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.
Utah
Program Overview
Overview
Utah has a Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) and HCBS waivers for individuals with developmental disabilities. Utah also has a New Choices Waiver.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Utah does not have a Katie Beckett or TEFRA pathway. It instead runs five 1915(c) waivers, all of which count only the child's income: the Technology Dependent/Medically Fragile (Travis C) Waiver (ages 0-20), Medically Complex Children's Waiver (0-19), Community Supports Waiver, Limited Supports Waiver, and Community Transitions Waiver.
Child-relevant waivers
Children's routes include the Travis C (Technology Dependent) Waiver, Medically Complex Children's Waiver, Community Supports Waiver (ID/related conditions), Limited Supports Waiver, and Community Transitions Waiver, all administered through DSPD and Utah Medicaid.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
DSPD waivers serve individuals with developmental disabilities who meet ICF/ID level of care and financial eligibility.
Financial and income rules
Utah Medicaid financial eligibility applies. Waiver-specific rules also apply.
Level of care
ICF/ID level of care is required for DSPD waivers.
Age rules
DSPD waivers serve individuals of various ages including children.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Utah DSPD for intake and waiver applications.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, level-of-care assessment, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Utah has large waiting lists — about 11,400 people with developmental disabilities and 185 medically fragile children are waiting. Apply as early as possible.
Practical next step
Contact Utah DSPD and ask about waiver intake, eligibility requirements, and current waitlist. For non-Medicaid supports, contact Utah VR or Utah Parent Center.
Services & Support
Services available
DSPD waivers can cover residential services, supported employment, day services, and in-home supports.
Parent caregiver pay
In the Waiver for Technology Dependent, Medically Fragile Individuals and the Medically Complex Children's Waiver, parents and guardians may replace respite care with attendant care up to 13 hours per month and be paid for it. A 2023 law made permanent the pandemic-era option allowing caregivers, including parents of minors, to be paid for 10 to 40 hours of care per week through the five DSPD waivers.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Utah Assistive Technology Program (UCAT — idrpp.usu.edu/uatp) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, device reuse, and the Utah AT Financing Program (low-interest loans). Available statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Utah Medicaid covers behavioral health services through managed care organizations (MCOs) and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community support. The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) within DHHS oversees public behavioral health. Local mental health authorities manage community services. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. Utah has invested in school-based mental health and the SafeUT crisis app.
Additional notes
Contacting DSPD early is important because waiver waitlists can be significant. Starting the intake and assessment process sooner helps ensure services are in place when needed.
State-Specific Resources
Utah Vocational Rehabilitation (UVR) — Employment Services
Utah VR (jobs.utah.gov/usor/vr) helps people with physical, intellectual, mental health, and sensory disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. Services include vocational evaluation, job training, assistive technology, job placement, and supported employment. Services are free and available statewide. VR also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+).
Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT) — Device Loans & Financing
UCAT (idrpp.usu.edu/uatp) is Utah's Assistive Technology Act program. Services include device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans for trial, device reuse programs, and the Utah Assistive Technology Financing Program — low-interest loans to purchase AT. Available statewide.
Utah Parent Center — Family Advocacy & Special Education Support
Utah Parent Center (utahparentcenter.org) provides free training, information, and advocacy support for families of children with disabilities birth to age 26. Services include assistance with IEPs, 504 plans, special education rights, transition planning, and education advocacy. Phone: (801) 272-1051 · Toll-free: (800) 468-1160.
Utah Early Intervention Program (Birth to Age 3)
Utah's Early Intervention services serve families with children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and communities and are family-focused. Referrals can be made by anyone through the Utah Department of Health.
Disability Law Center (DLC) — Legal Advocacy & P&A
DLC (disabilitylawcenter.org) is Utah'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. Phone: (801) 363-1347 · Toll-free: (800) 662-1220.
Utah Short-Term Disability & Unpaid Leave
Utah relies on federal FMLA for unpaid family and medical leave (up to 12 weeks annually). Some employers offer Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance providing partial wage replacement for non-occupational illness or injury. Utah does not currently have a state-mandated paid family leave program.
Sources
Recent news for Utah
utahnewsdispatch · October 21, 2026 · Benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid & Waivers
Many individuals receiving federal disability benefits face the risk of losing their financial support if they choose to marry.
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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