Virginia DD Waivers Explained (CL, FIS, BI): In-Home Support for Hampton Roads Families

If you live in Hampton Roads and care for a loved one with a developmental disability, the Virginia DD Waiver system can feel overwhelming. You may have heard about the CL, FIS, and BI waivers but aren't sure which one fits your family or what in-home help is actually available. This guide breaks it all down in plain language so you can take the next step with confidence.

At Independent Lifestyles, we walk alongside families across Hampton Roads—from Norfolk and Virginia Beach to Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Newport News—to help connect people with our DD waiver services and the support they deserve.

What are the three Virginia DD Waivers (CL, FIS, and BI)?

Virginia offers three Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers through the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS):

• CL (Community Living) Waiver — the most comprehensive waiver, supporting individuals with significant needs, including 24-hour supports.
• FIS (Family & Individual Supports) Waiver — for individuals living with family or in their own home who need daily but not round-the-clock support.
• BI (Building Independence) Waiver — for more independent adults who can live on their own with periodic support.

You can read official details directly from Virginia DMAS and Virginia DBHDS.

What's the difference between the CL, FIS, and BI waivers in Virginia?

The biggest difference is the level and intensity of support each one provides:

• CL Waiver: Designed for those who need the most support, including residential options and 24/7 care.
• FIS Waiver: Geared toward people who live at home with family or in their own home and need a robust mix of in-home and community supports—but not 24-hour residential care.
• BI Waiver: Built for more independent adults. It focuses on services like Independent Living Supports and Shared Living. Importantly, the BI Waiver does not cover the in-home services many families need most.

Which Virginia DD Waiver is right for my child or family?

The right waiver depends on your loved one's assessed needs, living situation, and goals. A child living at home who needs daily personal care and skill-building will likely be served through the CL or FIS Waiver. A more independent adult living on their own with periodic check-ins may be a better match for the BI Waiver. Your local Community Services Board (CSB) helps determine eligibility and waiver type through an assessment process.

What in-home services do the CL and FIS waivers cover (Personal Assistance, Respite, Companion, In-Home Supports)?

This is where many Hampton Roads families find the most meaningful help. The CL and FIS waivers cover these in-home services:

• Personal Assistance — hands-on help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
• Respite — temporary relief for family caregivers, capped at 480 hours per year.
• Companion — non-medical support, supervision, and community engagement.
• In-Home Supports — skill-building that helps individuals grow toward greater independence at home.

Please note: these in-home services are covered under the CL and FIS waivers only—they are not part of the BI Waiver. If in-home help is your priority, the CL or FIS Waiver is the path to explore.

Who is eligible for a Virginia DD Waiver and how does the VIDES screening work?

To qualify, an individual must have a diagnosed developmental disability and demonstrate a functional need for support. Eligibility is determined in part through the VIDES (Virginia Individual Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Survey), a screening tool your CSB uses to assess level of need. Meeting the criteria places the individual on the DD Waiver waiting list, where they are assigned a priority level.

How do I apply for a DD Waiver through my local Hampton Roads CSB?

In Virginia, all DD Waiver applications start with your local Community Services Board. For example, families in Norfolk can contact the Norfolk Community Services Board at (757) 823-1600 to begin the intake and screening process. Each Hampton Roads city has its own CSB, so reach out to the one serving your locality. They'll guide you through eligibility, the VIDES screening, and waiting list placement.

How long is the DD Waiver waiting list in Virginia and how do priority levels work?

Virginia's DD Waiver waiting list can be lengthy, and wait times vary based on need and available slots. Individuals are assigned to one of three priority levels (Priority One, Two, or Three) based on the urgency of their needs. Priority One generally reflects the most immediate need. We cannot promise a specific timeline or guaranteed slot, but understanding your priority level helps you plan and advocate effectively.

Can I get paid to care for my family member under the DD Waiver (consumer-directed services)?

In many cases, yes. Virginia's consumer-directed (CD) option allows certain family members to be hired and paid as the personal assistant or respite provider. There are rules about who qualifies (for example, spouses and legal guardians of minors typically cannot be paid), so it's worth discussing your situation with your support coordinator to see what's possible for your family.

What services can my family receive while waiting for a DD Waiver slot?

Waiting for a waiver slot doesn't mean waiting alone. Some supports may be available through state-funded programs, Medicaid State Plan options, and community resources. Connecting with a provider early helps you prepare so you're ready to act the moment a slot becomes available. We're happy to help you understand your options—request a referral to get started.

Does my income or my child's income affect DD Waiver eligibility in Virginia?

DD Waivers are Medicaid-funded, so financial eligibility does apply. However, for children under 18, Virginia uses special rules that often look at the child's income rather than the entire household's income, which makes many children eligible even when family income is higher. A CSB or DMAS representative can confirm how the financial criteria apply to your specific situation.

Ready to take the next step in Hampton Roads?

Whether your loved one already has a CL or FIS Waiver slot or you're just beginning to explore your options, our team is here to help your family navigate in-home support with care and clarity. Learn more about our DD waiver services, or request a referral today. You can also call us directly at (757) 943-9070.

Published: June 27, 2026
Last reviewed: 2026-06-27

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