Apply to New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP)

These Medicaid waiver programs support eligible Georgians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

A Medicaid waiver is money that may be used to pay for services for a person with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. These services can take place in the person’s home or in the community.

NOW and COMP are for eligible people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require an intermediate care facility.

NOW offers services and support to enable individuals to remain living on their own or in their family home and participate in the community.

COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, primarily those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require residential care.

NOW/COMP programs are accessed through six regional DBHDD field offices.

How Do I Apply to NOW & COMP?

Make Sure You’re Eligible
To qualify for NOW and COMP, you must already be eligible for Medicaid and:
- Have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability prior to age 18 and/or a closely related developmental disability, such as severe forms of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism prior to age 22;
- Have significant deficits in adaptive functioning in specific areas; and
- Require the level of care provided in an intermediate-care facility for people with intellectual disabilities.
Gather What You’ll Need
- Proof of citizenship
- Social Security and Medicaid card
- Relevant psychological reports and/or documents from schools or other intermediate care facilities
Fill Out and Submit Your Application
You can apply for these waiver programs by mail or in person.
NOW & COMP - Fill Out and Submit Your Application
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)

Mail the completed forms to the nearest 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.

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)

Bring the completed forms to the nearest DBHDD regional field office.

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
- Funding and types of services will be recommended based on DBHDD’s assessments.
- If you are eligible for NOW/COMP, service providers will develop an annual service plan based on your strengths, needs, and interests.
- NOW/COMP services must be renewed every year.