How to apply for Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) — In-Home Services for Seniors 60+

Who it's for

The Community Care Program (CCP) is Illinois's flagship in-home and community-based service program helping residents age 60+ stay in their own homes instead of a nursing facility. Services: in-home care (homemaker, personal care), adult day services, and emergency home response. DISTINCTIVE — eligibility is by ASSESSED NEED, not income: there is NO income limit (income only affects any cost-share), and the non-exempt asset limit is $17,500. Applicants must be assessed (by a Care Coordination Unit) as needing nursing-home-level long-term care. Illinois's PASSPORT/CHOICE equivalent. Call the Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966) or your local CCU.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60+
• Proof of Illinois residency
• Determination of Need (DON) assessment by your local Care Coordination Unit (CCU), showing nursing-home level of need
• Proof of non-exempt assets (≤$17,500)
• Medicare/Medicaid cards if enrolled
• Proof that you have applied for Medicaid (CCP requires you to apply for and, if eligible, enroll in Medicaid)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) — In-Home Services for Seniors 60+. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 60+, proof of Illinois residency, determination of Need (DON) assessment by your local Care Coordination Unit (CCU), showing nursing-home level of need — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or apply online to get connected with your local Care Coordination Unit (CCU). The CCU is the agency that manages your application.
2. Schedule and complete a Determination of Need (DON) assessment with your local CCU. A trained assessor will visit to determine whether your care needs meet the nursing-home level of care required for the program. This assessment — not your income — is the main eligibility gate.
3. Gather your required documents: proof of age (showing you are 60 or older), proof of Illinois residency, proof of non-exempt assets (the limit is $17,500), and your Medicare and/or Medicaid cards if you are enrolled.
4. Apply for Medicaid if you have not already done so. The Community Care Program requires you to apply for Medicaid and enroll if you are found eligible. Bring proof that you have applied when submitting your CCP application.
5. Submit your completed application and all documents to your local CCU, either online or by phone through the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.
6. Ask your CCU caseworker any questions about your cost-share. There is no income limit to qualify — income only affects whether you pay a share of the cost for services.

What to expect: After you submit your application and DON assessment results, your local Care Coordination Unit will review everything and notify you of the decision. Processing times vary, so ask your CCU caseworker for an estimate. If approved, you can receive in-home services such as homemaker and personal care, adult day services, and emergency home response — all designed to help you stay in your own home. Keep in mind that eligibility is reviewed every year through an annual reassessment. Your CCU will contact you when it is time to renew, but it is a good idea to keep track of your reassessment date so your services are not interrupted.

Renewals

annual reassessment