SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure that would modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program is one step closer to law.
“The Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program is a critical resource that can provide tangible relief for individuals with disabilities who are looking to save for their futures; however, like any resource, it is only helpful if residents know it exists,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By ensuring individuals with disabilities and their families are aware of programs like the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program, we can safeguard their ability to build financial independence without violating the eligibility rules set for SSI and Medicaid benefits.”
Under Faraci’s measure, the Illinois Department of Human Services would be required to provide informational materials about the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program to all individuals receiving or applying for IDHS-funded disability services. This would include individuals who are placed in a facility licensed under specific Illinois statutes, such as the ID/DD Community Care Act – which governs immediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities.
Additional recipients of the materials would include:
- Individuals who receive certain community-based services
- Individuals who receive home-based services under the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act
- Individuals who apply for inclusion on the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services list
- Individuals who receive services at a Center for Independent Living
Senate Bill 3008 passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.
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