DDS Employment and Day Support (EDS) Waiver

To be eligible for the EDS Waiver, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be deemed eligible for DDS services first, before receiving any waiver services. Find the DDS eligibility requirements here.
• Need an ICF/IID level of care. That is, the person must have an intellectual or developmental disability and a level of need which would necessitate the level of services provided in an institution.
• Is willing to or has a desire to live in a community setting.
• Have income and assets within the limits specified for the waiver.

Children under the age of 21 with complex medical needs who would otherwise require institutional care may also be eligible. Services may also be available to individuals older than 18 years of age in need of career development, supported employment or community-based day supports.

Services offered through the EDS Waiver include:

Individuals who cannot afford the cost of care, but are over Medicaid’s limits may still qualify. The state has a spend down program that evaluates an individual’s care costs and their income. If it is calculated that an individual cannot meet their care costs, they can qualify for Medicaid by spending-down their income over the limit on their medically-necessary care costs.

Alternatively, the individual can also privately pay for services out-of-pocket until they become eligible.

Individuals who are denied enrollment into one of the DDS waivers or who are denied requested waiver services have the right to request a hearing from the Department of Social Services. Notice of Fair Hearing Rights and the Hearing Request Form are provided to the individual with the written denial of enrollment or service.