Disability services in California

Regional center clients who need home and community services but do not meet the HCBS Waiver level of care. Must have Medi-Cal.

Start with: Your regional center · 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. Find your regional center with the DDS lookup or listing.
2. Call the regional center intake line and ask for an intake appointment.
3. Go to the free diagnosis and eligibility assessment.
4. If eligible, you get a service coordinator and make an Individual Program Plan (IPP).
5. Ask your service coordinator about Medi-Cal and the HCBS Waiver or Self-Determination Program.

Have these ready

• Diagnosis or evaluation records
• School records (IEP)
• Medical records
• Medi-Cal card, if any
• Proof of California residence

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

People with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or a similar condition that began before 18, of any age, who meet ICF/IID level of care and are regional center clients.

Start with: Your regional center · Website (opens in a new tab)

DDS does not describe a waitlist for regional center eligibility or this waiver.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Find your regional center with the DDS lookup or listing.
2. Call the regional center intake line and ask for an intake appointment.
3. Go to the free diagnosis and eligibility assessment.
4. If eligible, you get a service coordinator and make an Individual Program Plan (IPP).
5. Ask your service coordinator about Medi-Cal and the HCBS Waiver or Self-Determination Program.

Have these ready

• Diagnosis or evaluation records
• School records (IEP)
• Medical records
• Medi-Cal card, if any
• Proof of California residence

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

People who get regional center services. Same target group as the HCBS Waiver.

Start with: Your regional center · Website (opens in a new tab)

Since July 1, 2021, SDP is open to all eligible regional center clients.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Become a regional center client first.
2. Tell your service coordinator you want the Self-Determination Program.
3. Go to the SDP orientation.
4. Make a spending plan and person-centered plan.
5. Choose a financial management service and start.

Have these ready

• Regional center IPP
• Information about the services you want
• Medi-Cal card, if any

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

Adults 21 and older with full-scope, zero share of cost Medi-Cal who need nursing facility level care and will live in assisted living or public housing in one of 15 counties.

Start with: Assisted Living Waiver Care Coordination Agency (CCA) · Website (opens in a new tab)

Slots are limited and there is a waitlist. DHCS releases open slots to CCAs on a regular basis.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Check that you live or will live in one of the 15 ALW counties.
2. Pick a Care Coordination Agency from the DHCS list.
3. Contact the CCA and ask how to apply.
4. Get on the waitlist.
5. When a slot opens, move into a participating facility.

Have these ready

• Medi-Cal card with zero share of cost
• Money for room and board
• Medical records

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

People 60 and older with a qualifying Medi-Cal aid code who are certified or certifiable for nursing facility placement.

Start with: Your local MSSP site · Website (opens in a new tab)

MSSP has a set number of slots each year (11,940 statewide for 2024 to 2029). Local MSSP sites keep waitlists and give priority to people with the most urgent needs.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Go to the Find Services in My County page.
2. Choose your county and find the MSSP provider.
3. Call the MSSP site and ask to apply.
4. A care manager does a home assessment.
5. Work with your care manager on a care plan.

Have these ready

• Medi-Cal card
• Medical information
• Photo ID

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

People at risk of nursing home or institutional placement who meet the needed level of care and have full-scope Medi-Cal.

Start with: HCBA Waiver Agency for your county · (833) 388-4551 · Website (opens in a new tab)

The waiver reached capacity and a waiting list began July 12, 2023. People under 21, people moving from a facility after 60 days, and some others get priority.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Find the Waiver Agency for your county or ZIP code on the DHCS HCBA page.
2. Call the agency and ask for an application.
3. Fill out the DHCS 1320 application and send it to the agency.
4. Get on the waiting list.
5. When a slot opens, the agency does an assessment and care plan.

Have these ready

• Medi-Cal card
• DHCS 1320 application
• Medical records
• Doctor contact information

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

People who are aged, blind or disabled, have Medi-Cal and live at home, and need help to stay safely at home.

Start with: Your county IHSS office (county social services) · Website (opens in a new tab)

IHSS and CFC are Medi-Cal state plan benefits. State plan benefits cannot have a wait list.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Call your county social services agency and ask to apply for IHSS.
2. A county social worker visits your home to assess your needs.
3. Have your doctor fill out the Health Care Certification (SOC 873).
4. Get your approval notice with your monthly hours.
5. Hire your own provider, or use a county contractor if your county has one.

Have these ready

• Medi-Cal card
• Health Care Certification form (SOC 873)
• List of tasks you need help with
• Doctor contact information

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

Medi-Cal members with full benefits and a written diagnosis of HIV or AIDS with current symptoms. Adults must be at nursing facility level of care. Children under 13 must be HIV/AIDS symptomatic.

Start with: Your local MCWP agency (California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS) · Website (opens in a new tab)

California reported no waiting list for the HIV/AIDS waiver group in the 2026 KFF survey.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Go to the CDPH Office of AIDS MCWP page to find an agency near you.
2. Call the agency and ask to enroll in the Medi-Cal Waiver Program.
3. A nurse case manager checks your level of care.
4. Make a care plan with your case managers.

Have these ready

• Medi-Cal card
• Written HIV or AIDS diagnosis
• Medical records

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