Disability services in Cook County, Illinois

Adults 18 and older with intellectual disability, autism or a related developmental disability who need ICF/IID level of care.

Start with: Your Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency · (888) 337-5267 · Website (opens in a new tab)

People sign up on PUNS, the statewide waiting list, and are selected by how long they have been in the Seeking Services category as funding allows.

Steps

1. Call 1-888-DD-PLANS (1-888-337-5267) and enter your ZIP code to reach your ISC agency.
2. Ask the ISC agency to put you on PUNS in the Seeking Services category.
3. Update your PUNS form every year or when your needs change.
4. When you are selected, follow the steps in your invitation letter to apply for the waiver.
5. Apply for Medicaid when the ISC agency tells you to.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County

Children and young adults ages 3 to 21 with intellectual disability, autism or a related developmental disability who need ICF/IID level of care and need a child group home.

Start with: Your Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency · (888) 337-5267 · Website (opens in a new tab)

People sign up on PUNS, the statewide waiting list, and are selected by how long they have been in the Seeking Services category as funding allows.

Steps

1. Call 1-888-DD-PLANS (1-888-337-5267) and enter your ZIP code to reach your ISC agency.
2. Ask the ISC agency to put you on PUNS in the Seeking Services category.
3. Update your PUNS form every year or when your needs change.
4. When you are selected, follow the steps in your invitation letter to apply for the waiver.
5. Apply for Medicaid when the ISC agency tells you to.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County

Children and young adults ages 3 to 21 with intellectual disability, autism or a related developmental disability who need ICF/IID level of care and live with family.

Start with: Your Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency · (888) 337-5267 · Website (opens in a new tab)

People sign up on PUNS, the statewide waiting list, and are selected by how long they have been in the Seeking Services category as funding allows.

Steps

1. Call 1-888-DD-PLANS (1-888-337-5267) and enter your ZIP code to reach your ISC agency.
2. Ask the ISC agency to put you on PUNS in the Seeking Services category.
3. Update your PUNS form every year or when your needs change.
4. When you are selected, follow the steps in your invitation letter to apply for the waiver.
5. Apply for Medicaid when the ISC agency tells you to.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County

Children who are medically fragile and technology dependent or who need in-home shift nursing to live at home instead of a hospital or nursing facility.

Start with: UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Home Care Program · (800) 322-3722 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Illinois reported no waiting list for medically fragile children in the 2026 KFF survey.

Steps

1. Call DSCC at (800) 322-3722, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
2. Work with the DSCC enrollment team to fill out the HFS application packet.
3. Send your child's medical records.
4. If approved, work with your DSCC care coordinator to find home nurses.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County

People of any age with a brain injury who are at risk of nursing facility placement. You must meet asset limits and score enough points on the Determination of Need (DON).

Start with: Your IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) office (Home Services Program) · (800) 843-6154 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Illinois reported no waiting list for the brain injury waiver in the 2026 KFF survey.

Steps

1. Call 1-800-843-6154 or visit your local DRS office and ask for the Home Services Program.
2. Apply for Medicaid, or spend-down, if you do not have it.
3. Meet with Home Services staff at your home for the Determination of Need.
4. Give them your photo ID and permission to get medical records.
5. Make your service plan and choose your providers.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County

People of any age with HIV or AIDS who are at risk of nursing facility placement. You must meet asset limits and score enough points on the Determination of Need (DON).

Start with: Your IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) office (Home Services Program) · (800) 843-6154 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Illinois reported no waiting list for the HIV/AIDS waiver in the 2026 KFF survey.

Steps

1. Call 1-800-843-6154 or visit your local DRS office and ask for the Home Services Program.
2. Apply for Medicaid, or spend-down, if you do not have it.
3. Meet with Home Services staff at your home for the Determination of Need.
4. Give them your photo ID and permission to get medical records.
5. Make your service plan and choose your providers.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County

Illinois residents 60 and older with $17,500 or less in non-exempt assets who are at risk of nursing facility placement on the Determination of Need (DON) assessment.

Start with: Your local Care Coordination Unit (Community Care Program) · Website (opens in a new tab)

The Illinois Department on Aging says the program is available to anyone who asks and meets the rules; no waiting list is listed.

Steps

1. Find your local Care Coordination Unit with the Department on Aging map tool, or call your Area Agency on Aging.
2. Ask for the Community Care Program.
3. Complete the in-home Determination of Need assessment.
4. Apply for Medicaid, and enroll if you are eligible.
5. Choose your service providers with your care coordinator.

Your local Aging and Disability Resource Center can start the application. Find the one for Cook County.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County

People under 60 with a significant disability lasting 12 months or more who are at risk of nursing facility placement. You must meet asset limits and score enough points on the Determination of Need (DON).

Start with: Your IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) office (Home Services Program) · (800) 843-6154 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Illinois reported no waiting list for adults with physical disabilities in the 2026 KFF survey.

Steps

1. Call 1-800-843-6154 or visit your local DRS office and ask for the Home Services Program.
2. Apply for Medicaid, or spend-down, if you do not have it.
3. Meet with Home Services staff at your home for the Determination of Need.
4. Give them your photo ID and permission to get medical records.
5. Make your service plan and choose your providers.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County

Low-income older adults and adults with physical disabilities who would otherwise need nursing home care. Residents pay their own room and board.

Start with: A Supportive Living Program facility near you · Website (opens in a new tab)

There is no statewide waiting list (Illinois reported none for older adults and adults with physical disabilities in 2026). Each facility has a set number of Medicaid units, so ask the facility about openings.

Steps

1. Find a Supportive Living facility in your area.
2. Call the facility and ask if it has a Medicaid opening.
3. Apply for Medicaid if you do not have it.
4. Complete the needs screening.
5. Move in and sign a room and board agreement.

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers for Cook County