Transition Timeline
14-18 Years Old
- Legal documentation is required: State ID (there is a free option for individuals with disabilities), hard copy of social security card and birth certificate.
18 Years Old
- Apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Medicaid.
- You can do this by going to the Social Security Office, 7440 Providence Rd. (right behind JCPenny’s in Woodridge, 630-825-2831) to fill out an application for SSI benefits. Visit for more information on SSI. You can also apply online and complete a large portion of your application by visiting the Social Security website.
- Once you receive a letter confirming SSI, take the written documentation to the Department of Human Services, 1717 Park St., #105, Naperville, IL , 60563, 630-328-1000. Your young adult will be automatically eligible for Medicaid. You will need to apply for the Medicaid Waiver. This will be needed to fund services after high school, including community living arrangements, vocational support and other programs. You can apply online at www.abe.illinois.gov.
- Complete the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) by contacting Service, Inc.
PUNS: Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services
Entendiendo PUNS (Spanish)
Service, Inc. (630-425-2350)
Fax: 630-656-1237
Pre-Admission Screening and PUNS Coordinator: Rebecca Curran X 5112, rcurran@svcincofil.org
1919 S. Highland Ave, Suite A-230
Lombard, IL 60148
Services in Illinois for people with disabilities after graduation are not pretty! Even if you do not plan on using services for residential, day programming, or vocational assistance in the near future you need to complete the PUNS to get on the list for the future. Many services have waiting lists consisting of 10-20 years! This needs to be updated every year. PUNS MUST be done to be eligible for residential, sheltered workshop or day training in Illinois.
Questions?
Every public school must designate at least one employee to take the Ill. Dept. of Human Services' PUNS training. Id. See Board policy 5:100, Staff Development Program. At District 99, Lisa Bollow, Director of Special Services, is this person.
- Males register for selective service. Go to https://www.sss.gov/regver/wfregistration.aspx
- Establish legal guardianship if deemed necessary.
This should be determined based on the best interest of your child. Consultation with a lawyer specializing in disabilities and guardianship is recommended. There are also options for partial guardianship.
- Explore options for future planning or estate planning.
Please note that a young adult can’t have more than $2000 in resources (bank accounts, bonds, funds of any kind that can be traced by social security number). The Able Act will enable an individual to have up to $15,000 in a tax-advantaged savings account. Please see http://www.ablenrc.org/ . A Special Needs Trust can protect the young adult’s resources so that it will not prohibit them from receiving government benefits, if there are assets greater than $15,000. Please talk to an attorney or other professional to establish a SNT if need be.
- Transportation: Call to request a PACE application
Individuals with a disability may be eligible for door-to-door bus service if their disability prevents them from being able to take a fixed route bus or “L” train. We would really like for students to apply before they exit so we can help them learn the system and help them practice the steps in obtaining rides. Call 312-663-4357 to request an application. Please fill out as if your son or daughter was having their worst day. Please contact us with any questions or help in filling out the application.
19-21 Years Old
- Apply for adult services (will be done close to your student exiting Transition). Take the time to visit all providers in the area to find the best match for your child. Seek clear information on how un-mandated adult services differ from mandated school services. Also, be informed about current waiting lists. Please see the Adult Services Resource Page for more information; you can also speak to your childs’ case manager for help.
- Ensure all necessary support services (e.g. respite, recreational, vocational) are participating in transition planning and ready to provide services immediately following graduation. Be in close contact with the providers. For recreational providers, please see Recreational Program Resources page on this site. For vocational services after Transition, you will work with a counselor from the Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services. A DRS counselor will attend IEP meetings to answer questions, if applicable.
Division of Rehabilitation Services
Downers Grove Office
2901 Finley Road, Suite 109
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 495-0500