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Illinois Community Care Program: who qualifies and how to apply

The Community Care Program (CCP) helps Illinois adults 60 and older stay out of nursing homes with in-home service, adult day service and emergency response. It is run by the Department on Aging.

Carevo editorial team Updated October 27, 2026 Source checked by Carevo editorial team, October 27, 2026

The Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) pays for in-home and community services for adults 60 and older who are at risk of needing a nursing facility. You must live in Illinois, meet the program's asset limit, be assessed as needing long-term care and apply for Medicaid. Local Care Coordination Units handle services.

What CCP is

The Illinois Department on Aging says CCP was established in 1979 by Public Act 81-202 and helps older adults who might otherwise need nursing home care remain in their homes through in-home and community-based services. The Department says the program is available to any person who requests services and meets all current eligibility requirements.

CCP services listed by the Department are:

  • Comprehensive care coordination, by local Care Coordination Units.
  • In-Home Service: help with household tasks such as cleaning, meal planning and preparation, laundry, shopping and errands, and personal care such as dressing, bathing, grooming and special diets.
  • Adult Day Service: for older adults who want to stay in the community but cannot be home alone during the day because of a physical, social or mental impairment. The Department says it also gives family caregivers a break. Centers provide health services, medication supervision, personal care, recreation and meals.
  • Emergency Home Response Service: a 24-hour emergency communication link for older adults with documented health and safety needs and mobility limitations.
  • Automated Medication Dispenser Service: a portable system that dispenses or reminds the participant to take non-liquid oral medications, with caregiver notification of a missed dose.

Who qualifies

The Department's page lists these conditions. You must:

  • be 60 or older;
  • be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen in specific categories;
  • be an Illinois resident;
  • have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less, where your home, car and personal furnishings are exempt;
  • have an assessed need for long-term care, meaning you are at risk for nursing facility placement as measured by the Determination of Need (DON) assessment; and
  • apply for and, if eligible, enroll in Medicaid.

The asset figure above is the one on the Department's page as of October 27, 2026. It can change, so check the page. The Department's In-Home Care page also says people who meet CCP criteria and enroll receive services at no out-of-pocket cost.

How to apply

CCP services are coordinated by local organizations called Care Coordination Units (CCUs) in the Aging network. To find yours, use the Department's map tool, or call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 (711 TRS). The Department says CCUs coordinate CCP services at the community level.

Hiring a family member or friend

The Department's In-Home Service page says In-Home Service providers taking part in CCP may choose to hire any family member, including a spouse, a Power of Attorney, a representative payee, a legal guardian, a friend or a neighbor. That person must meet qualifications, pass a background check, complete 24 hours of pre-service training and agree to be supervised by the provider. The Department says not all providers employ family members, and your CCU will discuss your options. You are free to change your mind at any time.

The Department also says all In-Home Service providers must run a non-fingerprint criminal history check when they make a conditional offer of employment. If a relative is hired, they work for the agency, not for you directly.

Complaints

The Department on Aging's In-Home Care page lists complaint contacts for CCP and other programs. For CCP services, start there.

What CCP is not

CCP is for adults 60 and older. People under 60 with severe disabilities use the Department of Human Services' Home Services Program. See the Illinois overview and paid family caregiver in Illinois.

Carevo is a connection platform and directory. We do not run CCP or enroll anyone. If you want private-pay help or are waiting on the program, see home care in Illinois.

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Common questions

Who qualifies for the Community Care Program?

The Department on Aging lists: 60 or older, a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, an Illinois resident, non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less, an assessed need for long-term care (risk of nursing facility placement, measured by the Determination of Need assessment), and applying for and, if eligible, enrolling in Medicaid.

What counts as exempt assets?

The Department says your home, car and personal furnishings are classified as exempt assets.

What does CCP pay for?

In-home service (household tasks and personal care by a home care aide), adult day service, emergency home response and an automated medication dispenser, plus comprehensive care coordination.

Can a family member be my paid home care aide?

Some In-Home Service providers hire family members. The Department says providers may choose to hire any family member, including a spouse, a Power of Attorney, representative payee, legal guardian, friend or neighbor who meets qualifications, passes a background check, completes 24 hours of pre-service training and agrees to be supervised by the provider. Not all providers do.

How do I start?

Services are coordinated by local Care Coordination Units (CCUs). Find yours with the Department on Aging's map tool, or call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.

Does CCP cost anything?

The Department of Aging's In-Home Care page says people who meet CCP eligibility criteria and enroll receive services at no out-of-pocket cost.

Is there a program for people under 60?

Yes. The Department of Human Services runs the Home Services Program for adults under 60 with severe disabilities.

Sources

Review status: Carevo checked this page against the primary sources listed above. It has not been professionally reviewed by a registered nurse, licensed social worker, benefits counselor or attorney. See our editorial standards.

This page is general information, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules and services vary by state and by individual circumstances. Use the official sources and decision-maker named on the page. Carevo is a connection platform, not a care provider.