Disability services in Connecticut

People with intellectual disability (age 3 and older) or developmental disability (18 and older) at ICF/IID level of care who have significant physical, behavioral or medical support needs.

Start with: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) · (866) 737-0330 · Website (opens in a new tab)

A 2024 DSS overview lists no waitlist for this waiver, but DDS funding is assigned based on need.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Download the DDS application for a person with intellectual disability.
2. Fill it out and send it with records to the DDS Eligibility Unit (dds.eligibility@ct.gov).
3. If found eligible, DDS assigns a case manager from your regional office.
4. Apply for Medicaid (HUSKY) with DSS if you do not have it.
5. Your case manager helps you request waiver enrollment and funding.

Have these ready

• Records showing intellectual disability began before age 18
• Psychological testing with IQ score
• School records
• Birth certificate
• Social Security number

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

People age 3 and older whose main diagnosis is autism and who do not have an intellectual disability diagnosis, at ICF/IID level of care.

Start with: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Autism Services · (866) 433-8192 · Website (opens in a new tab)

A 2024 DSS overview lists a waitlist of more than 5 years.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Download the DDS application for a person with autism and no intellectual disability.
2. Send it with the autism diagnosis records to DDS.
3. If found eligible, ask to be placed on the Autism Waiver waitlist.
4. Apply for Medicaid (HUSKY) with DSS.
5. When a slot opens, work with your case manager on a plan.

Have these ready

• Autism diagnostic evaluation
• School records
• Birth certificate
• Social Security number

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

DDS-eligible people with intellectual or developmental disability who live with family or in their own home and need in-home, day or employment supports.

Start with: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) · (866) 737-0330 · Website (opens in a new tab)

A 2024 DSS overview lists no waitlist for this waiver, but DDS funding is assigned based on need.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Download the DDS application for a person with intellectual disability.
2. Fill it out and send it with records to the DDS Eligibility Unit (dds.eligibility@ct.gov).
3. If found eligible, DDS assigns a case manager from your regional office.
4. Apply for Medicaid (HUSKY) with DSS if you do not have it.
5. Your case manager helps you request waiver enrollment and funding.

Have these ready

• Records showing intellectual disability began before age 18
• Psychological testing with IQ score
• School records
• Birth certificate
• Social Security number

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Adults 18 to 64 with a qualifying acquired brain injury who need institutional level care.

Start with: Connecticut DSS Community Options · (800) 445-5394 · Website (opens in a new tab)

DSS lists a waitlist for ABI II.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call DSS Community Options at 800-445-5394.
2. Ask to apply for the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) II Waiver.
3. Send medical records about the brain injury.
4. Get on the waitlist.
5. When a slot opens, finish the assessment and care plan.

Have these ready

• Medical records about the brain injury
• Social Security number
• Proof of income

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Adults 18 to 64 with a qualifying acquired brain injury who need institutional level care.

Start with: Connecticut DSS Community Options · (800) 445-5394 · Website (opens in a new tab)

DSS says ABI I is closed to new people. New applicants go to ABI II.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. ABI I is closed to new people.
2. Call DSS Community Options at 800-445-5394 to apply for ABI II instead.
3. Ask DSS about other help while you wait, such as Community First Choice if you already have Medicaid.

Have these ready

• Medical records about the brain injury
• Social Security number

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Children and young adults with a physical disability (with or without a developmental disability) who would otherwise need institutional care. Parent income is not counted.

Start with: Connecticut DSS Community Options (Katie Beckett Waiver) · (800) 445-5394 · Website (opens in a new tab)

There is a waiting list. A 2024 DSS overview listed waits of more than 4 years. DSS encourages you to apply anyway.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call DSS at 800-445-5394 and choose option 3.
2. Ask for the Katie Beckett Waiver application, or apply through MyPlaceCT.
3. Send the application and your child's medical records.
4. Your child goes on the waiting list.
5. When a slot opens, a home health agency provides case management.

Have these ready

• Child's medical records
• Child's Social Security number
• Parent income information (listed, not counted)

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

People 65 and older at risk of institutional care or at institutional level of care.

Start with: Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), DSS Community Options · (800) 445-5394 · Website (opens in a new tab)

A 2024 DSS overview lists no waitlist.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call DSS at 800-445-5394 and choose option 4.
2. Ask to apply for the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders.
3. Complete the in-home assessment.
4. Send income and asset papers.
5. Choose services such as homemaker, PCA or adult day.

Have these ready

• Social Security number
• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• Medical information

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Adults 22 and older with serious mental illness who meet nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Mental Health Waiver · (866) 548-0265 · Website (opens in a new tab)

A 2024 DSS overview lists a waitlist of 1 to 2 months.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Talk with your mental health provider about the Mental Health Waiver.
2. Contact the DMHAS Mental Health Waiver program through its web page.
3. Complete the level of care assessment.
4. Take part in person-centered planning to make an Individualized Recovery Plan.

Have these ready

• Mental health treatment records
• Medicaid card
• Social Security number

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

DDS-eligible people with intellectual or developmental disability, including young adults leaving high school, who need day and employment supports only.

Start with: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) · (866) 737-0330 · Website (opens in a new tab)

A 2024 DSS overview lists no waitlist for this waiver, but DDS funding is assigned based on need.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Download the DDS application for a person with intellectual disability.
2. Fill it out and send it with records to the DDS Eligibility Unit (dds.eligibility@ct.gov).
3. If found eligible, DDS assigns a case manager from your regional office.
4. Apply for Medicaid (HUSKY) with DSS if you do not have it.
5. Your case manager helps you request waiver enrollment and funding.

Have these ready

• Records showing intellectual disability began before age 18
• Psychological testing with IQ score
• School records
• Birth certificate
• Social Security number

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Adults 18 to 64 with significant needs that would otherwise require institutional care.

Start with: Connecticut DSS Community Options · (800) 445-5394 · Website (opens in a new tab)

A 2024 DSS overview lists a waitlist of more than 3 years.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call DSS Community Options at 800-445-5394.
2. Ask to apply for the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver.
3. Complete the assessment.
4. Get on the waitlist.
5. When a slot opens, choose a personal care assistant.

Have these ready

• Medical records
• Social Security number
• Proof of income

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas