IL Persons with Disabilities Waiver Explained

The Persons with Disabilities Waiver is a Medicaid program that provides home and community-based services to eligible individuals with disabilities in Illinois.

Overview of Persons with Disabilities Waiver

The Persons with Disabilities Waiver (PDW) is a Medicaid program that provides home and community-based services (HCBS) to individuals with disabilities between the ages of 19 and 59. The purpose of this waiver is to enable individuals with disabilities to live independently in their own homes or community settings rather than in institutions. The PDW also aims to promote the health, safety, and well-being of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.

The PDW serves individuals who have a physical disability or a developmental disability that is not related to aging. The PDW does not serve individuals with a primary diagnosis of mental illness, substance abuse, or intellectual disability. The PDW is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the PDW, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of 19 and 59
• Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
• Be a resident of Illinois
• Have a physical disability or a developmental disability that is not related to aging
• Have a disability that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death
• Require a level of care that is equivalent to that provided in an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD) or a skilled nursing facility (SNF)
• Have an income that does not exceed 300% of the federal benefit rate (FBR) for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is $2,382 per month in 2023
• Have assets that are under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple
• Be willing and able to direct their services or have a designated representative who can do so on their behalf

Services and Supports

The PDW offers a range of services and supports designed to meet each participant's individual needs and preferences. Some of the services and supports available under the PDW are:

• Personal assistant services: These services assist the participant with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and mobility. Personal assistants can also help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and transportation. Personal assistants are hired, trained, supervised, and dismissed by the participant or their designated representative.
• Homemaker services: These are services that assist the participant with IADLs only. Homemakers are hired, trained, supervised, and dismissed by DHS/DRS.
• Adult day service: This service provides structured activities, socialization, supervision, and personal care in a group setting during the day. Adult day service can also include transportation to and from the service site.
• Home health aide: This service provides skilled nursing care or therapy services in the participant's home under the direction of a registered nurse or therapist.
• Home modifications: These are physical changes made to the participant's home to improve accessibility, safety, and independence. Examples of home modifications include ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, lowered countertops, etc.
• Assistive technology: These devices or equipment enhance the participant's ability to perform ADLs or IADLs. Examples of assistive technology include wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, communication devices, etc.
• Emergency home response service: This service provides an electronic device that allows the participant to summon help in an emergency. The device can be worn as a pendant or bracelet or installed as a wall unit.
• Respite care: This service temporarily relieves the participant's primary caregiver. Respite care can be provided in the participant's home or another setting.

Compensation for Caregivers

One of the benefits of the PDW is that it allows participants to choose their assistants. This means that participants can hire their family members as personal assistants and pay them for the care they provide. Family members who can be hired as personal assistants include spouses, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws.

The PDW pays personal assistants an hourly wage that DHS/DRS determines. The compensation varies depending on the county where the participant lives and the type of service provided. As of July 1, 2023, the hourly wage for personal assistants ranges from $13.50 to $15.00. Personal assistants can work up to 40 hours per week or up to the hours authorized by DHS/DRS.

To become a personal assistant, a family member must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Have a valid driver's license or state ID
• Pass a criminal background check
• Complete an orientation and training program
• Sign an employment agreement with DHS/DRS
• Submit timesheets and other required paperwork to DHS/DRS

Learn more about Medicaid self-directed care >>

A Note from Givers

If you are interested in applying for this waiver or finding out if you are eligible for compensation as a family caregiver, please fill out this form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are here to help you get the support you need and deserve.