In-Home Respite Program (87D)

The In-Home Respite Program offered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), through its Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is a fee-for-service grant initiative designed to support children and adults diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This program specifically targets individuals who are not currently enrolled in any Home and Community-Based Waiver services through the State of Illinois. By providing short-term, in-home or community-based care, the program aims to reduce caregiver stress and prevent the need for long-term institutional support, ensuring that recipients can remain in community settings such as their homes. Funded entirely through state resources, the total estimated program funding for this opportunity is $3,969,600. Awards under this NOFO are negotiable in amount, with historical averages around $263,759 per grantee. The anticipated period of performance begins no earlier than July 1, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2029, with potential for two one-year renewals contingent on performance and available appropriations. Indirect costs are allowable with prior approval, and pre-award costs may be permitted with appropriate documentation and Departmental approval. Sub-recipient agreements must be pre-approved, and the grantee agency retains full responsibility for subcontractor performance. Applicants must demonstrate experience providing services to individuals with I/DD and have the capacity to meet program goals, including delivering care in home or community settings. Services eligible for reimbursement include supervision, personal care, and staff support during both planned and unplanned (emergency or crisis) situations. Examples of allowable circumstances include caregiver illness, family emergencies, or transitions in living arrangements. Grantees are required to provide up to 360 hours of respite care per year per individual, with reimbursement set at $27.45 per hour beginning in FY27. The program also includes expectations for caregiver relief, individual stabilization, and increased accessibility to developmental disability supports. To apply, organizations must submit a complete application electronically via email to [email protected] no later than April 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Submissions must include a signed Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Program Narrative, and Budget entered through the CSA system in PDF format. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. The Department strongly recommends submitting early to avoid technical issues. An optional Technical Assistance Session is scheduled for April 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. CST with a registration link provided in the NOFO. Evaluation of applications will occur from April 24 through May 29, 2026, and is based on the merit of the program narrative, organizational capacity, proposed budget, and alignment with program goals. Successful applicants will be notified via a Notice of State Award (NOSA) by June 12, 2026. Performance reports, satisfaction surveys, and demographic data reporting are required. The Department retains discretion in funding decisions and will consider geographical distribution, past performance, and demonstrated need. Risk assessments and monitoring may apply based on grantee capacity and previous audit findings. IDHS remains committed to equity, inclusion, and reducing systemic disparities in developmental disability services across Illinois.

Focus on measurable caregiver stress reduction, ensure all staff meet certification standards, and tie budget narrative clearly to deliverables.