Operation Senior Shovel

The City of Aurora’s Operation Senior Shovel (OSS) Program provides free snow removal assistance during the winter months for senior citizens and individuals living with disabilities who are physically or financially unable to clear their own walkways and driveways.

In partnership with generous Snow Angel Volunteers, the program connects residents in need with caring neighbors who are willing to help during snow events. This life-enhancing service supports safe mobility, reduces isolation, and ensures that our most vulnerable residents can remain safely in their homes. 

Program Services

• Snow removal services are only activated once a snow event is officially announced by the City of Aurora as a qualifying snow event of 2 or more inches of snow.

• You do not need to call to request snow removal. Service is automatically initiated by the Senior and Disability Services Team once a qualifying snow event occurs.

• You can expect snow removal to be completed within 48 hours of the initial qualifying snowfall.

• It is important to know, that participating in last year’s program, does not make you automatically eligible for this year’s program. Participation does not carry over from year to year.

Requirements For Senior Citizens

• Occupants in your house, must also be over the age of 60 for you to qualify, OR, if aged 18 to 59, must be unable to shovel snow due to a temporary or permanent disability or serious medical condition

• Each occupant aged 18 to 59 may be required to provide a statement, from a medical professional, verifying that the disability or serious medical condition prevents them from shoveling snow

• If any occupants, aged 18 to 59, are not disabled or have a serious medical condition, then the elderly resident is not eligible for the program

Requirements For Individuals With Disabilities

• The applying resident may be required to provide a statement, from a medical professional, verifying that the disability or medical condition prevents you from shoveling snow

• Occupants in your house aged 18 or older, may be required to provide a statement from a medical professional stating that they are disabled or have a serious medical condition and cannot shovel snow

• If the occupants in your house are not disabled, or have a serious medical condition, then the disabled resident is not eligible for the program

Registration is Closed. Sign Up for Our Waitlist Below.

Sign up for our Waitlist 

Become a City of Aurora Snow Angel Volunteer!

Do you enjoy helping others during the winter months? Sign up to be a Snow Angel Volunteer and support your senior and disabled neighbors with snow removal during qualifying snow events.

Here is a brief overview of the Snow Angel commitment for the 2025-2026 Winter Season:

If you have questions, or would like to share a testimony or photos from your OSS experience, please email us at SeniorShovel@aurora.il.us or call at 311.

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