PUNS Quick Information
It is important to enroll in PUNS early and to keep your Pre-Assessment Screening Agency (PAS Agency) up-to-date on any and all developments regarding your and your loved one's needs.
To find your PAS Agency, click here. This link will take you to the Illinois Department of Human Services' website. From here, you can enter you county and find your specific PAS Agency to begin your respite process.
The Basics of PUNS
Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services Database (PUNS)
The Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities will provide quality, outcome-based, person-centered services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The system of services and supports in Illinois will enhance opportunities for individuals to make real choices and receive appropriate, accessible, prompt, efficient and life-spanning services that are strongly monitored to ensure individual progress, quality of life and safety.
To receive these services, an individual must be screened by their local Independent Service Coordination Agency to see if they are eligible. The ISC Agent will work with the individual and their family to identify the need for services, explain services and identify the urgency of need. If they are eligible, the individual will be placed on the PUNS (Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services) database, which is a statewide database that records information about individuals with developmental disabilities who are potentially in need of services. The State uses the data to select individuals for services as funding becomes available, to develop proposals and materials for budgeting, and to plan for future needs. The selection is an open and fair process using criteria such as length of time on database, urgency of need and geographic area of the state. These services can include in-home support, respite care, training programs, residential living arrangements, adaptive equipment, and other supports to improve the individual's quality of life.
You can contact the Illinois Department of Human Services on their 24-hour automated helpline (800) 843-6154 between normal business hours. To locate your local DD service information, you can call (888) DDPLANS (1-888-337-5267) or search the IDHS website by county here.
Click here for a fact sheet about the PUNS from the Arc of IL.
For more fact sheets about medicare, waiver, PUNS, mental health services, residential services, please click here to be directed to the Arc of IL webpage.