The following subdepartments are listed alphabetically: • The Division of Community Health & Prevention attempts to maintain the health of existing
family structures in Illinois by staffing efforts to contain
domestic violence and maximize
prenatal care and child care and welfare. • The Division of Developmental Disabilities provides community and residential services to persons with developmental disabilities. In 2006, the division had approximately 45,000 clients. • The Division of Human Capital Development is the primary
welfare agency of the state of Illinois. It oversees programs such as
TANF and
food stamps. • The Division of Mental Health provides community and residential services to persons with challenges of
mental health. It also includes: • The Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse provides community care for persons with challenges related to
alcoholism and
substance abuse. • The Office of Strategic Planning and Performance Management coordinates divisional program planning and performance management. • The Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness ensures the safety and readiness of the agency's facilities, staff, customers and visitors • The Office of Rehabilitation Services provides community services to persons with disabilities. In 2006, the Office had approximately 230,000 clients. What is the Department of Rehabilitation Services? (DRS) The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), is a program that helps disabled individuals gain employment. Eligibility for DRS is based on having a qualifying disability and wanting to work. Available supports range from job coaching and to financial assistance for community college and University tuition. Contact Us: Office Locator Apply Online 1-877 581-3690 Voice 1-866-264-2149 TTY 1-312-957-4881 VP
What steps should I take to apply for DRS services? To apply for services though DRS, you will need to go through a process that will determine your eligibility and then a personal plan for employment will be created for you.
1. Initial Referral An online referral will need to be completed, with basic personal information and requests for types of services needed..
2. Caseworker Contact and Response Each referral is assigned a caseworker. They will reach out within 30 days to schedule an interview.
3. Interview and Verification The caseworker will verify your information and request documentation to prove your disability. Possible documentation: • Recent medical records or evaluations from doctors. • A recent IEP if you are still in school. • Other test scores or documentation.
4. Trial Work Experience and Eligibility Determination The next step after documentation is collected is a trial work experience. The caseworker will set this up and assess a person’s skills in a real work setting. This helps determine if the services will help and a formal decision will be made within 60 days. This helps the agency determine if you will benefit from their services. A formal decision on your eligibility must be made within 60 days of your application.
5. Developing an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) If eligible, the caseworker will conduct a full assessment of interests and career goals. This is used to create an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE is a formal document that lists the specific services DRS will provide, like job coaching, vocational training, or tuition assistance for community college.
How can DRS help pay for college? The Illinois Community College Initiative The purpose of The Illinois Community College Initiative is a program to encourage enrollment at in-state public community colleges. It is designed to help participants pursue academic and vocational training. The initiative is for students interested in completing a degree or certificate program. Support is provided for coursework leading to associate degrees, certificates, or industry-recognized credentials. Anyone interested in the Illinois Community College Initiative can get started by contacting the local DRS office directly to discuss how the program can support costs for tuition, books, and transportation.
Illinois is a national leader in this type of college funding Most states offer college support, but Illinois is unique because of how quickly the student can get the funding.
The Financial Freedom Difference In most of the country, the funding is like a scholarship, you have to prove you are poor enough to get it. •
Illinois: As of 2024, the state has waived the financial analysis for students attending any college or vocational program. This means even if you have savings or your parents have a good income, DRS can still pay for your tuition and books. •
Wisconsin: They use a Training Grant system. It’s a great program, but unlike Illinois, they usually cap it at $6,000 per year. If your tuition is higher, you have to find the rest elsewhere. •
New Jersey: They still use a financial survey. If your family income is above a certain level, they might ask you to pay for a portion of your tuition yourself.
The "Border State" Perk Illinois is one of the few states that recognizes that sometimes the closest community college is not in your home state. •
Illinois: Their CCI covers community colleges in states that border Illinois (like Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa or Indiana) if they are the best fit for your career goal. •
Most Other States: Usually have a strict "In-State Only" rule. For example, if you live in Texas, they generally will not pay for you to go to a college in Oklahoma. ==References==