Person/Family Directed Support Waiver (PFDS) Waiver | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Person/Family Directed Support Waiver (PFDS) Waiver | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Intellectual Disabilities Services
​Person/Family Directed Support Waiver
The Pennsylvania Person/Family Directed Support Waiver is designed to help individuals with an intellectual disability, autism, or developmental disability to live more independently in their homes and communities and to provide a variety of services that promote community living, including self-directed service models and traditional, agency-based service models.
Waiver Information
View the PFDS Amendment
Effective Date:
January 1, 2026 —
Note: For historical and comparison purposes, please see below for
previously approved amendment information
.
View the Record of Change for Amendments Effective Jan. 1, 2026
1915(b)(4) Performance-Based Contracting Waiver for Residential Services
View the Record of Change for Performance-Based Contracting Changes in the Consolidated and Community Living Waivers
How to Apply ​for the ​Person/Family Directed Support Waiver
Intellectual and developmental disability services are administered through
county mental health/intellectual disabilities (MH/ID) program offices
.
If you are not registered with the county MH/ID office, you must
contact the office and make an appointment
to register for supports or services.
Eligibility Requirements
The following diagnosis and age requirements apply:
Individuals of any age with an intellectual disability or autism (ID/A)
Children with a developmental disability under age 9 with a high probability ID/A diagnosis
Individuals under age 22 with a developmental disability due to a medically complex condition
Level of Care
Medical Evaluation
Diagnosis of ID/A or developmental disability
Recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation
Determined eligible for Medicaid in Pennsylvania
Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local
county assistance office (CAO)
Individual cost limit of $47,000 per person per fiscal year
Excludes Supports Coordination and Supports Broker Services
The limit can be exceeded by $15,000 for Advanced Supported Employment, Supported Employment, or Benefits Counseling services.
Services
Advanced Supported Employment
American Sign Language — English Interpreter
Assistive Technology
Behavioral Support
Benefits Counseling
Communication Specialist
Community Participation Support
Companion
Consultative Nutritional Services
Education Support
Family/Caregiver Training and Support
Family Medical Support Assistant
Home Accessibility Adaptations
Homemaker/Chore
Housing Transition and Tenancy Sustaining Services
In-Home and Community Support
Music, Art, and Equine Assisted Therapy
Participant-Directed Goods and Services
Remote Supports
Respite
Shift Nursing
Small Group Employment
Specialized Supplies
Specialty Telehealth and Assessment Team
Supported Employment
Supports Broker
Supports Coordination
Therapy
Physical
Occupational
Speech
Language
Orientation, Mobility, and Vision
Transportation
Vehicle Accessibility Adaptations
PFDS Waiver Archive
Note: For historical and comparison purposes, the below links are accessible to view the previous approved Person/Family Directed Support Waivers:
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective Jan. 1, 2025
Record of Change for Amendments, Effective Jan. 1, 2025
Record of Change for Performance-Based Contracting Changes in the Consolidated and Community Living Waivers
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective May 1, 2024
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective November 1, 2023
Record of Substantive Changes Made to the Consolidated, Community Living, and P/FDS Waivers November 1, 2023
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective January 1, 2023
Record of Change of Substantive Changes Made to the Consolidated, Community Living, Person/Family Directed Support Waivers, Effective January 1, 2023
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective June 1, 2022
Record of Change of Substantive Changes Made to the Person/Family Directed Support, Consolidated, and Community Living Waivers June 1, 2022
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective November 22, 2021
Record of Change of Substantive Changes Made to the Person/Family Directed Support, Consolidated and Community Living Waivers 2021
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment Effective October 1, 2019
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective January 1, 2019
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective November 1, 2018
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendment, Effective July 1, 2017
List of Waivers in PA
Waivers Home
Adult Autism Waiver
​Community Living Waiver
Consolidated Waiver
Infants, Toddlers, and Families Waiver
​Person/Family Directed Support Waiver
​Section 1115 Waiver Application for Substance Use Disorder
​Act 150 - The Attendant Care Services Act
Home and Community Based Settings Final Rule
Waiver Amendments
Proposed Waiver Amendments
Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver Amendment
OBRA Waiver Amendment