115 West Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 640-2100
Access Living offers services and support for people with disabilities in Chicago including home and community based services (personal support workers, support group, independent living skills classes, etc.), housing services, youth programs and legal services.
Addis Greenberg & Schultz, LLC
Lynda Schultz, GD
633 Skokie Blvd., Suite 220 Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 412-1863
They strive to ensure that school districts provide children with disabilities (from 2 years old to college age students) the specialized needs to which they are legally entitled. For more information about special education law.
Special Education Law, Child & Family Advocacy
Jennifer Ancel Reiter; jennifer@ReiterSpecEdLaw.com
Marc J. Ancel; Marc.Ancel.Atty@gmail.com
Illinois: (847) 707-3460
Indiana: (317) 709-4295
Provides special education legal representation and child & family advocacy services to families in the greater Chicago area and the greater Indianapolis area. We pride ourselves in the depth of our knowledge, ability, and the personal care we provide to our clients. Call to schedule a free initial consultation.
Chicago Office: 105 W. Madison Street, Suite 600 Chicago, IL 60602
Naperville Office: 2323 Naperville Road, Suite 110 Naperville, IL 60563
866-566-9494
assistant@clcounsel.com
Offers a variety of legal services including wills & trusts, trust administration, adult and minor guardianship and mediation.
Center for Disability and Elder Law
79 W. Monroe St., Suite 919 Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 376-1880
mroth@probonocdel.org
CDEL provides free legal services to qualified eligible low-income persons with disabilities and special needs. Cost: no fee.
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
33 N Dearborn St Ste 400, Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 332-1624
Apply online at here
Clancy & Associates
Katie M. Clancy
901 Warrenville Road Suite 201, Lisle, Illinois 60532
(773) 929-9000
katie@clancyassociates.com
A Full-Service Special Needs Planning Law Firm, manage all your family’s special needs planning issues at our practice – including special needs trusts, guardianship, educational advocacy and planning, SSI/SSDI/Medicaid planning, navigating social services, life planning and CILA considerations.
The Child and Family Law Center
Mary "Micki" Moran
1950 Sheridan Road, Suite 106 Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 926-0101
mickim@lawforchild.com
Attorneys offer assistance to families regarding guardianship, educational law, custody, criminal and mental health issues.
Children's Law Group
Deborah Pergament; Mary D. Mulay
4732 N. Talman Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-4951 - Erin Collin
dpergament@childrenslawgroup.com
Attorneys offer assistance to families regarding school, criminal and mental health issues. Payment plans and sliding scale fees available.
The Elder Law Office of Steven C. Perlis and Associates PC
Steven C. Perlis; Helen Mesoloras
3345 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite D Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 818-1138
Special needs trusts, guardianships, estate planning; fee quotes available upon request.
20 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 341-0022 or (800) 537-2632
contactus@equipforequality.org
Provides direct representation in negotiations, administrative hearings and federal and state court. Priority is given to systematic and high-impact cases that will benefit the larger disability community. The self-advocacy assistance program provides information and advice to individuals to enable them to advocate on their own behalf or on behalf of a family member. Referrals to other resources are also provided. Accessible formats, ASL, and services in other languages are available. Cost: state-funded
Jennifer L. Hansen; Lara A. Cleary
555 Skokie Blvd., Suite 250 Northbrook, Illinois 60062
847-715-2801
jennifer@hansencleary.com; lara@hansencleary.com
Attorneys offer assistance to families regarding special education matters, mental health law, guardianship, and criminal law representation for juveniles and adults.
Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) opened opportunities to justice so that people can resolve their problems, especially those with the least access to the legal system. Tools and matching support available to help with crises such as unemployment, food insecurity, abuse, eviction, guardianship and more. Through innovation, we make the law actionable and accessible.
Julie Pautsch - VISTA Attorney
Children and Families Practice Group
120 South LaSalle Street, Suite 900 Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 341-1070
jpautsch@lafchicago.org
Provides free legal assistance on education matters (special education, discipline, and access) to qualifying low-income families who reside in Cook County. Parents are recommended to call in early morning to schedule an in-person appointment.
120 S La Salle St, #900 Chicago, IL 60603
312-341-1070 (intake line)
LAF provides free legal assistance in education matters (including special education, school discipline, enrollment, residency, and discrimination) to qualifying low-income families as well as foster children who reside in Cook County. Parents, guardians, and students should call the intake line between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to speak with an intake specialist. Intake specialists accept a limited number of calls per day, so it is recommended that potential clients call in the morning.
Law Office of Dawn R. Underhill
63 West Jefferson Street Suite 101 Joliet, IL 60432
815-726-4700
The Law Office of Dawn R. Underhill, of Joliet, Illinois, helps solve problems for families and individuals living in these cities and counties: Naperville, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Plainfield, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Lockport, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Morris, Orland Park, and Will County, Grundy County and Cook County. Specializes in supporting guardianship cases. Provides free initial consultation.
Get Help by Applying Online or calling 312-341-1070
Legal Aid Chicago provides free civil legal services to people living in poverty in Cook County. Legal Aid Chicago focuses on accessing and protecting benefits for basic human needs. Over 25% of Legal Aid Chicago’s clients are people with disabilities. All clients must be registered by telephone and screened for eligibility through our Client Screening Unit; Phone menu and staff communicate in English and Spanish.
Loyola Community Law Center Clinic
Philip H. Corboy Law Center
25 E. Pearson St., Suite 1005 Chicago, IL 60611
312.915.7830
The Community Law Center Clinic serves clients whose main source of income is public assistance or Supplemental Security Income as well as those classified as the "working poor," who are people struggling to meet their obligations even though they have jobs. Cases handled by the clinic focus on family issues (i.e., guardianship, custody), landlord-tenant conflicts and benefit questions. Since its founding, the clinic has represented more than 3000 individuals while providing students with the opportunity to serve real clients with real problems.
1155 S. Washington St., Suite 106 Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 778-6500
mdcahill@sbcglobal.net
Focuses her practice on assisting parents of children with disabilities, specializing in school-related issues. They are highly skilled in student educational placement, Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meetings, due process, disciplinary matters and educational employment matters.
Matt Cohen, J.D.
155 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 715 Chicago, IL 60601
Office: (866) 787-9270; Cell: (312) 961-4179
mdcspedlaw@gmail.com
Law firm with a focus on legal problems of children and adults with disabilities and their families, including special education disputes, and legal services to mental health and human service providers. Blog: disablethelabels.blogspot.com
Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
1900 A Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202
224-714-0518
Moran Center’s School-Based Civil Legal Clinic provides free information and legal assistance on a wide variety of non-criminal topics including adoption/guardianship, family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, consumer protection, etc. The civil legal clinic serves families with children attending Evanston/Skokie School District 65. You may complete an intake application online.
Mulherin, Rehfeldt and Varchetto, PC
John Mulherin
211 S. Wheaton Ave., Suite 200 Wheaton, IL 60187-5259
(630) 384-3133
jmulherin@mrvlaw.com
Estate planning, guardianships and special needs trusts.
Neiburger Law
Ben A. Neiburger, Esq., CPA
747 N. Church Road, Suite B4B Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 782-1766
Estate planning, special needs trusts, powers of attorney and guardianships.
1155 S. Washington St. Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 369-0103
farleylaw@aol.com
Assists families with children and adults with disabilities. A short video at www.farley1.com will inform families how to obtain funding and services for developmentally disabled persons in the state of Illinois and why proper estate planning through the use of special needs trusts is essential to maximize government benefits. Available to speak to parents, groups and agencies at no charge. Workshops are offered free of charge - see website for upcoming dates.
Spain, Spain & Varnet
33 N Dearborn St #2220, Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 220-9112
Provides legal assistance for special needs issues, including government benefits, special needs estate planning and guardianship.
Jill M. Dressner
1935 S. Plum Grove Road PMB #274 Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 736-8286
jmdressner@aol.com
Provides free legal representation to low-income parents and caregivers of children with disabilities seeking to obtain appropriate educational and early intervention services for their child. SEAC seeks to educate parents, caregivers and school personnel concerning their rights and responsibilities under current special education law.
Linda Strohschein, ext. 100
Rachel Rupp, ext.106
Eleonora “Lee” Holmes, ext.101
40W310 LaFox Road, Suite K-2 St. Charles, IL 60175
(630) 377-3241
Special needs trusts and estate planning, as well as guardianships.
Neal E. Takiff; Jennifer L. Hansen; Shermin Ali-Andani
ntakiff@wthlawfirm.com (Neal); jhansen@wthlawfirm.com (Jennifer); sali@wthlawfirm.com (Shermin)
3000 Dundee Road, Suite 303 Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 564-8662
Attorneys offer assistance to families regarding special education and mental health issues. No fee for initial consultation.
Advocate Children's Hospital - Car Seats for Children with Special Needs
To make sure children are traveling safely, Advocate has certified car seat technicians available to evaluate your needs and instruct on proper car seat installation – at no cost to you. Additionally, Advocate's team includes certified car seat technicians who can help you find the right restraint to keep your child and their special needs in mind so they can safely travel in a car.
American Income Life
Chris Ponn, insurance agent
900 S. Frontage Road, Suite 105 Woodridge, IL 60517
(630) 202-7309
Ponn is a special needs advocate and will provide a free at-home consultation along with a child-safe kit. Fee for services; some services provided at no cost.
Grant a Wish, Inc offers a number of services for economically disadvantaged families including a baby program, annual holiday gift program, a wish program, a school program, and food program. To learn more about these programs and/or to apply, please click here.
UIC - Transition Skills Tips and Tools: Travel Safety
Provides safety tips on buckling up, using a car, and getting around on your own in the community.
Addis Greenberg & Schultz, LLC
Lynda Schultz, GD
633 Skokie Blvd., Suite 220 Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 412-1863
Estate planning, disability special needs trusts and guardianships. Hourly rate.
Richard J. Tarulis
101 N. Washington St. Naperville, IL 60540-4511
(630) 355-2101
Provides services for estate planning, living needs trusts, and wills, as well as uncontested guardianship. Fee-for-service.
Chicago Office: 105 W. Madison Street, Suite 600 Chicago, IL 60602
Naperville Office: 2323 Naperville Road, Suite 110 Naperville, IL 60563
866-566-9494
assistant@clcounsel.com
Offers a variety of legal services including wills & trusts, trust administration, adult and minor guardianship and mediation.
Caring for a disabled child: financial implications
Dedicated financial resource to assist families with disabled children in understanding estate planning and financial support.
Clancy & Associates
Katie M. Clancy
901 Warrenville Road Suite 201, Lisle, Illinois 60532
(773) 929-9000
katie@clancyassociates.com
A Full-Service Special Needs Planning Law Firm, manage all your family’s special needs planning issues at our practice – including special needs trusts, guardianship, educational advocacy and planning, SSI/SSDI/Medicaid planning, navigating social services, life planning and CILA considerations.
425 South Main St., Suite 100 Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 629-0290
Estate planning and guardianships. Free 30-minute consultation. Fee quotes available upon request.
The Elder Law Office of Steven C. Perlis and Associates PC
Steven C. Perlis
Helen Mesoloras
3345 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite D Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 818-1138
Special needs trusts, guardianships, estate planning; fee quotes available upon request.
The Estate Planning Law Group
Kirsten L. Izatt
600 W. Roosevelt Road, Suite A1 Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 871-8778
info@teplg.com
More information: www.specialneedsfreeguide.com
Special needs trusts, estate planning, guardianships. Fee quotes available upon request.
Izatt is available to present to parent support groups. Parents will learn "10 Important Steps Parents Must Take To Protect Their Child's Future."
Family Bridges
Joy Faith Knapp Children's Center
3145 W. Pratt Blvd. Chicago, IL 60645
855-ASK-JCFS (855-275-5237)
FamilyBridges@jcfs.org
Services include private case management and futures planning.
The Firm of Per K. Hanson Associated P.C.
Per K. Hanson, ext. 26
Lisa Trevor
2222 Chestnut Ave., #201 Glenview, IL 60025-1608
(847) 486-9960
Rick L. Law
2275 Church Rd. Aurora, IL 60504
(630) 585-5200
Estate planning, disability and Medicaid. Free one-hour consultation. Fee quotes available upon appointment only.
Law Firm of Kuczek & Associates
Theodore D. Kuczek, III, attorney
Main Office: 1510 Old Deerfield Rd., Suite 230, Highland Park, IL 60035
847-940-7780
trustattorneys@kuczek.com
Area of practice: Illinois residents; estate planning, wills and trusts with special needs planning
The Law Offices of Brian Rubin and Associates
Brian Rubin
1110 W. Lake Cook Road, Suite 165 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089-1997
(847) 279-7999
Brian@snfp.net
Special needs trusts, estate planning, wills and trusts. Fee quotes available upon request.
The Law Office of Cynthia Hayes Hutchins
Cynthia H. Hutchins
620 W. Roosevelt Road, Suite C1 Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 510-0600
Special needs trusts, guardianships, estate planning. Fee quotes available upon request.
Lesser, Lutrey and McGlynn, LLP Law
Edmund R. McGlynn, Jr.
191 E. Deerpath Rd., Suite 300 Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 295-8800
Estate planning and special needs trusts, as well as guardianships
L. Mark Russell, JD
86 W. King Henry Court Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 991-7451
lmarkrussell@comcast.net
Drafts documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorneys for health care and property, special needs trusts, revocable trusts for parents (to avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, and manage assets during incapacity), HIPAA releases, and living wills. Advises parents on issues such as guardianship and government benefits at parent groups or conferences. For parents who have a high-functioning child with Asperger syndrome, there is a dilemma in how parent(s) leave an inheritance to their child. Whether or not they should use a special needs trust.
1155 S. Washington St., Suite 106 Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 778-6500
mdcahill@sbcglobal.net
Focuses her practice on assisting parents of children with special needs, specifically on issues of guardianship, special needs trusts, and wills for family members.
Michael Overmann
7702 S. Cass Ave., Suite 135 Darien, IL 60561
(630) 810-0316
Estate planning and special needs trusts; Fee quotes available upon request for guardianships.
Mulherin, Rehfeldt and Varchetto, PC
John Mulherin
211 S. Wheaton Ave., Suite 200 Wheaton, IL 60187-5259
(630) 384-3133
jmulherin@mrvlaw.com
Estate planning, guardianships and special needs trusts.
Neiburger Law
Ben A. Neiburger, Esq., CPA
747 N. Church Road, Suite B4B Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 782-1766
Estate planning, special needs trusts, powers of attorney and guardianships.
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Robert F. Obernesser
1225 Corporate Blvd., Suite 100 Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 631-5486
robert.obernesser@nmfn.com
Representative will identify needs and goals while providing solutions on how to provide for the future of their special needs child. Free consultation.
Oak Wealth Advisors, LLC
836 Skokie Boulevard Northbrook, IL 60062
info@oakwealth.com
847-945-8888
Oak Wealth Advisors provides special needs planning and collaborates with other specialists and advisors to provide comprehensive and objective support to families with special needs members. Planning needs include: legal, educational, benefits, income tax, residential and vocational planning. Supports linking to care management, social/recreational programs and transportation programs provided.
Planning Across the Spectrum
860.606.7060
contact@planningacrossthespectrum.com
Provides special needs financial planning services and specializes in helping any individual, family, or employer of those with autism and other disabilities to pursue financial independence. Schedule consultation with completing online form.
Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC’s
475 Half Day Road, Suite 100 Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069
(847) 793-2484
Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC’s Pro Bono Supplemental Needs Planning Program provides comprehensive estate and supplemental needs planning at no cost to eligible Illinois families facing the challenges and expense of raising a child with special needs. Paid services available. Program presentations are offered once or twice per year and include an in-depth discussion of supplemental needs planning and estate planning for families with children that have special needs, as well as an introduction to our Pro Bono Supplemental Needs Planning Program.
Attorney at Law
1155 S. Washington St. Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 369-0103
farleylaw@aol.com
Assists families with children and adults with disabilities. A short video atwww.farley1.com will inform families how to obtain funding and services for developmentally disabled persons in the state of Illinois and why proper estate planning through the use of special needs trusts is essential to maximize government benefits. Available to speak to parents, groups and agencies at no charge. Workshops are offered free of charge — see website for upcoming dates.
Spain, Spain & Varnet
33 N Dearborn St #2220, Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 220-9112
Provides legal assistance for special needs issues, including government benefits, special needs estate planning and guardianship.
Linda Strohschein, ext. 100
Rachel Rupp, ext.106
Eleonora “Lee” Holmes, ext.101
40W310 LaFox Road, Suite K-2 St. Charles, IL 60175
(630) 377-3241
Special needs trusts and estate planning, as well as guardianships.
Thomas Clark Law
Downers Grove, IL
708.990.5374
tom@thomasclarklaw.com
Special needs trusts and estate planning for Downers Grove and Illinois; To set up your free consultation, please call, text or submit the contact form.
Ed Scheer MBA, CFP®
1111 W. 22nd St., Suite 100 Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 954-4611
Serving: Cook, DuPage, Kane, & Kendall Counties
Ed is a financial advisor and a father of a son with special needs. He understands the unique challenges and opportunities families’ with special needs face when setting their financial goals and priorities. He works in a holistic manner to provide your family with the tools and knowledge for your long-term future. Cost: free consultation. Financial planning and investment advisory services provided on a fee basis. Please call for details.
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS): DRS (Department of Rehabilitation Services)
If you live in Illinois and have a disability, the Division of Rehabilitation Services may be able to help you find a job or live at home independently. To apply for services, begin by completing the online form. Once you have submitted this form, a counselor will contact you to set up an appointment to complete the application process. During this appointment, we will discuss your goals, the nature of your disability, and the services we can provide.
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities: MOPD's Disability Resource Unit
Independent Living Program
312-744-7050
121 N LaSalle St Chicago IL 60602
MOPDInfo@cityofchicago.org
MOPD Field Office
2102 West Ogden Avenue Chicago, IL. 60612
312.746.5773
Individualized Needs Assessment (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mopd/supp_info/case_management.html) to see if you qualify for case management services.
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities: MOPD's Disability Resource Unit
312-744-7050
121 N LaSalle St Chicago IL 60602
MOPDInfo@cityofchicago.org
MOPD Field Office: 2102 West Ogden Avenue Chicago, IL. 60612
312.746.5773
Provides the following services: Information and Assistance: Rapid Transit (RTA) Reduced Fare and Free Ride Permit Applications new, renewal, and replacement, Benefit Access Application, Social Security Disability questions, Information and Referrals to other non-profits
Medicaid eligibility tool
Free and quick tool to help understand the eligibility requirements to apply for the Home & Community Based Waiver Programs (HCMW) or the Aged Blind and Disabled Medicaid program, according to their state and marital status.
PUNS - Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services
PUNS is a database that registers individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver services (i.e. Community Integrated Living Arrangements, Home Based Supports, Child Group Homes) funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Developmental Disabilities. The PUNS database helps the Division of Developmental Disabilities identify and plan for your services. As funding is available, individuals are selected from PUNS and invited to apply for DD Waiver services.
Individuals, along with their primary caregiver and/or guardian, must meet with their local Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency to fill out a PUNS form. To find an Independent Service Coordination agency in your area, you can:
- Call the Division of Developmental Disabilities Hotline at 1-888-DD-PLANS and 1-866-376-8446 (TTY)
- Search the DHS Office Locator.
The individual must provide information on their medical condition, living arrangement and desire and/or need for community based services. This will allows the ISC agency, on behalf of the State, to determine whether an individual should be placed in PUNS or whether they need other services/supports.. Community Crises Criteria – for Children and Adults.
Social Security Income (SSI) – Adult
Adults and/or parents of adults with a developmental disability can apply for Disability benefits online here or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Representatives can make an appointment for your application to be taken over the telephone or at any convenient Social Security office: find your office here.
Social Security Income (SSI) – Child
Depending on your family’s income, you may also be eligible to apply for additional funding through SSI for a child. View all instructions here. Families will need to complete an Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) AND a Child Disability Report. The report collects information about the child’s disabling condition and how it affects his/her ability to function. At this time, the Child Disability Report can only be completed online here. You can contact your local office to schedule an appointment to complete the SSI application.
