How to apply for Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings (CCRS) in Illinois

Who it's for

Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings is an Illinois demonstration project that offers a social model of affordable assisted living. It combines affordable rent with state-assisted care services provided through the Illinois Department on Aging's Community Care Program. Services include 24-hour security, three meals a day, help with activities of daily living, an emergency response system, housekeeping, laundry, and medication management. Services are tailored to each resident through an assessment done by a local Care Coordination Unit. To qualify you must be 60 or older, live in Illinois, be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (your home, car, and personal furnishings do not count), have an assessed need for long-term care measured by the Determination of Need assessment, and apply for Medicaid. Call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 to find your local Care Coordination Unit.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60 or older
• Proof of Illinois residency
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
• Proof of non-exempt assets
• Determination of Need (DON) assessment completed by a Care Coordination Unit
• Medicaid application or proof of Medicaid enrollment

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings (CCRS). 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 or older, proof of Illinois residency, proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status — 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 to find your local Care Coordination Unit (CCU). The CCU will guide you through the process and schedule your assessment.
2. Gather your required documents: proof of age (60 or older), proof of Illinois residency, proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and proof of non-exempt assets.
3. Complete the Determination of Need (DON) assessment with your local Care Coordination Unit. This assessment measures your need for long-term care and is required to qualify.
4. Apply for Medicaid or gather proof of your current Medicaid enrollment, as Medicaid participation is required for this program.
5. Submit your application online or by phone at 1-800-252-8966. Have all your documents ready when you apply.
6. Work with your Care Coordination Unit to identify a participating CCRS location, since the program operates at a limited number of sites across Illinois.
7. Once enrolled, complete a care assessment with your CCU so services can be tailored to your individual needs.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the Care Coordination Unit and the state Medicaid agency will review your information and make the final eligibility decisions. Processing times vary, so ask your CCU for an estimate. Because CCRS is a demonstration project with a limited number of participating locations, placement depends on availability. If approved, your care plan will be built around your assessed needs and may include 24-hour security, meals, help with daily activities, housekeeping, laundry, medication management, and an emergency response system. Enrollment is reviewed annually through a reassessment process, so be prepared to provide updated information each year to continue receiving services.

Renewals

annual (reassessment-based)