DDA Waiver Programs in Washington: A Residential Care Guide
Washington's DDA waivers - Core, Individual & Family Services (IFS), and Basic Plus - fund different levels of residential support. Here's how each applies to adult family home placement.
The Core Waiver
The DDA Core waiver is the primary funding source for comprehensive residential services, including adult family home placement. It covers 24/7 residential support, personal care, skilled nursing delegation, and community integration for individuals with the most intensive needs.
Core waiver enrollment is capped, and there is historically a waitlist. Case managers should confirm a resident's waiver status and available service hours before initiating placement.
Individual & Family Services (IFS) Waiver
The IFS waiver supports individuals living in their family home or semi-independently, with a lower annual service cap. It can fund respite, personal care, and some supported living services, but typically does not cover full-time AFH residential placement.
For families exploring AFH placement, an IFS waiver may need to transition to a Core waiver depending on the level of residential support required.
Basic Plus Waiver
Basic Plus provides a mid-level benefit for individuals who need more than IFS but do not require full Core-level residential services. It can support some residential and community-based services depending on the individual's assessed need.
Avenue Home works directly with DDA case managers to confirm waiver coverage and billing compatibility before placement.
About the author
The Avenue Home Care Team includes licensed adult family home administrators, trained direct support professionals, and a contracted Registered Nurse with combined experience in DDA residential care, ABA-informed behavioral support, and RN delegation in Washington State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which DDA waiver pays for adult family home placement?+
The DDA Core waiver is the primary funding source for comprehensive 24/7 residential adult family home placement. IFS and Basic Plus waivers may support partial or community-based services depending on assessed need.
Does Avenue Home accept private pay?+
Yes. Avenue Home accepts DDA waiver funding as well as qualified private-pay arrangements. Contact our intake team to discuss funding options for your resident.
Have questions about placement at Avenue Home?
Our intake team responds to DDA referrals within 24 business hours.
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