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    Intellectual Disabilities Services

    ​Person/Family Directed Support Waiver

    The Pennsylvania Person/Family Directed Support Waiver is designed to help individuals with an intellectual disability, autism, or developmental disability to live more independently in their homes and communities and to provide a variety of services that promote community living, including self-directed service models and traditional, agency-based service models.

    Waiver Information

      View the PFDS Amendment

      Effective Date: May 1, 2024 — Note: For historical and comparison purposes, please see below for previously approved amendment information.

        Eligibility Requirements

        • The following diagnosis and age requirements apply:
          • Individuals of any age with an intellectual disability or autism (ID/A)
          • Children with a developmental disability under age 9 with a high probability ID/A diagnosis
          • Individuals under age 22 with a developmental disability due to a medically complex condition
        • Level of Care
          • Medical Evaluation
          • Diagnosis of ID/A or developmental disability
        • Recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation
        • Determined eligible for Medicaid in Pennsylvania
        • Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office
        • Individual cost limit of $47,000 per person per fiscal year
          • Excludes Supports Coordination and Supports Broker Services
          • The limit can be exceeded by $15,000 for Advanced Supported Employment, Supported Employment, or Benefits Counseling services.

        Services

        • Advanced Supported Employment
        • Assistive Technology
        • Behavioral Support
        • Benefits Counseling
        • Communication Specialist
        • Community Participation Support
        • Companion
        • Consultative Nutritional Services
        • Education Support
        • Family/Caregiver Training and Support
        • Family Medical Support Assistant
        • Home Accessibility Adaptations
        • Homemaker/Chore
        • Housing Transition and Tenancy Sustaining Services
        • In-Home and Community Support
        • Music, Art, and Equine Assisted Therapy
        • Participant-Directed Goods and Services
        • Remote Supports
        • RespiteShift Nursing
        • Small Group Employment
        • Specialized Supplies
        • Specialty Telehealth and Assessment Team
        • Supported Employment
        • Supports Broker
        • Supports Coordination
        • Therapy
          • Physical
          • Occupational
          • Speech
          • Language
          • Orientation, Mobility, and Vision
        • Transportation
        • Vehicle Accessibility Adaptations