Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Information Bulletin
DD.24.013
Purpose:
This information bulletin is to clarify the details and use of the PUNS Adult selection letter to ensure individuals and families are clear about their rights to access the Adults with Developmental Disabilities (DD) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver services. It will also support Independent Service Coordinators (ISC) to offer clear, consistent communication with individuals and families.
Background:
As noted in the Independent Service Coordination Manual, PUNS selections for Adult Waiver services will occur as funding is available. Selections for adults will be based on a person's cumulative length of time on the PUNS database in the Seeking Services Category after age 18. At the time of selection, the individual will be notified with a selection letter sent via United States Postal Service (USPS) and the individual's Independent Service Coordinator (ISC) will be notified directly and provided a copy of the letter. It is important for individuals and families to promptly inform their ISC agency of any address changes.
PUNS Selection letters do not expire:
The selection letter does not have an expiration date. Once selected, an individual may use their letter at any time in the future, it never expires or becomes invalid, except the circumstance listed below.
The circumstance under which a selected individual in receipt of a letter would not be able to use the selection letter any time in the future is:
- Letter has already been used to obtain Adult DD wavier services and then the individual left services. If an individual leaves Adult DD waiver services and wants to return to services, they need to receive a new letter through the regular PUNs selection process or through crisis.
PUNS Selection letters remain valid even when an individual declines services:
A PUNS selection letter is not voided by declining services or utilizing other non-DD waiver services. This means, should the selected individual choose not to enroll in services now, they will have the opportunity to do so in the future when waiver services best meet their needs. If things change, they may contact their ISC at any time and use their selection letter.
Importance of Accurate and Timely PUNS status updates:
Because PUNS selection letters do not expire and are valid even if services are declined, it's important for ISCs to provide the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) with accurate updates about all individuals they serve. Closing PUNS or placing an individual in the Planning category does not impact that individual's ability to use their PUNS selection letter. If the individual's needs are currently being met in another way, DDD encourages ISCs to close their PUNS or change the individual to Planning category so that the Seeking category more accurately reflects those who are actively pursuing services, as the category was intended. ISCs should provide DDD with accurate status updates without worrying that these actions will impact the person's ability to use their letter. As stated in the Independent Service Coordination Manual, the ISC agency is responsible for updating, changing and closing PUNS records to ensure the information in the database accurately reflects the person's need and/or desire.
Summary:
DDD wants to assure individuals, families, and stakeholders that a PUNS selection letter can be used when the person wants or needs DD waiver services. When individuals are selected from PUNS and their needs are currently being met in another way, their options remain open to them. In this circumstance, the correct action would be for the ISC to close PUNS or place the individual in the Planning category.
If you have any questions about this Information Bulletin, please contact Ashley Kjos with the Division of Developmental Disabilities: Ashley.Kjos@illinois.gov
Effective Date
This Information Bulletin is effective immediately upon posting as final.
