Illinois Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services or PUNS is a database of individuals registered for Developmental Disability Waiver services funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). These services might include Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), home-based supports, respite care, adaptive equipment, or employment support, among other services. As state funding becomes available, the state selects individuals from PUNS and invites them to apply for DD Waiver services.
New Developments for 2023
Some recent developments make immediately signing your child with special needs up for PUNS even more important. In July 2022, Governor Pritzker signed a budget for FY 2023 into law that includes $209 million in new funding for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to the FY 2023 Revisions to the Ligas Implementation Plan, DDD will be able to invest these new funds into various programs, including:
- Choosing 700 new adults from the PUNS list; and
- Choosing 100 children from the PUNS list to receive children’s Home-Based Support services for the first time in 12 years.
Applying for PUNS
PUNS has two categories of registered individuals: Seeking Services (for people who need or want services now) and Planning for Services (for people who do not need or want services now but may need or want services in the future). Selection from PUNS depends on the length of time that a person spends in the Seeking Services category. Due to the new funding approved by the State of Illinois for the Children’s Waiver, individuals under 18 that are listed as Seeking Services have the chance to be randomly selected to receive funding under the children’s waiver without the need to prove crisis and without any income or asset test.
Beyond the Children’s Waiver, you should apply now to ensure your child has the best chance to be selected for adult services when they will need it later on. The PUNS list is lengthy, and when your child is invited to apply for DD Waiver services, he or she may need those services. Therefore, parents should sign their children up for PUNS and update their PUNS form every year to keep their child in his or her priority spot on the PUNS list to remain eligible for services.
You can sign your child up for PUNS through your area’s Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency. You can find your local ISC agency by calling the Division of Developmental Disabilities hotline at 1-888-DD-PLANS and 1-866-376-8446 (TTY) during business hours and typing in your zip code at the prompt or by accessing the DHS Office Locator.
Pending Legislation Concerning PUNS
In February 2023, Sen. Laura M. Murphy (D) introduced SB1411, which amends the Department of Human Services Act, including provisions that affect the PUNS list. The bill would add individuals in State-operated developmental centers and individuals in community-integrated living arrangements to the list of individuals who must be registered in PUNS. The Secretary of Human Services also would be required to seek input from various advisory bodies in the areas of intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders concerning the establishment, maintenance, and administration of PUNS.
Furthermore, the bill requires DHS to contact individuals in PUNS regarding their status and available services, including housing, home-based services, employment and training, respite care, and day programs, at least twice per year via email or mail. DHS also must collaborate with the State Board of Education to ensure that students with disabilities and their parents are informed of PUNS.
Finally, the bill requires DHS to seek any available federal funding to upgrade its technology to implement “an effective and efficient system of operating and maintaining PUNS and making the web-based verification and information-update application developed by the Department available to individuals listed in PUNS.”
Rubin Law is an Illinois law firm whose sole purpose is to enhance the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and mental illnesses. We offer legal services and future planning for adults and children with special needs. Our patience, compassion, and unique understanding of individuals with disabilities and those who care for them allow us to offer the legal guidance that you need.
We have the skills and knowledge to help you provide for your child’s future needs and meet your objectives. Set up a time to speak with us about your family by emailing us at email@rubinlaw.com or calling 866-TO-RUBIN.