The DD Waiver program is coordinated by your local Community Services Board or Behavioral Health Authority.
Waivers are assigned based on your support needs. Children and adults who meet the eligibility criteria are placed on the needs based Wait List due to the limited number of waivers funded.
It is not a chronological waiting list.
For Your Information:
Parent/family income is never considered for Medicaid Waiver eligibility.
You do not have to apply for or be enrolled in Medicaid when you apply for a waiver.
To use the waiver you must apply and qualify for Medicaid if you are not already enrolled in Medicaid.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To Get Started: Contact your local Community Services Board(CSB) or Behavioral Health Authority(BHA). Ask for a screening for the Developmental Disability Waiver.
Easy-to-Watch Video
Disability Documentation: Provide the CSB/BHA with proof of your developmental disability. (Psychological evaluations, medical reports, disability evaluations, OT, PT, ST records etc.). If you do not have documentation, the CSB/BHA can help you get an evaluation.
This is a good time to contact The Arc of Virginia for assistance with the process. Call (804) 649-8481 x 104 or Email [email protected]
Functional Criteria: The CSB/BHA will assess your functional abilities for every day activities such as bathing, mobility, communication, learning etc.
The VIDES screening is used to determine if a person meets the functional criteria.
Prepare for the VIDES in advance by reviewing it so you know what to report.
VIDES INFANT VIDES 3-17 VIDES Adult
Describe what kind of help you/family member needs as if you/they have NO supports. No family, friends or staff available to help with daily activities.
Get a copy of your VIDES and review it to make sure it is accurate. If you have questions or information to add contact your CSB/BHA.
When you meet the Disability Documentation and the Functional requirements, then you will be placed on the needs based Wait List. It is not a chronological(numbered) waiting list.
Priority Needs Checklist: The CSB/BHA staff will assess your situation with you to establish your Priority Needs Checklist Level of 1, 2, or 3 on the Wait List.
****You or your family member/primary caregiver should discuss the family/caregiver's situation (health, other caregiving responsibilities, etc.) that impact the family/caregiver's ability to be the caregiver with the CSB/BHA. VERY IMPORTANT! DO NOT SUGAR COAT.
Contact your case manager/support coordinator when your support needs change or you move. Your priority level may change as your needs change. Get a copy of your Priority Needs Checklist and make sure it is correct.
Critical Needs Summary: IF you are in Priority Level One, your needs will be assessed by the CSB/BHA case manager/support coordinator to generate a priority needs score on the Critical Needs Summary. Discuss the information requested on the Critical Needs Summary with your case manager/support coordinator. The Critical Needs Summary is reviewed and updated every year and whenever your needs change which may result in a different priority needs score. It is important that you contact your case manager/support coordinator whenever your needs change and when your contact information changes. Keep a copy of your Critical Needs Summary.
Slot Assignment Review Form: When waiver slots are available, those with the highest priority needs score on the Critical Needs Summary in each CSB/BHA, are considered for a waiver.
If you are in the group of people with the highest scores, then your case manager/support coordinator will prepare a written summary of your needs and situation on the Slot Assignment Review Form. Discuss the information requested on the Slot Assignment Review Form with your case manager/support coordinator. Get a copy of your form.
Note: the priority needs score (on the Critical Needs Summary) is relative to the individuals in Priority Level one at your local CSB.
Waiver Slot Assignment Scoring Summary: Individuals who are in the group of those with the highest scores in the CSB/BHA, are reviewed by the Waiver Slot Assignment Committee. The Committee reviews the anonymous Slot Assignment Review Forms. The Waiver Slot Assignment Committee scores each individual on the Waiver Slot Assignment Scoring Summary to determine those with the greatest needs to receive waivers.
Always:
Ask for copies of your application forms. Make sure the information about you is correct and up to date.
Contact your CSB/BHA if information needs to be changed or updated.
Make sure the CSB/BHA has your contact information.
When You Are on the Wait List - Your Responsibility and Additional Opportunities
Wait List Responsibility
Mind Your Mail: Every year while you are on the DD Wait List you will be asked if you want to stay on the Wait List. The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services will send you forms to to complete. To STAY on the Wait List you must submit Virginia Individual Choice Between Institutional Care of Home and Community-Based Services.
You can complete the required Choice form and the optional Needed Services form online
Check out these opportunities:
Individual Family Support Funding Program and more!
State Rental Assistance Program