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Illinois Home Services Program: personal assistants for adults under 60

The Home Services Program (HSP) helps Illinois adults under 60 with severe disabilities stay in their homes. Customers can hire their own personal assistants. The Department of Human Services runs it.

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

The Home Services Program (HSP) is the Illinois Department of Human Services' program for adults under 60 with severe disabilities. It pays for in-home help, and customers can hire their own personal assistants. You refer yourself through the Rehabilitation Services web referral or a local DHS office.

What HSP is

DHS says the Home Services Program serves people with severe disabilities under age 60 who need help with daily living activities in their homes, many of whom are at risk of moving into a nursing home or other facility. It sits within the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the state's lead agency for people with disabilities. DHS tells people 60 and over to contact the Illinois Department on Aging, which runs the Community Care Program.

The Department on Aging's In-Home Care page says HSP aims to help adults under age 60 with a severe disability maintain their independence and gives a cost-effective alternative to nursing home placement. People who meet the criteria and enroll receive services at no out-of-pocket cost.

What HSP covers

DHS lists these services:

  • Personal Assistant (PA): household tasks, personal care and, with a doctor's permission, certain health care procedures.
  • Homemaker Services: personal care by trained, professionally supervised staff for customers who are unable to direct a PA, plus instruction in household management and self-care.
  • Maintenance Home Health: services under a treatment plan from a physician or other health care professional, including nursing and physical, occupational and speech therapy.
  • Electronic Home Response: a rented signaling device for 24-hour emergency coverage.
  • Home Delivered Meals for people who can feed themselves but cannot prepare food.
  • Adult Day Care.
  • Assistive Equipment, purchased or rented.
  • Environmental Modification of the home.
  • Respite Services for families of adults and children with disabilities.

DHS also lists specialized services for people with HIV/AIDS or traumatic brain injuries, and a Community Reintegration Program for people with disabilities who live in nursing homes and want to move to the community.

Hiring your own personal assistant

DHS says customers may hire their own PAs to help in their home, based on the service plan they develop with their DRS rehabilitation counselor. The Department on Aging says PAs are selected, employed and supervised by individual customers. Homemaker agencies may supply workers for people who need someone to supervise their PA.

The pages we read do not say whether relatives may be hired as PAs, and do not list exclusions. For homemaker services, the Department on Aging says a family member or friend must meet qualifications, pass a background check, complete pre-service training and be hired and supervised by a provider agency before being paid. Ask your local DRS office what applies to your situation. See paid family caregiver in Illinois.

How to apply

DHS says to use the online Rehabilitation Services Web Referral to refer yourself or someone else for services. DRS staff work from 47 local offices, and you can find the nearest with the DHS Office Locator or call the toll-free number on the HSP page, (800) 843-6154 (voice, English or Spanish), or (866) 324-5553 (TTY). For general DRS questions, DHS lists an email address on its Rehabilitation Services page.

Home Care Ombudsman

DHS says the Home Care Ombudsman Program helps HSP customers by advocating for their interests, helping them identify resources, understand procedures and resolve problems, and protecting their rights. The Department on Aging's In-Home Care page gives contact details.

What we did not find

We could not read an official DHS page that sets hours, pay rates or a financial test for HSP, so we do not state any. Ask your DRS counselor.

Carevo is a connection platform and directory. We do not run HSP or enroll anyone. If you want help outside the program, see home care in Illinois and the Illinois overview.

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Common questions

Who can get Home Services Program services?

DHS says the program serves people with severe disabilities under age 60 who need help with daily living activities in their homes. Many are at risk of moving into a nursing home or other facility. People 60 and over are directed to the Illinois Department on Aging.

What is a personal assistant?

DHS says a personal assistant (PA) provides assistance with household tasks, personal care and, with a doctor's permission, certain health care procedures. PAs are selected, employed and supervised by individual customers.

Can I hire a relative as my personal assistant?

DHS says customers may hire their own PAs based on the service plan they develop with their DRS rehabilitation counselor. The pages we read do not list excluded relatives, so ask your DRS office. For homemaker services, the Department on Aging says a family member or friend must meet qualifications, pass a background check, complete pre-service training and be hired and supervised by a provider agency.

How do I apply?

Use the online Rehabilitation Services web referral to refer yourself or someone else, or call the toll-free number on the DHS page. DHS says services are provided through 47 local offices.

Does the Home Services Program cost anything?

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

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.