Disability Benefits and Information

• Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) helps people with disabilities fully participate in all aspects of life. Services provided through IATP:
• TechConnect - help in finding devices or lower-cost alternatives,
• Device Loan Program,
• Demonstration Center to learn about devices and their use,
• Legislative Information Pipeline,
• On-site workshops,
• Evaluation of organizations to meet the technological-services needs of clients, students, and consumers with disabilities.
• iLoan Low Interest Loan Program provides low interest loans to Illinois residents with disabilities. They can use the loans to buy:
• assistive technology devices,
• services,
• home modifications,
• equipment services, or
• home modifications for home-based employment.

• Social Security Disability Insurance Program
• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) This medical program offers healthcare coverage to people ages of 16 and 64. They must have a job and have a disability. This program removes the biggest fears you may have about losing healthcare coverage if you decide to work. It allows you to have more choices when returning to work, working more hours, or moving to a better, higher-paying job.

• Click here to download an HBWD application. Or contact your local CWIC.
• Illinois Healthcare and Family Services Medical Programs - This is also called Medicaid, All Kids, FamilyCare, Moms & Babies, HFS Medical Benefits or Veterans Care.

• Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) is a state-wide organization. It is made up of 24 Centers for Independent Living in Illinois. "The Centers for Independent Living are there to empower individuals with disabilities. They help people to take charge of their lives, make their own choices and decisions in order to be as self-sufficient as possible."
• Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities:
• Contact your local Center for Independent Living to learn about transportation options in your community.

• Mental Health Services provide assistance and information on services provided through mental health centers to include. These include:
• Acute: outpatient care,
• Mental health treatment,
• Specialized programs for adolescents and children,
• Rehabilitation and support, and
• State hospital treatment.

Click here to see list of counties being served

• education,
• employment opportunities, and
• independent living.

Access the resources and see if you qualify for disability benefits. Visit the following DHS / Rehabilitation Services and federal sites:

• Consumer Opportunity Loans are offered by the Illinois Treasurer's Office. They can be used to pay for construction projects or to purchase equipment.
• Disability Determination Services helps citizens of Illinois determine their eligibility to receive benefits under the Social Security Disability Program.
• Disabilityinfo.gov is the federal government's online resource for people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers and others. It gives information about disability programs, services, laws and benefits.
• DRS Rehabilitation Services Referral helps you find Rehabilitation Service Providers or Referral Agencies in your area.
• Federal Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income helps people to determine their eligibility to receive benefits.
• Home Services Program provides services to individuals with severe disabilities. This can help people stay in their homes and be as independent as possible.
• Residential education and outreach programs for individuals with disabilities. Programs are provided by Educational Services.
• U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Find information and funding resources to help adults and children with disabilities.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps individuals with disabilities to find and keep a job. They specialize in supporting individuals who are: blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, and Hispanic or Latino. Services are provided by Illinois Dept. of Human Services (Division of Rehabilitation Services).
  

Click here to see a list of counties being served

Services for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Guild for the Blind

• The Guild's Consumer Product Center (CPC) carries a wide variety of products for sale. Products are designed to assist people who are blind or visually impaired. They assist them with daily living tasks at home, work, or at school.

Illinois Council of the Blind  promotes the general welfare of citizens in Illinois who are blind. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for all blind and visually impaired Illinois citizens. Their purpose includes protecting the rights and privileges of visually impaired Illinois citizens. They do this by monitoring legislation, agencies, and organizations that provide services for them. The council provides mutual encouragement and support through social change.

Resources for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Resources are available through The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

• Visit the DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing page.
• The Center on Deafness is a not for profit Illinois Corporation. They serve children and adults who have hearing impairments with additional handicapping conditions such as mental illness or developmental disabilities.
• CHOICES for Parents facilitates the optimal development of children with newly identified hearing loss. They provide parents with access to support, information and resources to meet their family's needs.
• The Illinois Deaf & Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) provides information about hearing loss to the State of Illinois. This information includes public awareness about hearing loss and demographic information on hearing loss in Illinois. They also provide statutes at the Federal and State level affecting the deaf and hard of hearing.
• The Illinois Service Resource Center (ISRC) is the coordination center for a wide variety of services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and exhibit behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. ISRC provides training, technical assistance and resources for parents and educators.
• Statewide Interpreter List by county. This is a regional and alphabetical listing. Interpreters sorted by proficiency level.
  
  Resources for Individuals who have Developmental Disabilities
  The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Developmental Services website provides assistance to people with developmental disabilities. Some of them are listed below.
  
• A list and contact information for the nine regional developmental centers located in Illinois. This is provided by State-operated Developmental Centers.
• Information on the investment of improved delivery services and support of programs. This is for people with developmental disabilities and their families. It is provided by the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.
• Find Developmental Disability Services Providers or Referral Agencies in your area, visit State Developmental Centers Locator for all Illinois Counties.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Work Incentives provide cash assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and assets.
• The 2009 & 2010 Federal Benefit Rate was $674.00. The asset limit is $2000 for a single person.
• Most people are also eligible for a state of Illinois medical card.

• Social Security Administration connects to disability-related information
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to people with disabilities who are insured workers under the Social Security Act. Your contributions are based on your earnings (or those of your parents) through the Federal Insurance Contribution Act.
• SSDI checks vary since they are based on the amount you paid in over your work history. Medicare begins two years after you start receiving SDDI.
• Your child may receive SSDI benefits as a Childhood Disability Beneficiary. This is only if you have a disability, if you are deceased or if you are retired.

How do I contact the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) expert?

• Click here to learn more about PASS. The plan lets you save money to pay for career goals.
• If you receive SSI and have another source of income, the PASS allows you to save for this goal. SSI can be used to pay for basics. This could be food and/or shelter. Income or assets can be set aside in a PASS. This money is not counted when deciding eligibility for SSI.
• PASS can be used to pay for college, training, and business start-up. This can help you earn enough money to become financially independent.
• To learn more about Social Security benefits or PASS, contact your local CWIC.