Mussman Backs Measure to Increase Personal Needs Allowance for Disabled Adults

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Continuing her advocacy for those with developmental disabilities, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, recently supported a bill that would increase cost-of-living allowances at the same rate of their social security income.

“Right now, the amount of money people are given to spend for a month is incredibly limiting,” Mussman said. “Because some individuals with developmental disabilities are unable to work, the only money they have coming in is from social security and their personal needs allowance.  By placing financial restraints on these individuals, we are restricting their freedom. This legislation would help ease those restraints and have a better quality of life.”.”

The Mussman-backed House Bill 2815 would increase the personal needs allowance provided to those living in a Community-Integrated Living Arrangement or an Integrated Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled at the same rate as their social security income.

“By giving more of an allowance to the people living in community-integrated living facilities, we are encouraging them to be more active participants in the local economies and allowing them to live more freely and independently,” Mussman said. “This bill will have a positive effect on the individuals living in these arrangements and the communities that they are a part of.”