Illinois Personal Assistant Pay Raise in 2024

This document provides essential information about pay increases and Paid Time Off (PTO) for Personal Assistants in Illinois, focusing on the latest contract negotiations and agreements. The information is extracted from various sources, including official announcements, news articles, and online forums.

Introduction

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the personal assistant pay raise in Illinois for 2024, focusing on the impact of state minimum wage increases, contract negotiations, and the specific details of the pay raise for Personal Assistants (PAs). The information is extracted from various sources, including official announcements, news articles, and online forums, aiming to provide a clear and concise guide for PAs in Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) plays a significant role in supporting individuals with disabilities and their families by providing various services, including personal assistance. The pay raise for PAs is a direct result of the state’s commitment to improving wages and working conditions for essential workers in the healthcare sector.

This document will delve into the key aspects of the pay raise, including the state minimum wage increase, contract negotiations between SEIU Healthcare (HCII) and DHS/ORS, the specific pay raise amounts, and the impact on facilities and reimbursement rates; It will also highlight the average pay for Personal Assistants in Illinois and provide valuable resources for PAs seeking further information.

State Minimum Wage Increase

Effective January 1, 2024, the state minimum wage in Illinois increased to $14.00 per hour, reflecting a significant step toward improving the economic well-being of workers across the state. This minimum wage increase directly impacts the earnings of Personal Assistants (PAs) who are employed through various programs and agencies, including those funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS).

The new minimum wage has implications for various aspects of personal assistance services, including the determination of customer participation hours for the SNAP Employment and Training Program and certain TANF work-like activities. It also serves as a benchmark for setting wages for PAs, ensuring that their earnings are aligned with the state’s minimum wage standards.

The state minimum wage increase demonstrates the state’s commitment to ensuring fair and livable wages for workers, particularly those providing essential care and support services. It is expected to positively impact the lives of PAs by increasing their earnings and providing them with greater economic security.

Contract Negotiations and Agreements

The year 2024 witnessed significant progress in contract negotiations between the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Illinois & Indiana (HCII) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). These agreements, which cover a broad range of workers, including Personal Assistants (PAs), represent a culmination of collective bargaining efforts aimed at securing improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for these essential employees.

The contract negotiations focused on a wide range of issues, including wage increases, paid time off, retirement benefits, and workplace safety. The parties involved engaged in extensive discussions, rallies, and public advocacy to bring attention to the needs and concerns of healthcare workers, including PAs. The outcome of these negotiations is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the importance of advocating for worker rights.

The new contract agreements, which were ratified by union members, are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of PAs in Illinois, providing them with greater financial security, improved benefits, and a stronger voice in the workplace.

SEIU Healthcare (HCII) and DHS/ORS Contract Highlights

The contract negotiated between SEIU Healthcare (HCII) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) brought about significant changes for Personal Assistants (PAs). The contract, which took effect on July 1, 2023, and will run until June 30, 2027, includes a variety of provisions designed to improve the lives of these essential workers.

A key highlight of the agreement is the provision for a wage increase of $1.73 for all PAs, effective January 2024. This increase is in addition to the state minimum wage increase that took effect on January 1, 2024, bringing the minimum wage to $14.00 per hour. The contract also includes a pay scale that ensures regular wage increases for PAs based on seniority and experience.

The agreement also addresses paid time off, providing PAs with expanded paid time off benefits. The contract includes a provision for PAs to earn one hour of paid time off for every 40 hours worked, with a cap of 40 hours per year. This provision ensures that PAs have the time they need to take care of themselves and their families.

Pay Increases for Personal Assistants

The contract between SEIU Healthcare (HCII) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) has brought significant pay increases for Personal Assistants (PAs). The contract, which took effect on July 1, 2023, ensures that PAs receive a series of raises over the four-year duration of the agreement.

The first pay raise of $0.50 per hour went into effect on August 1, 2024, and was reflected in paychecks for hours worked between August 1 and August 15. This raise was followed by a larger increase of $1.73 per hour, effective January 2024. This increase, which is a significant step towards ensuring a living wage for PAs, was negotiated by the union and secured through collective bargaining. The contract also includes a pay scale that ensures regular wage increases for PAs based on seniority and experience.

The contract provides that the rates for homemaker services shall be increased to $29.64 beginning July 1, 2023. This increase will contribute to higher wages for PAs who provide homemaker services. The pay increases negotiated in the contract are a testament to the dedication and hard work of PAs and the power of collective bargaining.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

The new contract between SEIU Healthcare (HCII) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) also includes significant improvements to Paid Time Off (PTO) for Personal Assistants (PAs). The contract provides that PAs will earn one hour of paid time off for every 40 hours worked, with a maximum of 40 hours of PTO earned per year. This is a significant increase from the previous PTO policy, which did not provide for paid time off for PAs. The new policy ensures that PAs have the opportunity to take time off for personal and family needs, without having to worry about losing income.

The contract also includes a provision that allows PAs to carry over unused PTO hours from one year to the next. This allows PAs to build up their PTO balances over time and have more flexibility in taking time off. The improved PTO policy is a major victory for PAs and a testament to the power of collective bargaining. The contract also includes provisions for expanded paid time off for PAs who work for the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services. These provisions include additional paid time off for holidays and sick leave.

The improvements to PTO in the new contract are a significant step forward in improving the working conditions for PAs. This change will allow PAs to have more time to spend with their families, take care of their own health, and pursue their own personal interests.

Impact on Facilities and Reimbursement Rates

The significant pay raise for Personal Assistants (PAs) in Illinois will have a direct impact on facilities and their reimbursement rates. Effective January 1, 2024, facilities will receive an increase to their reimbursement rates, subject to federal approval of the State Plan Amendment (SPA). This increase is designed to cover the cost of the wage increases for PAs. The new reimbursement rates will ensure that facilities can continue to provide quality care to individuals with disabilities while also compensating their staff fairly.

The increased reimbursement rates will also help to attract and retain qualified PAs. This is important because there is a growing shortage of PAs in Illinois. By increasing the pay and benefits for PAs, facilities will be better able to compete for qualified staff. The increase in reimbursement rates will also help to ensure that facilities can continue to operate and provide essential services to individuals with disabilities. The pay raise for PAs is a positive development for both PAs and the facilities that employ them. It will help to improve the quality of care for individuals with disabilities and ensure that facilities can continue to operate.

The increased reimbursement rates will also help to ensure that facilities can comply with the new state minimum wage law. This law requires that all employers in Illinois pay their employees at least $14.00 per hour. The increased reimbursement rates will help facilities to meet this requirement and avoid penalties.

Specific Pay Raise Information

The 2024 pay raise for Personal Assistants (PAs) in Illinois is a significant step towards recognizing the essential work they do. The raise includes a $1.73 increase for all workers in January 2024, followed by another $0.50 increase in January 2025, bringing the minimum wage for PAs to $20.00 per hour. The pay raise also incorporates a pay scale that ensures regular wage increases based on seniority, providing a path for PAs to progress and earn higher wages over time. The new contract also expands paid time off for PAs, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being and work-life balance.

This raise is a result of the hard work and dedication of SEIU Healthcare (HCII) members and their advocacy for fair compensation. They came together and took action in their worksites, at the state capitol, and in their communities to secure this historic agreement. The raise will have a positive impact on the lives of PAs, allowing them to earn a living wage and provide for their families. It also sends a strong message that the work of PAs is valued and that they are an essential part of the Illinois healthcare system. The pay raise is a victory for all PAs in Illinois, and it is a testament to the power of collective bargaining.

The pay raise is a significant step forward for PAs in Illinois. It will help to improve their lives and ensure that they are compensated fairly for their hard work. The pay raise is also a sign of progress in the fight for fair wages for all workers in Illinois. It is a victory that should be celebrated, and it is a reminder that when workers come together and fight for what they deserve, they can achieve great things.

Average Pay for Personal Assistants

The average base salary for Personal Assistants (PAs) at the Illinois Department of Human Services is $21 per hour. However, this figure does not include any additional pay, such as overtime or bonuses. The average additional pay for PAs is $0 per hour. These figures are based on data collected from various sources, including job postings, salary surveys, and online forums. It is important to note that the actual pay for PAs can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.

The pay raise for PAs in Illinois is a step towards ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their work. The raise will bring the minimum wage for PAs to $20.00 per hour, which is closer to the average pay for PAs in other states. The pay raise is a positive development for PAs in Illinois, and it is a sign of progress in the fight for fair wages for all workers. The raise will help to improve the lives of PAs, allowing them to earn a living wage and provide for their families. It is a victory for all PAs in Illinois, and it is a testament to the power of collective bargaining.

The pay raise for PAs in Illinois is a significant step forward for PAs in Illinois. It will help to improve their lives and ensure that they are compensated fairly for their hard work. The pay raise is also a sign of progress in the fight for fair wages for all workers in Illinois. It is a victory that should be celebrated, and it is a reminder that when workers come together and fight for what they deserve, they can achieve great things.

The 2024 pay raise for Personal Assistants (PAs) in Illinois represents a significant step towards improving the lives of these essential workers. The increase in minimum wage and the negotiated wage increases are a testament to the collective bargaining efforts of PAs and their unions. The impact of these changes extends beyond individual paychecks, impacting the quality of care provided and the overall well-being of individuals relying on these services. The consistent efforts to advocate for fair wages and improved working conditions are vital to ensure the continued dedication and commitment of PAs in Illinois.

This pay raise underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the work of PAs who play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities and providing essential care. The increased compensation will not only improve their financial stability but also demonstrate a commitment to their professional development and well-being. The ongoing dialogue between PAs, their unions, and state agencies is crucial to ensure continued progress and address any emerging challenges.

The 2024 pay raise for PAs in Illinois serves as a positive example of how collective action can lead to meaningful improvements in the lives of essential workers. It is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of recognizing the contributions of PAs in Illinois.