Apply for Developmental Disability Determination
Help for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Overview
In order for a person with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD) to receive assistance through the State of Alaska, the individual must be determined developmentally disabled (DD).
Who qualifies?
To be eligible for the Individualized Support Waiver (ISW) or IDD waiver, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Developmental disability (DD) as defined by Alaska state law (AS 47.80.900(6): a person who is experiencing a severe, chronic disability that:
- Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments
- Is manifested before the person attains age 22
- Is likely to continue indefinitely
- Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
- self-care
- learning
- mobility
- expressive and receptive language
- self-direction
- capacity for independent living
- economic self-sufficiency; and
- Reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated;
All waiver participants must be enrolled in Medicaid to access waiver services.
How to sign up
Complete a Developmental Disability Determination Application to determine if you meet eligibility requirements.
Developmental Disability Determination Application
How to use
After being determined to experience an IDD, in order to receive assistance through the State, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in Medicaid
- Meet Alaska’s level of care (LOC) criteria for Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
- Submit a current Developmental Disabilities Registration and Review (DDRR) form that has been scored and placed on the DD Registry (also known as the “Waitlist”)
- Work with a care coordinator to submit a ISW or IDD waiver application
- Once an individual is drawn for either the ISW or the IDD waiver, the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS) sends a “Notice to Proceed” letter with a list of Care Coordinators in the individual’s local area
For application assistance, we recommend contacting a Developmental Disabilities Resource Connection (DDRC) program representative.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between the ISW and the IDD waiver?
What is the difference between the ISW and the IDD waiver?
The primary difference between the ISW and the IDD waiver is that the ISW has a cost limit. The current cost limit is $25,924 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) and is adjusted for inflation annually. The ISW does not offer extensive out of home supports like group home services.
Can an individual be considered for both the ISW and the IDD waiver?
Can an individual be considered for both the ISW and the IDD waiver?
Yes, the DDRR form asks if an individual wants to be considered for the ISW, IDD Waiver, or both programs.
If an individual is drawn for the ISW, their DDRR form will remain on the DD Registry if: 1) their DDRR form remains current and has been updated within the past year, and 2) the individual has checked the box on the form indicating they want to be considered for both the ISW and the IDD waiver.
How much do ISW services cost?
How much do ISW services cost?
Depending upon service needs, the ISW participant’s support plan can be authorized for up to the current cost limit. This individual cost limit is adjusted to reflect geographic differentials in payment rates. Please review the current Chart of Waiver Service Rates for more information. Care coordinators assist with providing detailed cost estimates based on participants’ individual needs.
ISW Cost Calculator
How does an individual meet Level of Care criteria?
How does an individual meet Level of Care criteria?
The individual’s Care Coordinator will submit the appropriate ICF/IID Level of Care application. Senior and Disability Services (SDS) will then assess the individual for level of care as defined in 7 AAC.130.215(3)
Resources
Forms
Related Education
Related Resources
Related Organizations
Contact us
Review the DDRC Roster to find a DDRC representative in your area.
1835 Bragaw Street, Suite 350 Anchorage, AK 99508
Tel: (907) 269-3666
Fax: (907) 269-3639
Toll Free: 1-800-478-9996