If you’ve decided that Nebraska’s Comprehensive Developmental Disability (CDD) Waiver is the right path for your family, the next question is probably the most practical one: How do I actually apply?
The CDD waiver application process isn’t complicated, but it does require patience, documentation, and coordination with Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services. Some families move through the process relatively quickly. Others find themselves waiting months or even years depending on available funding and the urgency of their loved one’s needs.
This guide walks you through every step of the CDD waiver application process in Nebraska — what to expect, what documents you’ll need, who you’ll work with, and how to navigate the waiting period if you end up on the list.
Step 1: Determine If the CDD Waiver Is the Right Fit
Before you start the application process, it’s worth confirming that the CDD waiver actually matches your loved one’s needs. The CDD waiver is designed for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who require the level of care typically provided in an institutional setting — specifically, an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD).
This means your loved one needs significant support in areas like personal care, health and safety supervision, or behavioral management. If they’re living independently with minimal support or if your family is managing well at home without needing residential services, the Family Support Waiver (FSW) or Developmental Disability Adult Day (DDAD) Waiver might be a better match.
Your case manager or service coordinator can help you assess whether the CDD waiver aligns with your situation. If you don’t already have a case manager, that’s your first step.
Step 2: Connect with a Case Manager or Service Coordinator
The CDD waiver application process begins with a case manager or service coordinator. These professionals work through Nebraska DHHS or contracted agencies and serve as your guide through the waiver system. They assess eligibility, help you navigate paperwork, coordinate services, and advocate on behalf of your family.
If you’re already connected to Nebraska’s developmental disabilities system — perhaps your child received early intervention services or you’ve been working with a school transition coordinator — you may already have a case manager assigned. If not, you’ll need to request one.
To get connected with a case manager:
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Contact your local DHHS office or the Division of Developmental Disabilities
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They’ll assign someone to work with your family based on your county and your loved one’s needs
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This person becomes your primary point of contact throughout the application process and beyond
Your case manager will become your primary point of contact throughout the application process and beyond, so building a good working relationship with them matters. They’re the ones who can answer questions about eligibility, explain what documentation is needed, and help you understand where you are in the queue if there’s a waiting list.
Step 3: Complete the Level of Care Assessment
To qualify for the CDD waiver, your loved one must meet Nebraska’s level of care criteria. This is determined through a formal assessment conducted by a qualified evaluator, typically arranged through your case manager.
The level of care assessment looks at several areas:
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Activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mobility
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Health and safety needs — whether your loved one requires supervision to prevent harm to themselves or others
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Behavioral support needs — whether specialized services are needed to manage challenging behaviors
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Medical complexity — chronic conditions, medication management needs, or frequent medical interventions
The assessment isn’t a test your loved one passes or fails. It’s a comprehensive evaluation designed to understand the scope of support they need. Be honest and thorough when describing your loved one’s needs. Some parents worry that if they make things sound “too manageable,” their child won’t qualify — but understating needs doesn’t help anyone. The goal is an accurate picture of what daily life looks like and what supports are necessary.
If your loved one meets the institutional level of care criteria, the evaluator will document that in their report, which becomes part of your CDD waiver application.
Step 4: Gather Required Documentation
The CDD waiver application requires documentation to verify eligibility. Your case manager will provide a checklist of what’s needed, but common documents include:
Proof of developmental disability:
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Psychological evaluation
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IQ test results
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Diagnosis from a qualified professional
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Educational records showing special education services
Proof of Nebraska residency:
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Utility bill
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Lease agreement or mortgage statement
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State ID or driver’s license
Social Security and Medicaid information:
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Social Security card or number
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Medicaid eligibility documentation (if your loved one isn’t already enrolled in Medicaid, that will need to happen before the waiver can be approved)
Medical records (if applicable):
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Documentation of complex medical needs
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Behavioral assessments or reports
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Medication lists
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Records of hospitalizations or emergency interventions
The documentation process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re pulling together years of records. Start early and keep copies of everything in one place. If you’re missing a key document — say, an old psychological evaluation from when your child was younger — your case manager can often help you figure out how to get a new one or find an acceptable alternative.
