Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS)

Enrollment in PUNS (Priortization of Urgency of Need for Services) is a very important service that we provide at PACT.  PUNS is a statewide database that tracks individuals who have indicated various types of support needs due to a developmental disability.

Starting in March of 2008 the Department of Human Services will begin to use the PUNS database to select persons to receive state funded Medicaid Waiver services such as In-Home supports, Respite, Job Coaching or other Day Programs, Residential Living Arrangements, and Adaptive Equipment.in order to meet the needs indicated on the PUNS.  Completing the PUNS does not guarantee access to services or eligibility for services but is necessary for selection for services.

A secondary purpose is to provide legislators with accurate numbers of people who are waiting for needed services.  With hard data, lawmakers can budget and plan better for the coming needs of Illinois citizens with disabilities. By completing the PUNS survey and having it updated annually, you are letting the decision makers at the Illinois Department of Human Services know what services and supports are needed and will be needed in the future by the citizens of Illinois.

PUNS can be completed for anyone in Illinois with a developmental disability who has an unmet service need anticipated in the next five years.  The PUNS is for infants, children, adolescents, and adults.  PACT will complete a PUNS enrollment form for anyone who lives in DuPage County and has a developmental disability. You can contact Kathy Greco at 630-960-9700, ext.128 or email her at kgreco@pactinc.net for more information.

You can also get more information on PUNS for the Illinois Department of Human Services at http://www.dd.illinois.gov/SignUp.cfm on PUNS.