Adults with developmental disabilities deserve the same quality of life, dignity, and community access as anyone else. Minnesota’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver is one of the primary tools for making that possible — funding residential support and daily living services for adults with DD who choose to live in the community rather than an institutional setting.
If your family member has a developmental disability and needs residential care, this guide will help you understand how the DD Waiver works and how it can fund assisted living.
What Is the DD Waiver?
The DD Waiver is a Minnesota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program. It provides funding for supports and services that allow adults with developmental disabilities to live in community settings — including licensed assisted living homes — with the support they need.
The goal is to enable people with DD to live as independently as possible while receiving the level of support appropriate to their needs.
Who Qualifies for the DD Waiver?
To be eligible for the DD Waiver in Minnesota, a person must meet all of these criteria:
- Age: 18 or older (there’s also a children’s waiver for those under 18)
- Diagnosis: Have a developmental disability — this includes intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury (with onset before age 22), and other developmental conditions
- Level of care: Meet the level of care requirement for an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD)
- Medicaid eligibility: Be enrolled in or eligible for Minnesota Medical Assistance
- Not currently in an ICF/DD (or choosing to transition to the community)
Developmental disability is defined as a disability that originates before age 22 and results in substantial functional limitations in major life activities.
What Does the DD Waiver Cover?
The DD Waiver can fund a broad range of services, including:
- Supported living services — assistance with daily living in a residential setting
- Personal support — help with personal care, household tasks, and daily activities
- Residential supports — staffing and oversight in a licensed residential setting like assisted living
- Behavioral supports — assessment, planning, and implementation of behavioral intervention
- Day support services — structured programming and skill-building during daytime hours
- Assistive technology
- Transportation
- Crisis services
When a DD Waiver recipient lives in a licensed assisted living facility, the waiver funds the residential support services provided by the facility. Room costs are covered separately through Housing Support (GRH) — approximately $1,187/month.
How Does the DD Waiver Work in Practice?
Once a person is enrolled in the DD Waiver, they are assigned a case manager (sometimes called a support planner) who coordinates their services. The case manager:
- Develops an individualized support plan
- Authorizes specific services and funding levels
- Coordinates with residential providers
- Monitors the quality of care
The facility bills the waiver for authorized services. The case manager serves as the ongoing connection between the individual, the family, and the provider.
Is There a Waitlist?
Yes. The DD Waiver in Minnesota has historically had a significant waitlist. For adults with developmental disabilities who are approaching a transition point — aging out of school services, leaving a family home after a parent’s death or illness, or needing more support than they currently have — getting on the waitlist early is critical.
People on the waitlist may be eligible for Alternative Care (AC) or other bridge services. Contact your county’s disability services office to start the process.
Assisted Living vs. ICF/DD: What’s the Difference?
Some families consider an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD) — a more intensive, medically-staffed residential setting. The key differences:
| Assisted Living | ICF/DD | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Home-like residential | More clinical/institutional |
| Staffing | Caregivers | Certified nursing staff |
| Medical complexity | Moderate | High |
| Size | Typically 5–25 residents | Varies |
| Funding | DD Waiver + GRH | Medicaid — higher rate |
| Community integration | High emphasis | Variable |
For most adults with DD who need residential support but not intensive medical care, assisted living with DD Waiver funding is often the preferred option — it’s more home-like, more integrated in the community, and allows for greater individual autonomy.
Getting Started with the DD Waiver
- Contact your county’s Social Services — Disability Services division — they handle DD Waiver eligibility and waitlist enrollment
- Complete a functional assessment — to determine level-of-care eligibility
- Apply for Medical Assistance if not already enrolled
- Get on the waitlist — the sooner the better
- Research residential providers while waiting — so you’re ready when funding is approved
WeDoCare in Bloomington, MN accepts DD Waiver residents in our licensed assisted living home with 5 private bedrooms, serving adults 55 and older. We work directly with case managers, county coordinators, and families to support a smooth transition into residential care.
Contact us to learn about availability or call (952) 600-2780.
WeDoCare — Bloomington, MN
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Licensed assisted living — 5 private bedrooms. EW, CADI & DD waivers accepted. Adults 55+. We respond within 24 hours.