Illinois becomes 19^th state to bring equal pay to workers with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro’s historic legislation to begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for people with disabilities in Illinois has been signed into law.

“Good jobs change lives, and all workers — including disabled workers — deserve these opportunities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Dignity in Pay Act will promote access, opportunity and financial stability for employees with disabilities across our state, and I’m proud to have played a part in getting this historic measure across the finish line.”

The Dignity in Pay Act – formerly House Bill 793 – will begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for people with disabilities in Illinois by 2029, giving employers time to make changes. To provide assistance during the transition, the measure increases hourly rates for supported employment providers, increases the personal needs allowance for residents in group homes and congregate settings, and creates a transition grant program to make funds available to employers that need aid during the transition. These grants will facilitate the development of new opportunities for people with disabilities, including supported employment, customized employment, entrepreneurship and community-based day programs.

The measure also protects means-tested benefits, ensuring higher wages do not contribute to a person’s ineligibility for disability services and assistance programs.

“The Dignity in Pay Act is a call to action, reminding us all of the importance of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy,” Castro said. “I’ve stood with marginalized workers throughout my career, and this is a significant step forward toward eliminating barriers to employment that have held Americans with disabilities back for far too long.”

House Bill 793 was signed into law Tuesday and takes effect immediately. The minimum wage provisions go into full effect Dec. 31, 2029.