What does OPWDD pay for in NY?

New York’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) offers services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including respite for caregivers, and services that help develop skills and independence. 

Services are government-funded, primarily through Medicaid.

Many families are surprised to learn that OPWDD approval doesn't automatically enable services. After being granted eligibility, individuals must work with a care manager to identify which services fit their needs, and get approval for each one.

Care Coordination and Care Management is accessible as soon as OPWDD eligibility is granted. It’s the most universal OPWDD services, as enrolling in these services is a prerequisite for requesting others. Care managers help individuals access other OPWDD services by preparing their paperwork and guiding them through the process.

Hamaspik of Kings County has helped thousands of families access OPWDD services. Each individual is guided to the services that fit their needs. Some of the most commonly accessed services are:

‍Family support services

Provide relief and support to families of individuals with disabilities, including:

• Respite — 1:1 care for the individual so caregivers can take a break
• Advocacy services — helping families understand their and their loved one's rights

‍Skills-development services

Designed to help individuals gain independence and function better in the community or find employment:

• Com Hab — 1:1 support focused on building daily living and community-based skills
• Prevocational services — job readiness and development

‍Day services

Programs that provide structure, skill-building, and support throughout the day:

• Day habilitation — structured daytime programming for adults that focuses on developing life skills, independence, and community participation
• After-school programs — structured programming for school-age children with developmental disabilities, providing therapeutic activities and support after the school day ends

‍Housing services

Support for individuals to live in the least restrictive, most appropriate environment for them:

• Group homes — community-based residences where individuals live with support staff on site
• Housing subsidy – subsidized rent assistance to individuals who’ve been approved and found housing, helping them maintain independent living arrangements.

‍Self-directed services

Allows for more flexibility in accessing services. If families have the capacity to manage their own services, some choose to do so. 

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Read more about who's eligible and how to apply for OPWDD.

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OPWDD services are comprehensive and evolving. Support always depends on eligibility, assessed needs, and provider availability. Our services specialist team can give you the most up-to-date information, tailored to your needs. Reach out today.