State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Connecticut
Program Overview
Overview
Connecticut has a clearly named child pathway: the Katie Beckett Waiver. This makes it one of the more straightforward states for families to identify their primary option.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Yes. Connecticut clearly identifies the Katie Beckett Waiver as its child-specific income-disregard pathway.
Child-relevant waivers
The main child-focused pathway is the Katie Beckett Waiver. Connecticut DSS administers this program. For adults with physical disabilities who need nursing-facility level of care, the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver is the primary adult HCBS program. The PCA Waiver allows eligible adults to hire and direct their own personal care attendants, including in some cases family members.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
The waiver serves children and young adults up to age 22 with a physical disability who are at risk of institutionalization.
Financial and income rules
Connecticut presents the program as one that can help children who would not otherwise qualify for Medicaid because of family income.
Level of care
Children must require institutional level of care but be able to be safely maintained at home.
Age rules
The program serves children and young adults up to age 22.
Getting Started
How to apply
Families call or contact Connecticut DSS to begin the Katie Beckett Waiver intake process.
Documents needed
Medical documentation of the physical disability and level-of-care need, plus basic financial information, are typically required.
Waitlist information
The Katie Beckett Waiver currently has a waiting list. Contact Connecticut DSS for current wait time information.
Practical next step
Call Connecticut DSS and ask for the Katie Beckett Waiver intake process and current waitlist status. For non-Medicaid supports, contact Connecticut VR or CPAC.
Services & Support
Services available
Katie Beckett provides full Medicaid coverage, including physician care, therapies, durable medical equipment, home health, and specialty services.
Parent caregiver pay
In 2023 Connecticut approved paid family caregiving for its three developmental disability waivers. Parents of school-age children approved to provide individualized home supports, respite, or personal supports are capped at 800 hours of support per year, must pass an extraordinary care assessment, and can request an exception to the cap. Confirm current rules with DDS or DSS.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Connecticut Tech Act Project (cttechact.com) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, and reuse programs. Wheel It Forward is also a strong DME lending-library model in the state.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Connecticut Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services, psychiatric evaluations, therapy, medication management, crisis services, and intensive outpatient programs. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) provides behavioral health services for children involved in the child welfare system. The Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership (CTBHP) manages behavioral health benefits for Medicaid enrollees. Mobile crisis services are available for children and families. School-based mental health services are expanded statewide.
Additional notes
Connecticut's use of the Katie Beckett name makes it straightforward to find and ask about. The waitlist is a significant practical challenge, so applying as early as possible is important.
State-Specific Resources
Connecticut Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) — Employment Services
Connecticut VR (ct.gov/drs) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. Services include vocational evaluation, job training, assistive technology, job coaching, and supported employment. Services are free and available statewide. VR also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+) with transition planning services.
Connecticut Assistive Technology Loan Program — Device Loans & Demonstrations
Connecticut's AT Loan Program provides free short-term device loans for trial, hands-on demonstrations, device reuse programs, and low-interest loans to purchase AT. Available statewide. Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation office for referral.
Connecticut Early Intervention Program (Birth to Age 3)
Connecticut's Birth to Three System serves families with children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and natural environments and are family-focused. Referrals can be made by anyone. Contact your local Birth to Three program coordinator through your town.
Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) — Family Advocacy & Education
CPAC (cpacinc.org) provides free parent training, information, and advocacy support for families of children with disabilities ages birth to 26. Services include help with IEPs, 504 plans, special education rights, and transition planning. Phone: (203) 393-6800 · Toll-free: (800) 605-1220.
Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) — Legal Advocacy & P&A
DRCT (disrightsct.org) is Connecticut's Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, assistive technology access, and abuse/neglect.
Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave (FAMLI) — Effective January 1, 2024
Connecticut FAMLI (ct.gov/drs/famli) provides eligible workers with paid leave to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or address personal medical needs. Workers receive partial wage replacement. Administered through the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
Sources
Recent news for Connecticut
CT Insider on MSN · October 18, 2026 · Housing & Employment
Advocates are working to increase employment rates for Connecticut residents with disabilities, which currently trail the national average.
The Connecticut Mirror · October 11, 2026 · Education
Parents in Meriden are calling for increased accountability and improved processes within the special education system to better support their children.
CT Insider on MSN · October 10, 2026 · Benefits (SSI/SSDI), Rights & Law
Connecticut has revoked several disability pension benefits this year as part of an ongoing state review process.
Hartford Courant · October 3, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Caregiving
A home health caregiver has been charged with fraud for allegedly double-billing the Medicaid program for services provided.
Patch · October 2, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers
Authorities in Connecticut have charged an East Hartford woman in connection with an investigation into Medicaid fraud.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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