Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Funding

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Program receives funding from both state and federal sources: the majority coming from the federal Medicaid Program/Medical Assistance.  Access to any IDD funding is based on eligibility, need for service, and availability of funds.  The IDD Program is always the payer of last resort, meaning that all other available funding options must be explored and used before available IDD resources can be used for services/supports.

Toddlers sitting on a sheet

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver Funding

Home and Community Based Waiver funds are a combination of federal and state monies that are to be used for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Pennsylvania. Each county is allotted a certain number of waiver opportunities to meet the needs of eligible individuals residing in that county. There are three types of waiver that are available.

Person/Family Directed Support Waiver (P/FDS)

The P/FDS Waiver comes with a maximum budget of $33,000 dollars per year and cannot be used for residential supports. If additional services are needed for employment, an additional $15,000 is available.  Most individuals who receive this funding live independently or with family and they use day supports, transportation services and require assistance with independent living skills. For more information, visit the PA Department of Human Services website information on this waiver at:  http://www.dhs.pa.gov/learnaboutdhs/waiverinformation/personfamilydirectedsupportwaiver/index.htm

Community Living Waiver

The Community Living Waiver was just approved on January 1, 2018 with limited enrollment and comes with a maximum budget of $70,000.  This Waiver can be used for some specific residential supports, and for a variety of other IDD Services.  For more information, visit the PA Department of Human Services website information on this waiver at:  http://www.dhs.pa.gov/learnaboutdhs/waiverinformation/communitylivingwaiver/index.htm

Consolidated Waiver Funding

The Consolidated Waiver funding has no maximum budget per year but is tracked and coordinated by the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program. This funding is based upon individual needs and is necessary for most Residential Supports like Group Home and Lifesharing. Most individuals who receive this support require supports 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. For more information, visit the PA Department of Human Services website information on this waiver at: http://www.dhs.pa.gov/learnaboutdhs/waiverinformation/consolidatedwaiverforindividualswithintellectualdisabilities/index.htm

Human Services Block Grant

This funding is an annual allocation derived from the PA State Budget and administered by Lancaster County.  HSBG funding helps to provide services and supports for individuals with an intellectual disability and is based on the MH/ID Act of 1966.

All funding is based upon need and availability, and Records are initially opened with no funding attached.

For more information click here Lancaster County Human Services Block Grant

Other Funding Sources

  • Community Resource Funding
  • Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (EPSDT)
  • Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • School Districts