Understanding the IDD Waiver Waitlist

Understanding the DC IDD Waiver waitlist.

What the new IDD Waiver waitlist means for you, and the support that is still available.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the DC Department on Disability Services (DDS) introduced a waitlist for the IDD Waiver because funding is limited. At Mercyland Healthcare, we want you to know what that change means, and what help is still within reach.

What has not changed

• You still have support. The waitlist applies only to the IDD Waiver. It does not affect your eligibility for other DDS services.
• The IFS Waiver is still open. The Individual and Family Support (IFS) Waiver continues without a waitlist when spots are available.
• Your Mercyland team is here. You will still have a Service Coordinator, ISP meetings, and guidance throughout the process.

Understanding your options

1. IDD Waiver. Designed for people who need higher levels of support, including residential services or 24-hour care.
2. IFS Waiver. For people living with family or friends. It offers community and employment supports, but it does not cover housing and usually has an annual spending cap.

How the waitlist works

The IDD Waiver waitlist is based on your Level of Need (LON), not on how long you have been waiting. DDS sorts people into three groups, Priority, Urgent, and Non-Urgent, based on current needs and risks.

Where do you fit in?

DDS uses three priority categories to decide who receives services first:

• Priority. Emergency situations, very high support needs, or no natural supports.
• Urgent. At risk of losing housing or essential care.
• Non-Urgent. Eligible for services and currently stable.

Let’s check in. Which category best reflects your situation right now? For example: “I live with my aging parents, and they are struggling to support me” would fall under Urgent.

Advocate for yourself

Be honest during assessments, keep a record of any changes in your needs, and reach out to advocacy groups when you need them. You can also request a Fair Hearing if you disagree with a decision.

A few tips that help:

• Be honest during assessments and share all of your support needs, including caregiver challenges.
• Track changes and contact your Service Coordinator when your needs increase. You do not have to wait for a scheduled check-in.
• Explore other options, like the IFS Waiver, while you are on the IDD waitlist.
• Seek support from advocacy groups such as The Arc or the Office of Rights and Advocacy (ORA).
• You can request a Fair Hearing within 30 to 90 days if you disagree with a decision.

We’re here to help

Mercyland Healthcare is committed to supporting you through every step. If you have questions or need help understanding your options, our team is here for you.