Waiver Description
The South Carolina Community Supports Medicaid Waiver assists individuals with intellectual disabilities or a related disability, regardless of age, who have income and assets that meet Medicaid eligibility criteria. The objective of this statewide waiver is to provide South Carolinians with an opportunity to self-direct care in the home, with emphasis on keeping the participant integrated in the community.
A member of the eligible participant’s family may provide care. However, a spouse or legal guardian of an adult cannot be paid for providing personal care services or those that are similar in nature.
More Appropriate for SeniorsThe Community Choices Waiver offers similar services and may be better suited for most seniors.
Eligibility Guidelines
The Community Supports Waiver evaluates candidates both on their functional needs and their financial situation. This waiver serves children and adults, as well as the elderly. There is no maximum age.
General Requirements
The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs must determine that the individual meets the criteria for having an intellectual disability or related disability, such as epilepsy, and requires a level of care present in an Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Financial Requirements
Income Limits
For non-married applicants, age 65 and older, income cannot be greater than 300% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limit, also known as the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). As of 2024, this means an applicant’s gross monthly income cannot exceed $2,829.
When both spouses of a married couple are applying for this waiver, each spouse is considered as a single applicant. This means each spouse is able to have up to $2,829 / month in income.
When only one spouse is applying for benefits, only the income of the applicant spouse is counted toward the income limit. However, the applicant spouse may be able to transfer a portion of his/her income (up to $3,853.50 / month) to the non-applicant spouse to prevent spousal impoverishment. If the non-applicant spouse already has monthly income equal to or above this figure, a transfer of income is not permitted.
Asset Limits
The applicant’s countable resources cannot be greater than $2,000. If both spouses of a married couple are applying, each spouse can have up to $2,000 in assets. In a couple with only ones spouse applying, the non-applicant spouse may hold additional cash, investments, savings, or retirement accounts. In 2024, this figure may be as much as $66,480.
The state does not count the value of a home where the applicant or his/her spouse lives, if the equity value is under $713,000. Jewelry, clothing, furniture, and irrevocable funeral trusts, are some of the items that are not counted when calculating one’s total assets. For further information about spending down to meet the asset limit, asset exemptions, and planning for long term care benefits, families should consult a Medicaid planning attorney or related professional.
Persons ineligible for Medicaid might still be able to receive assistance under South Carolina Older Americans Act services.
Benefits and Services
The following benefits and services are available via the Community Supports Waiver.
- Adult Day Health Care / Adult Day Care – daytime supervision including nursing care and transportation assistance
- Case Management
- Community Services
- Environmental Modifications – modifications to the home and / or vehicle to accommodate for one’s disability
- In-Home Support
- Incontinence Supplies
- Assistive Technology and Appliances – this includes Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) and other devices that help the elderly remain living in their homes.
- Personal Care – includes support for different levels of personal care, such as hygiene, mobility, toiletry, laundry, grocery shopping, medication management, and transportation
- In-home and Out-of-home Respite Care – temporary caregiving relief services for the primary caregiver
- Behavior Support Services – assessment and intervention of problematic behaviors
How to Apply / Learn More
For additional information, a Community Supports Waiver Information Sheet is available here.
To apply for the Community Supports Waiver, contact the local county office of South Carolina Disabilities and Special Needs at 800-289-7012. A service coordination provider assists each participant with his/her application.
According to press reports, waiting lists have been persistent in South Carolina’s waiver programs, including the Community Supports Waiver program. It is likely that new, at-home applicants need to wait for a slot to open. If placed on a waiting list, applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis. The only exception is if a Medicaid enrollee is living in a nursing home. In these cases, they are likely to be prioritized.
