Understanding Virginia's Community Living Waiver
The Community Living Waiver helps eligible adults with developmental disabilities receive services and supports in community-based settings rather than institutional environments. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and how waiver services may help individuals access supportive living opportunities.
What Is The Community Living Waiver?
The Virginia Community Living Waiver is a Virginia DD waiver program designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities who need ongoing assistance while living in community-based settings.
The waiver may help fund services that promote:
Independence
Community participation
Health and wellness
Residential support
Employment readiness
Person-centered planning
Who Qualifies?
An individual may qualify if they:
Have a developmental disability (18+ years)
Meet Virginia Medicaid eligibility requirements
Require a level of care that would otherwise be provided in an institutional setting
Complete the required assessments and eligibility process (intake VIDES)
Eligibility is determined through Virginia's developmental disability services system and local Community Services Boards (CSBs).
How To Apply
Step 1
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to begin the waiver application process.
Use Virginia's Community Services Board directory to locate the CSB that serves your current city or county of residence. Most individuals begin the waiver application process through the CSB where they currently live, even if they plan to move to a supportive living residence elsewhere in Virginia.
Step 2
Complete developmental disability eligibility screening (VIDES) and assessments
Your local CSB will guide you through the developmental disability eligibility process, including the Virginia Individual Developmental Disability Eligibility Survey (VIDES) and any additional assessments needed to determine eligibility for DD Waiver services.
Step 3
Determine Eligibility for DD Waiver Services
The Community Services Board (CSB) will review the completed screenings, assessments, and supporting documentation to determine whether the individual meets Virginia's eligibility requirements for Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver services. If eligible, the individual can move forward in the waiver process and begin exploring available supports and service options.
Step 4
Apply for Medicaid if needed
Many Community Living Waiver services are funded through Virginia Medicaid. If the individual is not currently enrolled in Medicaid, an application may need to be completed before waiver-funded services can begin.
Virginia Medicaid applications are processed through the Commonwealth of Virginia's CommonHelp system and Cover Virginia program.
Step 5
Receive waiver assignment (individual and family support program waitlist)
Once eligibility has been established and all required documentation has been completed, individuals may receive a waiver assignment and begin working with a support coordinator to identify appropriate services and supports.
Approval timelines vary depending on individual circumstances, documentation requirements, and service availability. Individual Support Program Waitlist Priority either 1, 2, or 3.
Step 6
Choose a provider such as Aligned Have
After waiver services have been approved, individuals and their support teams can begin exploring qualified providers and residential options that align with their goals, preferences, and support needs.
Aligned Haven welcomes inquiries from families, guardians, support coordinators, and referral partners throughout Virginia.
How Long Does Approval Take?
Approval timelines vary depending on:
Current Medicaid status
Assessment completion
Documentation requirements
Waiver availability
Individual circumstances
Because timelines differ from person to person, families are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible.
What Services May Be Covered?
Depending on the individual's approved support plan, the Community Living Waiver may help fund:
Employment supports
Skill-building services
Health and wellness coordination
Transportation-related supports
Supportive living services
Residential support
Personal care assistance
Community engagement services
How Aligned Haven Can Help
Aligned Haven provides supportive living services for adults with developmental disabilities in Virginia.
Our person-centered approach focuses on:
Safe residential support
Independence building
Community participation
Life-skills development
Family collaboration
Individualized support planning
If you already have a Community Living Waiver or are working with a support coordinator, we invite you to contact us to discuss availability and determine whether Aligned Haven is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Virginia Community Living Waiver is a Medicaid waiver program that helps eligible individuals with developmental disabilities receive services and supports in community-based settings rather than institutional environments. The waiver may help fund services that promote independence, community participation, residential support, employment opportunities, and person-centered planning.
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Eligibility is determined through Virginia's developmental disability services system and typically requires a qualifying developmental disability, Medicaid eligibility, and the need for ongoing support services. Assessments are completed through the individual's local Community Services Board (CSB) or designated screening agency.
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The process typically begins by contacting your local Community Services Board (CSB). Individuals may need to complete developmental disability assessments, establish Medicaid eligibility, and work with a support coordinator to determine appropriate services and supports.
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Many individuals who qualify for the Community Living Waiver may receive funding for supportive living and residential support services. Coverage depends on the individual's approved services, support needs, and person-centered plan.
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Depending on an individual's approved support plan, waiver services may include supportive living, residential support, personal care assistance, community engagement, employment supports, life-skills development, health and wellness coordination, and other person-centered services.
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Approval timelines vary based on eligibility requirements, documentation, assessment completion, Medicaid enrollment status, and waiver availability. Because each situation is unique, families are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible.
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The Community Living Waiver is a Medicaid funding program, while supportive living is a residential service that may be funded through the waiver. The waiver helps eligible individuals access services and supports, while supportive living providers deliver person-centered residential care and assistance based on individual needs and goals.
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Yes. Family members, guardians, support coordinators, and other members of an individual's support team are encouraged to participate in person-centered planning discussions to help ensure services align with the individual's goals, preferences, and needs.
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Once waiver services have been approved, individuals and their support teams can begin exploring qualified providers and available services. Families, guardians, and support coordinators are encouraged to discuss support needs, residential options, and service goals when evaluating potential providers.