Disability services in Maryland

People of any age with a developmental disability who meet ICF/IID level of care. Financial rules count only the applicant's income (up to 300% of SSI) and assets.

Start with: DDA Regional Office · (410) 767-5600 · Website (opens in a new tab)

DDA eligibility does not mean funding right away; people are placed in a priority category (Crisis Resolution, Crisis Prevention, Current Request, Future Needs) and funded as money becomes available.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Get the DDA Application for Eligibility from the DDA website or your DDA Regional Office
2. Send the signed application to your Regional Office (they can help you fill it out)
3. Meet with the Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) for a face-to-face interview
4. Get a letter with your eligibility and priority category
5. When funding is available for your priority category, your CCS helps you complete the Community Pathways Waiver application

Have these ready

• DDA Application for Eligibility
• Records showing the disability began before age 22 (school, medical, psychological)
• Social Security number
• Medicaid card if you have one

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

Closed. The Community Supports Waiver merged into the Community Pathways Waiver on October 6, 2025.

Start with: DDA Regional Office (now for the Community Pathways Waiver) · (410) 767-5600 · Website (opens in a new tab)

This waiver closed on October 6, 2025. People waiting for DDA services are on the shared DDA waiting list (3,537 people as of July 2025).

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. This waiver is closed. People who were on it moved to the Community Pathways Waiver
2. To get DDA waiver services now, apply for DDA eligibility through your DDA Regional Office
3. Ask your Coordinator of Community Services about the Community Pathways Waiver

Have these ready

• DDA Application for Eligibility
• Records showing the disability began before age 22 (school, medical, psychological)
• Social Security number

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

Closed. The Family Supports Waiver merged into the Community Pathways Waiver on October 6, 2025.

Start with: DDA Regional Office (now for the Community Pathways Waiver) · (410) 767-5600 · Website (opens in a new tab)

This waiver closed on October 6, 2025. People waiting for DDA services are on the shared DDA waiting list (3,537 people as of July 2025).

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. This waiver is closed. People who were on it moved to the Community Pathways Waiver
2. To get DDA waiver services now, apply for DDA eligibility through your DDA Regional Office
3. Ask your Coordinator of Community Services about the Community Pathways Waiver

Have these ready

• DDA Application for Eligibility
• Records showing the disability began before age 22 (school, medical, psychological)
• Social Security number

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

Children who are chronically ill or severely impaired, 21 or younger when approved, who need certified nursing facility or chronic hospital level of care. Only the child's income and assets count.

Start with: The Coordinating Center (Model Waiver Intake Team) · (410) 987-1048 · Website (opens in a new tab)

There is a wait list; call to put your child's name on the Model Waiver registry.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call The Coordinating Center at 410-987-1048
2. Ask for the Model Waiver Intake Team
3. Put your child's name on the Model Waiver registry
4. When a slot opens, complete the medical review and application

Have these ready

• Child's medical records and diagnoses
• Doctor's orders for nursing care
• Child's Social Security number

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

Children age 1 through the end of the school year they turn 21 with autism who need ICF/IID level of care and have an IFSP or IEP with at least 15 hours a week of special education. Only the child's income and assets count.

Start with: Autism Waiver Registry · (866) 417-3480 · Website (opens in a new tab)

There is a waitlist; call the registry to add your child's name.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call the Autism Waiver registry at 866-417-3480 to put your child on the waitlist
2. Keep your contact information up to date
3. When your child is reached, work with the school Autism Waiver Coordinator on the application
4. Complete the level of care and Medicaid steps

Have these ready

• Autism diagnosis
• Current IEP or IFSP
• Child's Social Security number

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

Adults 22 to 64 with a brain injury that happened after age 17 who need nursing facility or chronic hospital care and are now in a state psychiatric hospital, nursing facility, special hospital, or out-of-state facility paid by Maryland Medicaid.

Start with: Brain Injury Association of Maryland · (800) 221-6443 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Maryland's October 2025 report to the legislature says this waiver has no waitlist or registry.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call the Brain Injury Association of Maryland at 410-448-2924 or 800-221-6443 to ask for an interest form
2. Or fill out the interest form online at biamd.org
3. Gather records about the brain injury and the current facility stay
4. Complete the waiver and Medicaid application steps you are given

Have these ready

• Records of the brain injury and when it happened
• Name of the facility where the person now lives
• Social Security number
• Income and asset information

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

Adults 18 and older who need nursing facility level of care, live at home or in the community, and meet income (up to 300% of SSI) and asset rules.

Start with: Maryland Access Point (Community Options Waiver Registry) · (844) 627-5465 · Website (opens in a new tab)

There is a waitlist; you join the Community Options Waiver Registry and get an invitation to apply when it is your turn. People in a nursing facility with at least 30 days paid by Medicaid can apply with no wait.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 to get on the Community Options Waiver Registry
2. Wait for your invitation to apply
3. When invited, complete the waiver and Medicaid application
4. If you are in a nursing home paid by Medicaid for 30+ days, ask the social worker about applying with no wait
5. Ask for an options counselor if you need help

Have these ready

• Social Security number
• Income and asset information
• List of help needed with daily activities
• Medicaid card if you have one

Your local Aging and Disability Resource Center can start the application. Find yours.

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

People 16 and older who need nursing facility level of care, have a medical order for medical day care, and already have full Medicaid.

Start with: Local health department or Maryland Access Point · (844) 627-5465 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Maryland's October 2025 report to the legislature says this waiver has no waitlist or registry.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Make sure you have full Medicaid first (red and white card)
2. Get a medical order for medical day care from your doctor
3. Call your local health department or Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 to ask for a level of care assessment
4. Choose a medical day care center

Have these ready

• Full Medicaid card
• Doctor's order for medical day care
• List of health needs

Your local Aging and Disability Resource Center can start the application. Find yours.

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