Illinois
Home Services Program (HSP)
Self-directed care programs in Illinois that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Home Services Program
Wait: VariesPA Hourly Rate
$19.50 - $22.75
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,500 - $4,000
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire a family member (not spouse) as your Personal Assistant
- Choose, train, and supervise your own PA
- Receive help with bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, and errands
- Have multiple PAs for scheduling flexibility
- Request a reassessment if your needs change
- Receive up to 24 hours of service per day in certain cases
What You Can't Do
- Hire your spouse as a paid PA
- Enroll if you are 60 years old or older (transition to CCP)
- Use HSP funds for medical or skilled nursing services
- Receive services while living in a nursing facility
- Have your PA perform tasks outside the approved service plan
- Bypass the required background check for PAs
How to Apply
Verify Medicaid enrollment
You must have active Illinois Medicaid. Apply through your local DHS office or online at ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility).
Contact DHS for HSP application
Call the Division of Rehabilitation Services at (877) 581-3690 or visit your local DHS office to request an HSP application.
Complete medical certification
Your physician must complete a medical form certifying your physical disability and need for in-home assistance.
Receive Determination of Need assessment
A DHS caseworker visits your home to assess your functional limitations and calculate your service hours.
Receive authorization notice
You'll get a written notice of your approved service hours. You may appeal within 60 days if you disagree.
Hire your Personal Assistant
Find and hire your PA. They must complete enrollment through the provider enrollment process.
PA completes enrollment
Your PA submits enrollment paperwork, completes a background check, and registers for electronic timesheets.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Illinois
Government-issued photo ID
Driver's license, state ID, or passport
Social Security card
For payroll processing and tax reporting
W-4 tax withholding form
Federal and state tax withholding elections
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization verification
Illinois State Police background check
Criminal history record check through ISP
Health Care Worker Registry check
Clearance through the IL Health Care Worker Registry
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) registration
Registration for the state EVV system for timesheet submission
Direct deposit enrollment
Bank account details for electronic payroll
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Home Services Program in Illinois?
You must be under 60 years old, enrolled in Illinois Medicaid, have a physical disability that requires help with daily activities, and be able to live safely at home with support.
Can a family member be my PA in Illinois?
Yes. Family members including parents and adult children can be hired as Personal Assistants. However, spouses are generally not eligible to be paid PAs under HSP.
What happens when I turn 60?
The HSP serves individuals under 60. At age 60, you transition to the Community Care Program (CCP) run by the Illinois Department on Aging, which offers similar in-home services for seniors.
How are my HSP hours calculated?
A Department of Human Services (DHS) caseworker conducts a Determination of Need (DON) assessment. Your score determines the number of authorized service hours per month.
What is the PA pay rate in Illinois?
PA rates range from $19.50 to $22.75 per hour. Rates have increased in recent years through SEIU union negotiations. PAs may also receive health insurance benefits.
Can I have more than one PA?
Yes. You can hire multiple PAs to ensure coverage. Each PA must independently complete enrollment and background check requirements.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Illinois's HSP program.