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What the Proposed FY27 Illinois Budget Means for the IDD Community

Illinois’ proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes several updates that impact people with IDD, their families, and providers. Here’s a breakdown.

Increased Funding for Developmental Disability Service

The proposed budget includes $3.2 billion for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) within the Illinois Department of Human Services — a slight increase from last year.

While this is positive, most of the funding focuses on continuing existing programs rather than launching new initiatives.

What’s Included in the Budget:

  • $148+ million to continue the Ligas Consent Decree, including:
    • Ongoing funding for people already placed in services
    • Support for 630 new community placements
    • Continued efforts to help people move from institutions into community-based homes
  • $97.6 million more for the Home Services Program, helping people stay independent in their own homes
  • $17.5 million increase for families in the Home-Based Adults with DD Waiver, which equals about $1,600 more per year for over 12,000 families
  • $9.7 million to reflect the recent SSI increase, ensuring waiver services keep pace with federal benefit adjustments

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Wage Increase

The budget includes $24 million to fund a $0.60 per hour increase for Developmental Disability Service Providers.

This increase means providers will now be paid well above minimum wage for Direct Support Professional (DSP) positions.

While any raise is helpful, many providers are still struggling to hire and keep staff. Ongoing investment in DSP wages is essential to make sure people with disabilities receive consistent, high-quality care.

Community Living & CILA Updates

The budget continues efforts to help people move from state-run institutions into community homes.

It includes:

  • Support to help at least 100 residents who want to transition to community settings
  • A $5 million incentive program, offering up to $50,000 per resident to providers who support these moves

However, the budget does not include an overall increase to regular CILA funding. This means that while there is support for people moving into community homes, the base funding providers rely on has not changed.

For families seeking community placement, this reflects continued progress — but available openings and provider stability remain important considerations.

K–12 Special Education Funding

The budget strengthens overall K–12 education funding, including:

  • A $305 million increase to Evidence-Based Funding
  • Increased funding for special education transportation and tuition reimbursements

However, the proposal does not include targeted funding for transition-age youth (22+) aging out of school-based supports

This remains a significant gap — particularly for families navigating the shift from school services to adult services. Learn more about this age 22 funding cliff at TFYcoalition.org.

DCFS Investments

The proposed DCFS budget totals nearly $2.5 billion and includes:

  • Funding to hire additional staff
  • Increased provider reimbursement support
  • Scholarship program expansion

These investments strengthen youth services overall, though they do not directly address adult IDD system needs.

What This Means for Families

The good news:

  • Continued funding growth
  • Support for community living
  • Modest DSP wage increases
  • Increased home-based support

The challenges:

  • No structural reform to CILA reimbursement
  • No targeted solution for transition-age youth (22+)
  • Workforce pressures remain

For families, this means the system is moving forward — but slowly. Many core issues, especially around workforce stability and adult transition supports, remain unresolved.

Why This Matters

Budget decisions shape:

  • How long families wait for services
  • Whether providers can retain staff
  • How smoothly young adults transition out of school-based services
  • Whether individuals can live in the setting of their choice

At IDD Navigator, we believe informed families are empowered families. We will continue tracking updates as the budget moves through the legislative process and provide guidance on what it means for you.

If you have questions about how these changes may affect your services or planning, our team is here to help.

Submit your questions here