assessor’s office mailed renewal forms to previous recipients. By law property owners must file for a senior exemption and freeze on a yearly basis. To better inform communities about the appeal process without the need for an attorney the Assessor’s Office has increased community outreach seminars, workshops, and appearances to over 280 annually. Seniors have until February 7th to apply for a senior exemption. For more information or to request an application please call the Cook County Assessor’s Office at 312-443-7550 or visit www.cookcountyassessor.com. Seniors can also go to the downtown office at 118 N Clark Street, Third Floor or any of the satellite offices for assistance.