Illinois Healthcare Portal Person with a Disability

Welcome to the Healthcare Portal’s Disability Services Page, which helps to ensure that people with disabilities and their families get the information they need to take advantage of the services the State of Illinois has to offer. Read below to find information on health benefits for disabled workers, rehabilitation services, and how to sign up for services.

HFS Medical Benefits may be available for individuals who are age 65 or older, blind or have a permanent disability. To qualify for HFS Medical, persons must live in Illinois and meet income and asset limits. Persons must also be U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants. You can review the HFS Medical Benefits Information to find out if you qualify.

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) allows working individuals with a disability to pay a low monthly premium and receive full medical benefits. To find out if you’re eligible visit our Web site the HBWD Web site or call the Illinois Health Benefits Hotline at 1-800-226-0768 (TTY: 1-866-675-8440).

Social Security is a program administered by the Federal Government. For those who are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security, it can provide the following cash benefits for 1) Retirement Benefits, 2) Disability Benefits, 3) Widow and Survivor Benefits, 4) Additional Benefits known as Supplemental Security Benefits for those whose income is low and 5) Medicare. To find out more about who qualifies for benefits and how you can sign up for those benefits, visit the Social Security Administration's Web site or by telephone call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Hotline 1-888-DD-PLANS (1-888-337-5267) (TTY: 1-866-376-8446) is available to persons and the family of people with developmental disabilities to answer questions on community programs, respite care, and other state services available to persons with a disability. More information is also available visit the Developmental Disabilities Web site.

The Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state's lead agency for providing services to individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities. Visit the Division of Rehabilitation Services Web site or call the DRS Hotline at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-800-447-6404).

The Division of Mental Health (DMH) is responsible for assuring that children, adolescents and adults, throughout Illinois, have the availability of and access to public-funded mental health services. Services are available through 162 community mental health centers/agencies, 27 community hospitals with psychiatric units and nine state-operated hospitals. Community services help individuals maximize their potential and independence through an array of services which are designed to maintain an individual with mental illness in his home and community and sustain an enhanced quality of life. Information about access to these services may be obtained by contacting the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-800-447-6404) or visit the Division of Mental Health Web site.

The Statewide Coordinator for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services provides training programs and additional materials in the area of mental health and deafness/hearing loss. The program serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and who also have mental health needs. For more information contact the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-800-447-6404) or visit the Services for People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing site Web site.

The Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) Program, provides mental health screening, assessment, planning, crisis intervention and treatment services for youth who are at risk of psychiatric hospitalization and who are without resources other than the State’s Office of Mental Health. SASS helps prevent unnecessary hospitalizations of children and adolescents, and provides increased access to more appropriate community treatment alternatives. For more information on SASS services contact the DHS Help Line 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-800-447-6404) or visit the SASS Program Web site.

The Individual Care Grant (ICG) Program provides intensive residential-based treatment for children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances or mental illnesses. For more information on ICG services contact the Department of Human Services Hotline DHS Help Line 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-800-447-6404) or visit the ICG Program Web site.

UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has 13 regional offices across the state where care coordinators are available to assist families with medically eligible children (birth to age 21 years) access needed specialty services. The Core Program is the major focus of DSCC and offers care coordination and cost-supported diagnosis and treatment for children with chronic health impairments determined eligible for program support. The Home Care Program offers coordination and support for in-home medical care of technology-dependent children who would otherwise have to remain in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The Children's Habilitation Clinic, located on the west campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, within the Children and Adolescent Section of the Out-Patient Center, provides comprehensive diagnostic services to children with complex disabling conditions and provides ongoing rehabilitation and developmental management to those children to age 21. For more information about these programs, call 1-800-322-3722 or visit the UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children Web site.