How to Apply for a DD Waiver in Virginia Through Your CSB: A Hampton Roads Family Guide

If you love someone with a developmental disability in Hampton Roads, you may be wondering where to begin. The Virginia DD Waiver can open the door to meaningful in-home support, but the process can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through every step in plain language, so you can move forward with confidence. We can't promise any specific outcome, but we can help you understand exactly how the system works and what to expect.

At Independent Lifestyles, we provide our DD waiver services to families throughout Hampton Roads, and we walk beside you through every step.

How do I apply for a DD Waiver through my Community Services Board in Virginia?

The very first step is to contact your local Community Services Board (CSB). The CSB is your front door to the Virginia DD Waiver. Their staff will screen and assess your family member to determine whether they meet the criteria for waiver services. You do not need to figure this out alone, and you do not need to apply through a private agency first.

Virginia Medicaid, through the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), administers the DD Waivers jointly with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Your CSB connects you to both.

What documents and diagnosis do I need to get screened for the DD Waiver?

To meet Virginia's definition of developmental disability, the disability must have occurred before the person turned 22 years old and must result in a need for specialized services, individualized supports, or other assistance.

When you apply through your CSB, you'll need to provide documentation that proves the developmental disability. This typically includes:

• Psychological evaluations
• Medical reports
• Disability records or other supporting documentation

Gathering these records ahead of your CSB appointment can help the process move more smoothly.

What is the VIDES screening and how does it determine eligibility?

The Virginia Individual Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Survey (VIDES) is the screening tool used to determine whether a person meets the functional criteria for a DD Waiver. CSB staff use VIDES to look at your family member's day-to-day support needs across areas like health, safety, and daily living.

The VIDES results, combined with your disability documentation, help the CSB decide whether your loved one functionally qualifies for waiver services.

How long is the DD Waiver waiting list in Virginia and how are priority levels assigned?

Virginia has a waiting list for the DD Waivers, and slots are assigned based on the urgency of an individual's need rather than first-come, first-served. This means the list is needs-based, not a chronological numbered line.

Under Virginia regulation 12VAC30-122-90, applicants are placed into one of three priority levels:

• Priority One – requires a waiver service within one year. This includes situations where an immediate jeopardy exists to the individual's health and safety, such as an unpaid primary caregiver with a chronic or long-term physical or psychiatric condition, or an immediate risk to health or safety.
• Priority Two – will need a waiver service in one to five years.
• Priority Three – will need a waiver slot in five years or longer.

CSB and BHA staff assess your situation to establish a Priority Needs Checklist, then place your loved one on the needs-based wait list.

What is the difference between the CL, FIS, and BI Waivers?

Virginia offers three DD Waivers, each designed for different levels of need:

• Community Living (CL) Waiver – for individuals who need a comprehensive array of supports, including residential options.
• Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver – for individuals living with family or in their own home who need support but not 24-hour care.
• Building Independence (BI) Waiver – for adults 18 and older who can live mostly independently and do not need supports all the time. The BI Waiver focuses on services like Independent Living Supports and Shared Living.

For a deeper comparison, read our overview of the Virginia DD Waivers explained: CL, FIS, and BI.

Which in-home services are covered under the CL and FIS Waivers?

In-home services are covered under the CL and FIS Waivers, not the BI Waiver. If your family member needs hands-on support at home, these are the services to ask your CSB about:

• Personal Assistance – help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meals.
• Respite – temporary relief for family caregivers, capped at 480 hours per year.
• Companion – supervision and support that helps with community engagement and safety.
• In-Home Supports – skill-building services that help an individual develop greater independence at home.

These are the heart of what families across Hampton Roads come to us for. Once a slot is assigned, we're ready to help you arrange these supports.

Do I have to qualify for Medicaid before I can get on the DD Waiver waitlist?

Medicaid financial eligibility and DD Waiver enrollment are connected, since the waivers are Medicaid programs administered by DMAS. Your CSB and local Department of Social Services can guide you on Medicaid eligibility steps as part of the process. It's best to begin the CSB screening and the Medicaid conversation together so nothing slows down your family's application.

What can my family do while we wait, such as applying for IFSP or the CCC Plus Waiver?

The wait for a DD Waiver slot can be long, but there are supports available in the meantime. Families can explore the Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) and may want to ask about other Medicaid programs, such as the CCC Plus Waiver, depending on their loved one's needs.

For information and guidance, individuals and families can call the My Life My Community / Individual and Family Support Program helpline at 844-603-9248. Staying connected to your CSB and keeping your documentation up to date also helps when needs change.

What happens after a DD Waiver slot is assigned to me?

When a slot is assigned, your family will work with a support coordinator to develop an Individual Support Plan that reflects your loved one's goals and needs. This is the stage where you choose providers and arrange services like Personal Assistance, Respite, Companion, and In-Home Supports. We're glad to help you put your plan into action and request a referral when you're ready.

Which Community Services Board serves my area in Hampton Roads?

Hampton Roads is served by several CSBs depending on your city. For example, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board serves the Peninsula communities and can be reached for screening and intake. Residents of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk each have their own CSB as well. If you're unsure which CSB covers your address, the My Life My Community helpline at 844-603-9248 can point you in the right direction.

Ready to take the next step in Hampton Roads?

Whether you're just starting the CSB screening or you've recently been assigned a waiver slot, we're here to help your family navigate in-home services with care. Request a referral today or call us at (757) 943-9070 to talk through your next step.

Published: June 30, 2026. Last reviewed: 2026-06-30.

Drafted with AI assistance, reviewed by Michael Lewis, DD Waiver Coordinator.