Disability services in Delaware

People 12 and older with intellectual disability (including brain injury) or autism at ICF/IID level of care who can no longer live independently or with family.

Start with: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) · (302) 744-9700 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Delaware reported no I/DD waiting list in the 2026 KFF survey.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Apply to DDDS online, or send the paper application by email, fax or to a DDDS office.
2. DDDS sends a letter within 7 days that lists any missing papers.
3. DDDS decides eligibility within 30 days of a complete application.
4. Apply for Medicaid separately. A DDDS application is not a Medicaid application.
5. Your case manager helps you choose between the Lifespan Waiver and DSHP Plus.

Have these ready

• DDDS application
• Standardized assessment results (IQ and adaptive testing)
• Diagnosis records
• Consent for release of information
• Medicaid application

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Youth and young adults ages 14 to 25 who want to work, are on Medicaid, and have an intellectual disability, autism, visual impairment or physical disability and meet functional criteria.

Start with: Delaware DDDS Pathways to Employment · Website (opens in a new tab)

This is a 1915(i) state plan option. State plan benefits cannot have a wait list.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Get Delaware Medicaid if you do not have it.
2. Apply online for Pathways to Employment, or fill out the paper application.
3. Email the paper application to DHSS_DDDS_Day_Employment@Delaware.gov.
4. An employment navigator helps you plan services.

Have these ready

• Medicaid number
• Disability records
• School records or IEP

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Delaware residents who are elderly or physically disabled and need long-term care (nursing facility or home and community services). DDDS clients get acute care here; DDDS waiver services stay with DDDS.

Start with: Delaware DMMA Medicaid Central Intake Unit (long-term care) · (866) 940-8963 · Website (opens in a new tab)

DSHP Plus is mandatory managed care for people who qualify. DMMA pages do not describe a wait list.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call the Medicaid Central Intake Unit at 1-866-940-8963 for long-term care.
2. Complete the financial application and level of care review.
3. When approved, you are enrolled in a DSHP Plus managed care plan.
4. Choose a health plan if offered a choice.
5. Work with your plan care coordinator on home and community services.

Have these ready

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

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