The applicant must have owned and occupied the property as of January 1 and must have been 65 years of age or older during the tax year in question. Property Tax-Aide features three statewide programs for older Illinois residents: Low-income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE),Exemptions can reduce the taxable value of the property. You may file up to 4 exemptions. You can apply online for any of these exemptions through the Cook County Assessor's Office. Who qualifies for a Senior Freeze Exemption? See General Information. Qualified individuals must complete and file Form PTAX-340 (Senior. Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Application and. I'm going to show you how to apply for the homeowner exemption online with the cook county assessor's office.