DDD Communication | October 30, 2025

IN 10/30/2025 COMMUNICATION:

  • Important Update: Potential Impact of Federal Government Shutdown on SNAP Benefits
  • Draft IB Posted
  • Reminder for CILA Providers Working with STAT Services
  • November is National Family Caregiver Month
  • Survey Opportunities
  • Sex Offender Registry Notice - Revised Information
  • Training Opportunities
  • Other Resources - WOW Meetings Reboot

IMPORTANT UPDATE: POTENTIAL IMPACT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ON SNAP BENEFITS

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) wants to make you aware that the Presidential Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have informed all states that, if the federal government shutdown continues, SNAP (food stamp) benefits will not be paid starting in November 2025.

This means SNAP customers may not receive November food benefits unless Congress takes action to reopen the government. For the most recent updates, please visit the SNAP Federal Impact Center.

Medicaid Waiver Funded Division of Developmental Disabilities programs continue. Regularly scheduled benefits and provider payments will continue through November 2025, and IDHS offices remain open and ready to assist. Updates will be provided as they are available.

If individuals or families need help accessing food during this time, the following resources may be helpful:

IDHS Family Community Resource Center offices remain open and accepting applications for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash programs by all regular means (in person, by phone, online, mail, fax, drop-off). SNAP application and eligibility guidelines can be found here: IL Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE)

DRAFT INFORMATION BULLETIN POSTED

When policy is being written, prior to being published, the Draft Information Bulletin (Draft IB) is shared for public comments and feedback. Review the current Draft IBs by visiting DDD Draft Information Bulletins and submit comments on any open drafts to DHS.DDDComments@Illinois.gov.

Current Draft IB: Competency-Based Training and Assessment for Medication Administration

  • Competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) is the process by which a provider's nurse-trainer trains and assesses the authorized direct support professional's ability safely and effectively administer medication to individuals who benefit from that support. Updated guidelines have been posted as a draft.
  • Please submit comments by email to DHS.DDDComments@Illinois.gov by close of business November 13, 2025.

You can access Final Information bulletins here: DDD Final Information Bulletins

REMINDER FOR CILA PROVIDERS WORKING WITH STAT SERVICES

The Specialized Telehealth and Assessment Team Service (STAT) Information Bulletin (IB) has been updated. The revised language clarifies billing expectations. When an individual indicates to their ISC that they want to receive the STAT service (bill code 52T) through their personal plan, the CILA provider is notified by DDD with a new rate sheet. The CILA provider is expected to work closely with the STAT provider to ensure the individual receives the service timely. The CILA provider is also expected to deliver all applicable data to the STAT provider for appropriate billing of services. This process functions similar to other billable services like Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech and Behavioral Supports. Language has been updated in this IB to reflect the above-noted clarification: Specialty Telehealth and Assessment Team (STAT) Information Bulletin.

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER MONTH

During November, the IDHS Division of Developmental Disabilities honors family members and loved ones across Illinois who provide essential support to people with developmental disabilities. We see the strength, perseverance, and patience it takes to navigate caregiving. Your efforts help ensure that people live with dignity, independence, and connection in their communities. Your work matters profoundly to the individuals you care for and to the broader Illinois communities you help sustain.

Thank you for showing up every day with compassion and commitment.

Related Resources and Events:

SURVEY OPPORTUNITIES

UPCOMING TRAINING: CREATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) "Illinois Supportive Housing Institute" is coming soon! CSH is offering training for developing supportive housing initiatives that includes all aspects of creating supporting housing. Graduates from the workshops series will have a plan and a path for acquiring funding. Illinois Supportive Housing Institute 2026 will take place in Springfield starting in March. The application process will open in November with all applications being due in January. For questions, please contact CSH email.

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY NOTICE - REVISED INFORMATION

The online IL Sex Offender Registry (ILSO) no longer provides time stamps due to a website change. Providers still need to show proof that they ran the registry within proper time frames to remain compliant with standards.

Effective 10/27/2025 - the information regarding process/steps to print time and date stamped notification that was provided 10/22/2025 has been rescinded and is being revised. You may refer your questions to Gary Holman, Administrator for Bureau of Quality Management (BQM).

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

  • IARF - "The Roadmap to Becoming a Behavioral Health Clinic - Part 2" is the second in a series of discussions about the necessary steps to becoming an operational Behavioral Health Clinic. The session is free and virtually presented on November 4, 2025, starting at 10:00 am Central Time. Register here: IARF BHC - Zoom
  • Epilepsy Foundation Greater Southern IL - Seizure Recognition & First Aid Certification Training provided free of charge. Request a training from Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois Community Education Specialist at (618) 236-2181 ext. 113 or email Will Rieger.
  • IDHS Grants - Quarter 2 FY26 Grantee Training "Monthly Grant Invoice" is a free virtual webinar that will be presented November 4, 2025, starting at 1:30 pm Central Time. Register here: Q2 FY26 Grantee WebEx
  • OIG - OIG Liaison In-Person Trainings require registration to attend. Space is limited so please register as soon as you are able. The full addresses for the November 13 and November 14, 2025, training sessions are listed in registration form (link below). All trainings will take place at 11:00 am Central Time. To secure a spot in OIG Liaison In-Person Training, please complete the online form at the following link: OIG Liaison In-Person Training Registration. If you have questions about the OIG Liaison training, please email DHS.OIG.Training.Bureau@illinois.gov.
  • University of IL Extension - "Taking Care of Diabetes Together" is a free 3-part webinar series that is tailored for professionals who support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All sessions are presented virtually from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Central Time. Second session, "Eating for Blood Sugar," will be presented by Kris Juelfs on November 6, 2025. Learn more and register here: Eating for Balanced Blood Sugar Registration

OTHER RESOURCES:

  • BTS - "The WOW Meeting REBOOT!" is a weekly recurring meeting for self-advocates that will be virtually hosted by Chuy and Tavarus. This will take place Fridays from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Central Time until further notice. Registration is not required.
  • ILS & F2F - "Assistive Technology Across the Lifespan: Facts, Features & Fit" is a free virtual presentation by speaker Erin Ross on November 4, 2025. Webinar begins at 12:00 noon Central Time. Learn more and register here: Assistive Tech Zoom
  • Lurie Institute for Disability Policy - "Disabled Parents' Adoption Experiences" is a free virtual webinar presented on November 10, 2025, at 12:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: Adoption Webinar Registration - Zoom

The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel. To request to be added to our email database, or to update your contact and service information, please complete our Contact Survey. Information provided will help us to better tailor communications to you in the future.

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