Caregiver Support Services Application Process

For the original publication, please click here. The following is a text version of the original publication.
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To: Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) Consumers and Stakeholders
From: Cathy Robinson, Director, Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services
Re: Caregiver Support Services Application Process
Date: June 30, 2015

The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) would like to announce that Caregiver Support Services funds will be available for the fiscal year 2016 beginning July 1, 2015. Caregiver Support Services is 100 percent state funded and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications received during fiscal year 2015 for Caregiver Support Services do not carry over to fiscal year 2016. An application must be completed for each fiscal year’s Caregiver Support Services funds.

Applications may be made online, by mail or in-person. To apply online, please access the following DDRS webpage: https://ddrsprovider.fssa.in.gov/BDDS/ConsumerInfo/CaregiverSupportRequest.aspx 

To apply by mail or in-person please call or visit your local BDDS District Office and request an application. A frequently asked question document is also available on the BDDS webpage.

As long as the Caregiver Support Services funds are available, services may be approved and available when 1) an individual meets the state definition of intellectual and developmental disabilities eligibility and 2) the primary caregiver selects a provider. Caregiver Support Services will not be available to the primary caregiver if the individual is receiving or begins to receive other services from BDDS or programs such as (but not limited to) Vocational Rehabilitation Services, First Steps, CHOICE, a Division of Aging waiver, etc.

The initial budgets will be approved in the amount of $500 for each eligible individual regardless of the number of eligible individuals residing in the residence. Upon exhaustion of funding, subsequent budgets may be requested by the Caregiver Support Services provider and will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Any new budget is dependent upon available funds.