Arkansas DHS - Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)
CES Waiver (Community and Employment Supports)
Medicaid home- and community-based waiver for people of any age with intellectual or developmental disabilities, providing supports like respite, supportive living, and supported employment. There is a long waitlist.
Official websiteOfficial Path
Medicaid WaiversBirth to 3Ages 3–5School ageTransition (14–21)AdultSenior
Who qualifies
- Age
- Any age
- Needs
- IDD diagnosed before age 22, expected to continue indefinitely, with substantial support needs in at least 3 of: self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living
- Income
- Individual's income only: $2,982/mo (2026). Family may be ineligible for regular Medicaid but still qualify.
- Resources
- $2,000
What it covers
- Care coordination and a person-centered service plan
- Respite
- Supported employment
- Supportive living
- Community transition services
- Supplemental support
Timing
2,464 people on the waitlist (as of 2026-09) for 8,233 slots.
Slots offered in order of approval date. DHS's older fact sheet cited about 10 years wait. Email DDS to learn your waitlist number.
How to apply
- 1Call the DDS Intake and Referral helpline
- 2A clinical team reviews medical records for level of care
- 3If approved, you're placed on the waitlist by date; DDS mails an annual contact-update letter
- 4When a slot opens: independent assessment, then assignment to a PASSE
Verified from official documentsLast checked September 24, 2026
Sources
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