What's the Catch?

The CDD waiver typically has a waiting list. Because it's the most comprehensive waiver, demand is high and funding is limited. Wait times can vary, but families should be prepared for the possibility of waiting months or even years, depending on the urgency of need and available slots. Within the last two years, Nebraska has worked to eliminate this waitlist but this does not mean there isn’t a wait for services.  

However, Nebraska does have an "urgent need" process for individuals in crisis situations — if someone is at immediate risk of losing their current placement, experiencing a significant health or safety concern, or aging out of another system without supports in place.

Who Is the CDD Waiver For?

The CDD waiver makes the most sense for individuals who:

• Need 24/7 residential support

• Require extensive personal care assistance

• Have complex medical or behavioral needs

• Need a combination of multiple services (residential, day program, therapies)

• Are transitioning from pediatric services to adult services and need comprehensive support

Think of the CDD waiver as the option for families who need the full continuum of care.

FSW Waiver: Family-Centered Support for Transitions

The Family Support Waiver (FSW) takes a different approach. It's designed specifically to support families who are caring for a loved one with IDD at home. The focus is on skill-building, family strengthening, and navigating life transitions.

Who Qualifies for the FSW Waiver?

To be eligible for the FSW waiver, an individual must:

• Have a developmental disability

• Be living with family or in their own home

• Meet financial eligibility (again, based on the individual's income for adults)

The FSW waiver is designed for people with lower support needs who are living at home but still need services to develop skills, stay engaged in the community, and help their families manage caregiving.

What Services Does the FSW Waiver Cover?

The FSW waiver offers a more targeted set of services focused on family support and skill development:

In-Home and Community Services:

• Supported Family Living (in-home support that can be provided by family members — this is where the "family-focused" piece really comes in)

• Independent Living Services (skill-building in areas like cooking, budgeting, transportation, self-advocacy)

Day and Community Engagement:

• Day Habilitation

• Prevocational Services

• Supported Employment

Learning and Development:

• Caregiver Continuing Education (training and support for family caregivers)

• Mentorship Network (connecting families with others who've been through similar experiences)

• Family Unit Support (one-on-one training sessions to strengthen family capacity)

Respite:

• Respite Care (temporary relief for family caregivers)

Therapies:

• Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Speech-Language Pathology

• Behavioral Consultation

The FSW waiver doesn't cover 24/7 residential services. It's built around the assumption that the individual is living with family or independently, and the services are designed to support that living arrangement.

What Makes FSW Different?

The FSW waiver emphasizes transition support. It's particularly valuable for:

• Adolescents and young adults aging out of special education (turning 21 and losing school-based services)

• Families navigating the shift from pediatric to adult healthcare

• Individuals working toward greater independence but not ready for fully independent living

• Families who need skill-building support and caregiver training to manage at home

The FSW waiver also tends to have shorter wait times than the CDD waiver, making it more accessible for families who need services sooner rather than later.

Who Is the FSW Waiver For?

The FSW waiver is ideal for individuals who:

• Live at home with family

• Don't need 24/7 residential support

• Are working on building independence skills

• Are transitioning from school to adult life

• Have families who are committed to caregiving but need support, training, and respite

Think of the FSW waiver as the option for families who want to keep their loved one at home but need tools, training, and services to make that sustainable.

Side-by-Side Comparison: CDD vs FSW 

(*table will be optimized on the blog)

Here's a quick breakdown of how the two waivers compare:

Can Someone Switch Between Waivers?

Yes. If someone's needs change over time, they can transition from one waiver to another.

For example:

• A young adult might start on the FSW waiver while living at home with family after aging out of school. As they develop more independence skills and their family's capacity changes, they might transition to the CDD waiver for residential services.

• Conversely, someone on the CDD waiver who moves back home with family and no longer needs 24/7 residential support might transition to the FSW waiver.

These transitions require reassessment and coordination with your case manager, but the system is designed to be flexible as needs evolve.

What About the DDAD Waiver?

You might also hear about the Developmental Disability Adult Day (DDAD) Waiver. This is a third option in Nebraska, focused specifically on daytime services for adults.

The DDAD waiver covers:

• Day Habilitation

• Prevocational Services

• Supported Employment

• LRI Personal Care (up to 25 hours per week for intermittent daytime support)

It's designed for individuals who don't need residential services but benefit from structured daytime activities and some personal care support during the day. It's less comprehensive than CDD but serves a specific niche for individuals who need daytime support without the full scope of FSW or CDD services.

How to Know Which Waiver Your Family Needs

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Does your loved one need 24/7 residential support outside the family home?

• If yes → CDD waiver

• If no → FSW or DDAD waiver

Is your family committed to caregiving at home but needs training, respite, and skill-building services?

• If yes → FSW waiver

Does your loved one have complex medical or behavioral needs requiring extensive services?

• If yes → CDD waiver

Are you navigating a major life transition (aging out of school, moving toward independence, family capacity changing)?

• If yes → FSW waiver is often the best starting point

Can you wait for services, or do you need support soon?

• Need it sooner → FSW waiver (shorter wait times)

• Can wait for more comprehensive services → CDD waiver

What Happens Next?

If you're trying to figure out which waiver is right for your family, the next step is connecting with a case manager or service coordinator through Nebraska DHHS. They'll:

• Assess your loved one's needs

• Explain eligibility for each waiver

• Help you navigate the application process

• Connect you with approved provider agencies

You don't have to figure this out alone. Service Coordinators are there to guide you, and approved provider agencies can offer support even before waiver approval comes through.

The Real Difference: What Families Need to Understand

Here's what it comes down to: the CDD waiver is built for people who need comprehensive, often 24/7 support across multiple areas of life. The FSW waiver is built for families who are doing the caregiving but need services, training, and support to make that sustainable over the long term.

Neither waiver is "better." They serve different needs at different stages of life. Some families will use the FSW waiver for years and never need the CDD waiver. Others will start with FSW and transition to CDD as needs change. Some will move between waivers depending on living situations and family capacity.

The waiver system exists to meet people where they are — and to adapt as life changes.

Trying to figure out which Nebraska waiver fits your family's situation? Connect with Alora Supports to talk through your options with a team that understands both waivers and how they work in real life.