We have five waiver programs for people enrolled in the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Waivers help people live in the community instead of a state-operated facility. Each waiver has its own menu of services and eligibility.
To learn more, click a link below for English-language brochures, or visit our brochure page for publications in multiple languages.
- Basic Plus
- Children's Intensive In-home Behavioral Supports
- Community Protection
- Core
- Individual and Family Services
If you would like to ask for waiver services, you can:
- Fill out our online Services and Information Request form;
- Contact your DDA Case Resource Manager directly; or
- Visit a DDA office near you.
Waiver Redesign Project
In 2024, state lawmakers asked us to look at ways to make our waiver programs easier to understand. We asked people who use services, their families, DDA staff, and community partners for their ideas. We received more than 1,800 comments.
Current Approved Waivers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services must approve any changes to our waivers. In 2023, CMS approved five HCBS Waiver Appendix K applications. Appendix K provides the state flexibility in existing waiver programs. Click on a link below to read the applications:
- Basic Plus (1/2025)
- CIIBS (1/2025)
- Core (1/2025)
- Community Protection (1/2025)
- Individual and Family Services (1/2025)
- Approved Appendix K waiver amendments (02/23/2026)
Summary of Changes (Effective Jan. 1, 2025)
- Added Foster Care group to waiver eligibility.
- Updated the Supports Intensity Scale-A with a second edition.
- Changed the name of Specialized Habilitation to Life Skills. This includes the stabilization version of this service.
- Added point-in-time capacity to Basic Plus waiver from 13,000 to 13,400 participants for waiver years 3-5.
- Removed the bachelor’s degree requirement for Case Resource Managers and Social Services Specialists. This change was required under SHB 2216.
- Added University of Washington as a contracted entity to administer the in-person National Core Indicator® Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities survey.
- Removed the prohibition of bus passes to transportation service definition and limitations. And added taxis and public transit as service providers.
Resources
- Home & Community Based Waiver Services Brochure: Home and Community Based Waiver Services
- DDA Home and Community Based Services Waivers, WAC 388-845
