Apply to the New Option Waiver Program & Comprehensive Support Waiver Program

Apply to New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP) | Georgia.gov

Apply to New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP) | Georgia.gov Skip to main content State of Emergency Declared Ahead of Hurricane Isaias Prepare for severe weather and follow official updates. These Medicaid waiver programs support eligible Georgians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities A Medicaid waiver provides funding for services that support people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. These services are typically provided in the home or community rather than in an institution. NOW supports individuals who can live independently or with family. COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, including residential care. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) administers Medicaid and partners with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to operate these programs. NOW and COMP services are accessed through DBHDD regional field offices and the Georgia Collaborative Administrative Services Organization (ASO). Make Sure You’re Eligible To qualify for NOW and COMP, you must be eligible for Medicaid and: Have an intellectual disability before age 18 or a related developmental disability such as autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy before age 22. Have significant limitations in intellectual or adaptive functioning Require the level of care provided in an intermediate care facility DBHDD does not determine Medicaid eligibility. You may need to apply for Medicaid separately through DCH. Gather What You’ll Need Proof of citizenship Social Security and Medicaid cards Psychological evaluations and/or records from schools, providers, or care facilities You can upload required documents during the online application process. Fill Out and Submit Your Application You can apply for NOW and COMP services online, in person, or by mail. NOW & COMP - Fill Out and Submit Your Application Apply online Visit the Georgia Collaborative ASO website and access the Individual IDD Connects portal Create an account to start your application Complete and submit the referral form Upload all required documents directly to your account You can save your progress and return later if needed Online applications are processed faster. Paper applications must be manually entered into the system, which may delay processing. Apply in person Download and print the following forms:Application for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services Authorization for Release of Information Form (Attachment A) Notice of Privacy Practices Policy (Attachment A) Visit your local DBHDD regional field office. Staff can help you complete and submit your application. DBHDD’s Intake and Evaluation will check the application to ensure it’s correct. The first step toward determining eligibility will include a psychologist’s review and a possible face-to-face interview. DBHDD staff will meet the individual or representative to begin screenings and assessment. Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment. Apply by mail Download and print the following forms:Application for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services Authorization for Release of Information Form (Attachment A) Notice of Privacy Practices Policy (Attachment A) Complete the form and send it to your DBHDD regional field office. (Forms can also be faxed.) DBHDD’s Intake and Evaluation will check the application to ensure it’s correct. The first step toward determining eligibility will include a psychologist’s review and a possible face-to-face interview. DBHDD staff will meet the individual or representative to begin screenings and assessment. Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment. Next Steps Application Review DBHDD staff will review your application to make sure it is complete You will be contacted if additional documents are needed Your application must be fully submitted, not just started, before review begins Pre-eligibility Determination A DBHDD psychologist reviews your application You may be contacted for more information or an interview You will receive a letter with the decision If denied, you will receive information about how to appeal Planning List Placement If pre-eligible, you will be placed on the planning list for developmental disabilities services Priority is based on the level of need such as health, safety, and caregiver support, not time on the list Final Eligibility and Funding Individuals with the highest needs are reviewed by an external partner, Alliant-Georgia Medical Care Foundation, for final eligibility If approved, you will receive waiver funding Begin Services A service plan will be developed based on your strengths, needs, and goals You will choose providers and begin receiving services in your home or community NOW and COMP services must be reviewed and renewed each year. Last updated April 2026 Primary 200 Piedmont Avenue, S.E. West Tower, 14th Floor Atlanta, GA 30334 Hours Closed Sunday: closed Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday: closed All in Eastern Time Zone Primary (404) 657-2252 Facebook page for Main Phone X page for Main Phone LinkedIn page for Main Phone DBHDD Regional Field Offices Search by city, county, or zip code More Resources Related Services Apply for Medicaid Did you find what you were looking for on this page? Extra feedback Send feedback