If you or someone in your family is waiting for a Virginia Medicaid disability waiver, you know how frustrating that wait can be. Meanwhile, the cost of disability-related supplies, equipment, and services doesn’t stop.
There’s a Virginia program that may be able to help with some of those expenses while you’re waiting.
It’s called IFSP-Funding, and eligible applicants can receive up to $1,000 for approved disability-related items and services.
Applications are open now, but the deadline is October 30, 2026.
The money is limited, and not everyone who applies will receive an award. Here’s who qualifies, what the funding covers, and how to apply before the deadline.
What Is Virginia’s IFSP-Funding Program?
The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) is administered by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).
It helps people with developmental disabilities who are waiting for services through Virginia’s Medicaid Developmental Disabilities (DD) waivers.
These waivers can provide important long-term support, but getting a waiver slot may involve a lengthy wait.
IFSP-Funding provides smaller amounts of financial assistance to help eligible individuals and families pay for specific needs in the meantime.
The goal is to help people with developmental disabilities continue living safely in their own homes or with their families while remaining connected to their communities.
This program is not a Medicaid waiver, and receiving IFSP-Funding does not mean you’ve been approved for a waiver slot.
You can learn more through the Virginia DBHDS Individual and Family Support Program.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The maximum amount depends on your priority level on Virginia’s DD Waivers Waiting List.
- Priority 1: Up to $1,000
- Priority 2: Up to $500
- Priority 3: Up to $500
These amounts are maximum awards, not guaranteed payments.
DBHDS reviews applications according to the program’s funding guidelines and available resources.
Priority 1 applications are evaluated using critical-need criteria. Priority 2 and 3 applications are subject to a selection process when funding is limited.
Applying does not guarantee approval, even if you meet the eligibility requirements.
You can review the official IFSP-Funding guidelines and FAQs for details.
Who Qualifies for Virginia IFSP-Funding?
To qualify, you or the person you’re applying for must meet the program’s requirements.
Generally, that means:
- Being on Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waivers Waiting List.
- Living in your own home or in a family home.
- Requesting an eligible item or service that helps support continued living at home or in the community.
- Demonstrating that the requested support is not available through another public funding source.
Adults age 18 or older may apply for themselves.
A custodial family member may also submit an application on behalf of an eligible individual.
What If You Already Have a Medicaid Waiver?
IFSP-Funding is specifically intended for people who are still waiting for DD waiver services.
If you already receive services through a DD waiver, you generally cannot receive this funding.
There’s another important rule: You must remain on the DD Waivers Waiting List until the funding is issued.
If you’re removed from the waiting list or begin receiving DD waiver services before the funds are issued, DBHDS cannot issue your IFSP award.
This means that being eligible when you apply does not necessarily guarantee you’ll still qualify when awards are distributed.
What Can You Use IFSP-Funding For?
IFSP-Funding is intended for specific disability-related needs that help someone continue living safely and participating in their community.
DBHDS organizes eligible expenses into three main categories.
1. Safe Living
This category supports items and services that help someone remain safe in their home.
Depending on the circumstances and current program guidelines, eligible requests may include certain safety equipment or disability-related supports.
2. Community Integration
These supports help people with developmental disabilities participate in activities and remain connected to their communities.
Certain community participation services or related expenses may qualify when they meet the program’s requirements.
3. Improved Health Outcomes
This category focuses on items and services that support health and well-being.
Some disability-related therapeutic supplies, equipment, or other approved supports may qualify.
What Expenses Are Not Covered?
IFSP-Funding is not unrestricted cash assistance.
You cannot simply use the award for anything your household needs.
For example, ordinary household expenses such as rent, groceries, utilities, and everyday clothing should not be assumed eligible.
The program also generally does not reimburse purchases made before approval.
Before buying anything, check whether your specific item or service is covered.
DBHDS may require documentation showing that the funds were used for the approved purpose. Using the money for unapproved expenses could result in repayment requirements or affect future eligibility.
The complete rules are available in the official IFSP-Funding Program Guidelines.
When Is the IFSP-Funding Deadline?
The Fall 2026 application period is already open.
Here are the important dates:
- Applications opened: October 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
- Applications close: Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
That means you have until the end of October 30 to submit your application.
DBHDS has explained that funding decisions are not based simply on who applies first. However, submitting before the final day gives you more time to resolve login problems or application questions.
If you’re eligible and need assistance, don’t wait until the portal is about to close.
How to Apply for Virginia IFSP-Funding
Applications are submitted online through the official DBHDS funding portal.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Check Your Waiting List Status
Before applying, confirm that you or your family member is on Virginia’s DD Waivers Waiting List.
Your priority level matters because it determines the maximum amount you can request.
If you’re unsure about your status, contact your support coordinator or local Community Services Board.
Step 2: Log Into the Application Portal
Visit the IFSP-Funding application portal.
According to DBHDS’s application instructions, you’ll need identifying information, including:
- Your last name.
- The last six digits of your Social Security number.
- Your date of birth.
Only enter sensitive information into the official application portal.
If you’re applying as a custodial family member, follow the portal’s instructions for submitting an application on someone else’s behalf.
Step 3: Describe What You Need
The application asks you to identify the item or service you’re requesting and explain how it will help the person with a developmental disability.
Be specific about what you need and why.
You’ll also need to indicate the amount you’re requesting and confirm that another public funding source is not available to cover the expense.
Step 4: Review and Submit Your Application
Before submitting, double-check your information.
Make sure the requested item or service is eligible and that your application is complete.
Submit everything before October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Keep your application confirmation and any identifying number provided by the portal.
How Will You Receive the Money If Approved?
Approved applicants receive their funding through a Way2Go prepaid debit card.
DBHDS mails the card to the approved recipient or applicant according to the program’s procedures.
You must register and activate the card before using it.
For help activating a Way2Go card or requesting a replacement, you can contact:
Conduent Way2Go Customer Service: 800-961-8423
If you’re having trouble with card activation or need additional assistance, the My Life, My Community helpline is available at:
844-603-9248
You can also contact IFSP support at IFSPSupport@dbhds.virginia.gov with program questions.
If you’ve received IFSP-Funding in a previous cycle, make sure you followed the card activation and spending requirements. Failure to activate or properly use previously issued funds may affect eligibility for future awards.
How Competitive Is IFSP-Funding?
IFSP-Funding has limited resources, and demand can be high.
During the previous application cycle, DBHDS reported receiving 5,125 applications.
That shows how many individuals and families are seeking additional disability-related assistance while waiting for Medicaid waiver services.
Not everyone who applies will necessarily receive funding.
Your chances depend on eligibility, priority level, the program’s review criteria, and the amount of funding available.
Still, if you’re eligible and have an approved type of expense, submitting an application may be worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Already Have a DD Waiver to Apply?
No. IFSP-Funding is intended for people on Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities Waivers Waiting List.
If you already receive DD waiver services, you generally aren’t eligible.
Can I Get $1,000 If I’m Priority 2 or 3?
No. The maximum award for Priority 2 and Priority 3 applicants is $500.
The $1,000 maximum applies to Priority 1 applicants.
Can I Use the Money for Regular Household Bills?
IFSP-Funding is intended for approved disability-related items and services, not general household spending.
Check the program’s covered and non-covered expenses before requesting funding.
Will I Receive the Money Immediately After Applying?
No. Applications must be reviewed, and approved funds are issued later.
This is not an emergency cash program that provides same-day assistance.
What Happens If I Get a Waiver Slot Before the Money Arrives?
If you’re removed from the DD Waivers Waiting List or enrolled in DD waiver services before IFSP funds are issued, you will no longer qualify to receive that funding.
Can I Apply Again If I’m Denied?
You may be able to apply during a future funding cycle if you continue to meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Future awards and application periods depend on the rules and funding available at that time.
Relief Recap
Virginia’s IFSP-Funding program offers up to $1,000 for Priority 1 applicants and $500 for Priority 2 or 3 applicants who are on the state’s Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waivers Waiting List.
The money can help pay for certain approved disability-related items and services while families wait for longer-term support.
The Fall 2026 application deadline is October 30 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
If you’re eligible, you can apply through the official Virginia IFSP-Funding portal.
And if you need additional help with disability-related expenses, check out our guide to 7 Easy Ways to Get Financial Help for Disabled People for other programs worth exploring.
