Department of Human Service
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Information Bulletin
DD.25.019
Purpose:
This informational bulletin contains information regarding the increases in the Home-Based Support Services Program (HBS) monthly and annual maximum amounts that will be effective on January 1, 2026 pending Federal Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) approval.
Monthly and Annual Service Maximums:
As you may be aware, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a rate increase of 2.8% to the current Supplemental Security Income (SSI) individual benefit (Social Security Announces 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2026 | News | SSA). Effective January 1, 2026, the individual benefit will increase from $967 to $994 per month. The new benefit amount will be used to determine the monthly and annual maximum amounts for the HBS programs.
Pending CMS approval, an additional 5% will also be added to the standard SSI monthly calculation used to determine Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) HBS budget maximums as of January 1st, 2026.
In the HBS Program, children ages 3 to 17 and young adults (typically between the ages of 18 and 22) who are enrolled in a Special Education program currently receive HBS funding for services up to $1,934 per month. This funding will increase to $2,088 per month effective January 1, 2026. For individuals in the Children's Support Waiver who choose to use the flexible spending amount, the monthly maximum will be $4,176. The annual maximum is $25,056.
In the Adult HBS Program, young adults/adults who are no longer in a Special Education program currently receive HBS funding for services up to $2,901 per month. This amount will increase to $3,132 per month effective January 1, 2026. This is the maximum amount that may be spent on services in one month. The annual maximum is $37,584.
HBS service plans for the month of January 2026 may reflect service spending up to the new maximum amounts. Any adjustments made to accommodate the increase in service amounts must be included in service plans and service agreements. Individuals in HBS Program should ensure service authorizations include the rate increase effective January 1, 2026. Proposed rates to be effective January 1, 2026, are subject to approval of the Waiver Amendment by the Federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and will be posted online when approved. The currently proposed waiver amendments can be accessed here: Home and Community Based Services Waiver Programs | HFS. The current rate table is found here: IDHS: DDD Rate Table - Effective January 1, 2026.
Contact:
Please send questions for the Division to DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov.
Effective Date:
12/31/2025
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