CRSS Success Grant (Certified Recovery Support Specialist)

This application is for Summer 2026.

The Illinois Department of Human Services is providing funds to assist students to successfully obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential, a professional credential for individuals with lived experience of recovery from mental illness and/or substance use to provide recovery support services. Funding will support tuition, books, institution fees, clinical exam fees, and other cost-of-education expenses, and is available until exhausted for students meeting program eligibility criteria. If you have been awarded other financial assistance or scholarships, this may limit the amount you are eligible to receive from the CRSS Success Grant.

Students must:

  • be pursuing the Recovery Support Specialist Certificate
  • submit a statement of being identified as in recovery
  • submit an essay describing your understanding of the Recovery Support Specialist role in the field of mental health and substance use disorder treatment

Documents needed for application:

  • Recovery Support Specialist Certificate Application Packet

Award
varies
Deadline
06/30/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Are you a new CRSS applicant or renewing student?
  2. Are you pursuing the Recovery Support Specialist Certificate?
  3. I acknowledge that I am in recovery.
  4. First-time applicants must submit a short essay (300-500 words) describing their lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery and how this experience has prepared them to support others in recovery. In your essay, please address the following:
  5. I understand I will meet with my student success coach from the Human Services CRSS Success Program at least once a semester.
  6. Please select the grant support that is beneficial for your successful completion of the CRSS Success Program this semester:
  7. I understand that my application will be reviewed to verify that I am eligible to receive support funds in accordance with the requirements of the CRSS Success Grant.
  8. I understand that funds are not guaranteed. Should I receive financial support but fail to meet the eligibility or obligations of the Program, I understand that I may be required to pay back some or all funds received.
  9. Please select your Planned Target Population A:
  10. Please select your Planned Target Population B:
  11. Please select your Planned Setting:
  12. I have read and understand all information pertaining to the CRSS Success Program outlined in the Recovery Support Specialist Certificate Application Packet.
  13. Upload a signed copy of the Application Packet signature pages (pages 8-9) below.
  14. Show 8 more