State Medicaid Waiver Directory

New York does not use the Katie Beckett or TEFRA name. Since 2019 the state has had a unified Children's Waiver (merging the former Care at Home waivers) for children ages 0-20 with medical, developmental, or behavioral health needs, and eligibility counts only the child's income. Children with developmental disabilities can also qualify through the OPWDD Comprehensive (People First) Waiver.

The Children's Waiver (ages 0-20, covering medical, developmental, and behavioral health needs) and the OPWDD Comprehensive Waiver are the most relevant for children. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need long-term home care, Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) is the primary Medicaid managed care program. MLTC plans coordinate personal care, home health aide, adult day health, and other HCBS supports for adults who need more than 120 days of community-based long-term care services.

ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation) is New York's state VR program for people with disabilities ages 14+. It provides career counseling, job training, assistive technology, education support, and employment placement — all at no cost. ACCES-VR has offices across the state. Call your local office or visit acces.nysed.gov/vr.

New York's Disability Benefits Law (DBL) provides partial wage replacement when workers cannot work due to injury or illness — 50% of wages, up to $170/week maximum. Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides up to 12 weeks at 67% of average weekly wages to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. Both programs apply to eligible workers regardless of income. Applications through NYSIF (nysif.com).

Parent to Parent of NYS (eifamilies.com) and SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (spanadvocacy.org) connect families of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Both offer peer support, parent-to-parent mentoring, advocacy training, and information on education, health care, and disability services. SPAN focuses on special education advocacy and serves families statewide.

New York has multiple AT loan programs including TRAID (Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities) centers statewide offering free short-term equipment loans, and the NYS Commission for the Blind Equipment Loan Fund (up to $4,000 at 4% interest for wheelchairs, ramps, and mobility equipment). Individuals can also access low-interest loans through NDI (National Disability Institute) and other community programs.

INCLUDEnyc (includenyc.org) serves families of children with all disabilities in NYC with education, advocacy, and parent-to-parent support. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) operate statewide (AIM, AccessCNY, etc.) providing independent living services, assistive technology, peer support, and advocacy for people with disabilities — at no cost.

Disability Rights New York (drny.org) is the state's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy agency. It provides free legal assistance, advocacy, and information on disability rights, Medicaid denials, special education disputes, employment issues, and abuse or neglect — serving people of all ages and disabilities.

Growing Up NYC (growingupnyc.cityofnewyork.us) is a city hub connecting families to resources including Family Resource Centers across NYC that serve families with children ages 0–24 experiencing or at-risk of emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Services include parenting support, crisis intervention, and referrals — at no cost.