1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Fill Out and Submit Your Application

    You can apply for NOW and COMP services online, in person, or by mail.

    • 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

      Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment.

    • Apply by mail

      Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment.

  4. 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