Independence Waiver

The Independence Waiver program provides services to persons with physical disabilities to allow them to live in the community and remain as independent as possible.

Who is eligible?

• Pennsylvania residents aged 18-60.
• Individuals who are currently in the waiver prior to 7/1/2006 will age in place. Individuals age 60 and older will be referred to the Aging Waiver.
• Individuals who are physically disabled (but not with mental retardation or have a major mental disorder as a primary diagnosis, or who are ventilator dependent), who reside in a Nursing Facility (NF) or the community but who have been assessed to require services at the level of nursing facility level of care. In addition, the disability must result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities: Self-care, understanding and use of language, learning, mobility, self-direction and/or capacity for independent living.
• Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office.

Additional eligibility requirements:

To be eligible for the Independence Waiver individuals must:

• Possess income and resources within limits established in the Medicaid Waiver programs.
• Have a disability that is likely to continue indefinitely and results in three or more substantial functional limitations in major life activities.
• Be a citizen of the United States or immigrant lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
• Be a resident of Pennsylvania
• Must be age 18 and over with a physical disability.
• Cannot have mental retardation or a major mental disorder as a primary diagnosis or be ventilator dependent.
• Must be clinically eligible for a nursing facility.

Services Available May Include:

• Assistive technology/specialized medical equipment and supplies
• Community integration services
• Community transition services
• Education services
• Environmental adaptations
• Extended state plan - visiting nurse, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavior therapy
• Non-medical transportation services
• Personal assistance services
• Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
• Respite services
• Service coordination

Back to CSPPPD