You may be exploring the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP) because your parent needs reliable support at home. Georgia has a growing senior and disabled adult population, and many families are seeking home-based care options. The EDWP gives eligible seniors and adults with disabilities community-based services as an alternative to institutional care.
This post explains how the program works, who qualifies, what services are covered, and how your family can move forward with it.
What You Need to Know About the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program
Who the Program Serves
The program covers individuals who require a nursing home level of care. Its intention is to open options for care at home or in the community.
Applicants may be age 65 or older or under 65 if they meet disability criteria. They must be impaired in daily living tasks and unable to function independently without assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
Your parent must meet several criteria before receiving services through the EDWP. These guidelines determine medical need, financial eligibility, and residency.
Understanding each requirement helps you prepare the needed documents and anticipate what the assessment will involve.
Your parent must:
- Be eligible for Medicaid or become eligible during the application.
- Require a nursing home level of care, confirmed through a medical evaluation.
- Live in Georgia as a full-time resident and be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant.
- Meet financial limits on income and assets.
- Receive services through only one Medicaid waiver program and choose EDWP instead of nursing home placement.
These requirements ensure that services reach individuals with significant daily care needs and limited resources.
Asset Guidelines
Financial requirements vary depending on marital status and whether one or both spouses apply for the EDWP. These numbers adjust periodically, so it is important to verify the most recent limits.
As a general reference:
- Single individuals can have up to $2,000 in assets.
- Married couples applying together can have a combined $3,000.
- A married couple with one spouse applying has a $2,000 limit for the applicant spouse. The non-applicant spouse can have up to $157,920. (Community Spouse Resource Allowance)
Exempt assets include:
- The primary home (with equity and residency requirements)
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings
- Irrevocable burial trusts
All other assets count toward the limit. For married applicants, Georgia Medicaid generally treats all assets as jointly owned, regardless of whose name appears on the documentation.
Georgia also has a five-year look-back period for reviewing financial transactions. The look-back applies to long-term care Medicaid and the EDWP. Families planning early often avoid penalties that can delay coverage.
Services Covered in the Program
The EDWP offers many home and community-based services to support daily living and reduce caregiver strain. These services help your parent remain safely at home for as long as possible.
Services include:
- Adult day health
- Personal support services (meal prep, bathing help, housekeeping)
- Home-delivered meals
- Emergency response systems
- Home modifications
- Caregiver respite
- Skilled nursing
- Therapies
Some participants may also qualify for Consumer-Directed Personal Support Services. That allows them to hire and supervise approved caregivers, including certain family members, after completing required steps.
Process and How Families Can Apply
The process starts when you contact your local Area Agency on Aging to request an assessment. A care coordinator evaluates your parent’s daily limitations, medical needs, and home situation. Medicaid then reviews financial documents and confirms eligibility after the assessment.
Most families work closely with the care coordinator to submit forms, gather financial records, and prepare supporting documents. Staying organized speeds up the process and ensures accurate information reaches Medicaid reviewers.
Costs, Waitlist, and Practical Considerations
Most services are covered through the waiver after eligibility is approved. Some areas of Georgia experience waitlists due to limited provider capacity, which can delay enrollment in services. Timelines vary widely by region.
Some cost-sharing may apply, depending on income and local guidelines. Your care coordinator can explain whether cost sharing applies to your parent.
Families often compare waiver benefits with private pay care options. That helps them plan for both short-term needs and long-term care decisions. It is especially important when the individual may eventually require memory care or skilled nursing.
Helpful Questions Families Ask About EDWP
How long does approval usually take once I apply?
Approval timelines depend on funding and regional capacity. Some regions indicate that enrollment may take two to four months or more.
Can a family member get paid through the waiver to care for my parent?
Yes. Under consumer-directed options, your parent may hire a qualified family caregiver who lives in the home. Background checks and program training may be required.
What is the difference between CCSP and SOURCE under this waiver?
The EDWP includes two program streams:
- CCSP has higher income limits and helps individuals who need moderate assistance.
- SOURCE focuses on individuals eligible for SSI/Medicaid who need more intensive support and care coordination.
How do I know if my parent meets the level of care requirement?
A nurse evaluates your parent’s medical needs, ability to perform daily living tasks, and risk of institutionalization. Providing clear information about your parent’s limitations helps ensure an accurate assessment.
Move Forward With Guidance and Support From Bethel Gardens
The Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program provides seniors with access to meaningful support at home. Many families use the waiver when considering whether a structured senior living community may be a safer or more supportive option.
Bethel Gardens offers trusted senior care services that complement the help your parent receives today. Contact us to discuss your parent’s needs and explore the next steps toward a confident and informed care plan.
