I-PASS Assist Program To Provide Financial Relief By Ending Deposit, Lowering Down Payment

CHICAGO (CBS) -- New financial relief is coming for those who have avoided getting an I-PASS for Illinois tollways.

Starting Wednesday, the agency is doing away with the $10 deposit to apply for a transponder. And instead of the initial $20 down payment, that is only $4.

Also, for a limited time, signing up could get buyers a free gift card.

It's part of a new program called I-PASS Assist. It is meant to help lower income families deal with the exclusively cashless system implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We're already at more than 90% of our total transactions are with I-PASS. So we have a huge percentage of people doing I-PASS already," said Daniel Rozek, a spokesperson for the Illinois Tollway. "We're trying to broaden this opportunity to more people, including those who might be struggling financially."

To qualify, drivers must apply online and make a certain

To qualify, you must apply online and household income must not exceed 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines as verified by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

You can find that info on CBS Chicago dot com.