In-Home DD Waiver Services for Virginia Beach Families

If you love someone with a developmental disability, you already carry a lot. You shouldn't also have to decode confusing acronyms and government rules on your own. This guide to in-home services for Virginia Beach families is here to walk beside you—gently, clearly, and with respect for your loved one's dignity. Below, we explain the in-home supports available through Virginia's DD Waivers, point you to trusted state resources, and share how to get started. We can't promise waiver eligibility, a specific slot, or any particular outcome—those decisions belong to your Community Services Board (CSB), DBHDS, and DMAS—but we can help you feel prepared and supported.

Publication date: June 30, 2026 · Last reviewed: 2026-06-30

What in-home services are available for Virginia Beach families?

For many families, the goal is simple: help a loved one live safely and comfortably at home. Virginia's DD Waivers include several in-home services designed to do exactly that:

• Personal Assistance — hands-on help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and meals.
• Respite — short-term relief care that gives family caregivers a much-needed break (capped at 480 hours per year).
• Companion Services — non-medical support and supervision that helps a person stay engaged and safe at home and in the community.
• In-Home Supports — skill-building focused on greater independence with everyday routines and personal goals.

These in-home services are covered under the Community Living (CL) and Family & Individual Supports (FIS) waivers. They are not covered under the Building Independence (BI) waiver.

Which Virginia DD waiver covers in-home services?

Virginia offers three Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers, and knowing the difference helps you plan:

• Community Living (CL) Waiver — available to children and adults who typically need supports in their homes throughout the day. Covers the in-home services listed above.
• Family & Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver — for children and adults living with family or in their own home who need some daytime or ongoing supports. Also covers in-home services.
• Building Independence (BI) Waiver — for more independent adults 18 and older, offering services like Independent Living Supports and Shared Living. The BI waiver does not cover the in-home services above.

Want a friendly, side-by-side breakdown? Our companion article on Virginia DD waivers explained (CL, FIS, BI) goes deeper for Hampton Roads families.

Who qualifies for in-home DD waiver services in Virginia Beach?

Eligibility for Virginia's DD Waivers is determined through your local CSB and the state, not by any private provider. The waivers are administered jointly by Virginia Medicaid (DMAS) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Determinations consider a developmental disability diagnosis, functional needs, and financial criteria. Which specific in-home services a person receives is defined in their person-centered plan. Because every situation is unique, please lean on your support coordinator and clinicians for individualized guidance—this guide is educational and not medical, legal, or financial advice.

How do I apply through my Virginia Beach Community Services Board (CSB)?

Applications begin with your local CSB. For Virginia Beach families, that is the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services / Community Services Board, which you can reach through the City of Virginia Beach at 757-385-3111. Your CSB will help start the intake, complete assessments, and place your loved one on the statewide waiver waitlist if appropriate. Once a CL or FIS waiver is in place, you can explore our in-home DD waiver services to support daily living at home.

How much respite care can our family receive?

Respite is one of the most valued in-home services because it protects the health and well-being of family caregivers. Under the CL and FIS waivers, respite is capped at 480 hours per year. How those hours are scheduled—regular weekly relief, occasional longer breaks, or a mix—is worked out in your person-centered plan with your support coordinator based on your family's needs and goals.

What can our family do while we wait for a slot?

Waiting is hard, and you are not powerless during this season. Here are caring, practical steps:

• Stay in regular contact with your CSB support coordinator and update them about any changes in needs.
• Ask your coordinator how urgency-based slot assignment works for your situation.
• Keep documentation organized so assessments reflect your loved one's current needs.
• Think ahead about which in-home services—Personal Assistance, Respite, Companion, or In-Home Supports—would help most once a slot becomes available.
• Build your support network of family, neighbors, and trusted community resources.

When you're ready, you can request a referral for this in-home services package so we can help plan supportive in-home services for the day a slot becomes available.

Ready to bring in-home support to your Virginia Beach home?

Every family deserves a partner who listens first and plans around your loved one's goals. Whether you need Personal Assistance, Respite, Companion services, or In-Home Supports through the CL or FIS waiver, our team is here to help—no pressure and no guarantees about eligibility or slots, just compassionate support.

Ready to take the next step with this in-home services package? Visit our client waiver services and referral page to connect with our team about this package, or call us at 757-943-9070. We'll meet you wherever you are in the journey.

Drafted with AI assistance, reviewed by Tim Beachum, Content Author, Independent Lifestyles LLC.