04.07.2026

Arc Guide to the Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver


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What Will You Find in This Guide?

This guide explains the Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waiver in Minnesota. You will learn about:

  • What is a CADI Waiver?
  • How it benefits you or your loved one.
  • Who qualifies for it?
  • What services are covered and not covered.
  • Steps to apply.
What is the Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver?

The Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waiver is a program available through Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA). The CADI waiver helps people with disabilities live and receive care in their communities rather than in institutional settings. Institutional settings are places where people live to get care and support, like nursing homes and hospitals.

Benefits of the CADI Waiver?

This waiver provides children and adults with disabilities access to the supports and services they need to live, work, and be a part of their communities.

Who Qualifies for the CADI Waiver?

The CADI waiver is for adults and children with disabilities who need the level of care that would otherwise be provided in a nursing home. The level of care provided in a nursing home means the amount of help and support someone needs with daily activities and medical care. This can include things like bathing, dressing, eating, taking medications, and getting therapy.

To qualify for CADI waiver services, you must:

  • Be younger than 65 when starting the waiver.
  • Be eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) in Minnesota.
  • Be certified as disabled by the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) or Social Security.
  • Need a level of care that would usually be provided in a nursing home.
  • Need more support than what is already available from other programs or funding sources.
  • Choose to receive support in the community.
What Services are Available?

After you qualify for the CADI Waiver, the next step is to figure out what services you can get. To do this, you need a MnCHOICES assessment. This assessment helps decide if the services:

  • Are needed to keep you healthy and safe.
  • Are not already paid for by other programs.
  • Match your needs and wants.
  • Are affordable and reasonable.

Examples of services available through the CADI waiver include:

Home and Housing Support

  • Help with Living Situations: Support in homes like group homes, foster care, or your own home.
  • 24-Hour Help: Emergency help when needed or awake staff overnight.
  • Moving Support: Help finding and moving to a new home.

Care and Daily Support

  • Companion Care: Someone to keep you company and help with non-medical needs.
  • Homemaker Services: Cleaning and housework when you or your caregiver can’t do it.
  • Meals: Healthy meals delivered to your home.

Caregiver and Family Support

  • Respite Care: Short-term help so caregivers can take a break.
  • Counseling and Training for Families: Help you and your family to plan for your needs.
  • Living Expenses: Help for caregivers living with you.

Daytime and Community Support

  • Adult Day Services: Supervised activities outside the home during the day.
  • Transportation: Rides to activities, appointments, or work.

Remember these are some examples of services the waiver may offer. Services are not guaranteed and depend on individual needs and assessments. To view the full list of services available, visit the Community-Based Services Manual CADI Waiver.

What Services are Not Available?

The CADI Waiver does not cover the following services:

  • Room and Board: The cost of rent or housing.
  • Medical or Dental: These services are typically covered by other programs like Medical Assistance (MA).
  • General Transportation: Car payments or routine travel costs.
  • Long-Term Institutional Care: Services that support institutional care.
What Do I Do Next?

To apply for the CADI Waiver, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reach out to Your Local County or Tribal Human Services Office

  • Call or visit your county or tribal human services office to get started. You can find contact information on the Minnesota County and Tribal Directory.
  • The best way to reach county workers can vary from one county to another. Be patient and keep trying different methods, like calling, emailing, or visiting in person, until you get connected.

Step 2: Complete MnCHOICES Assessment

  • Request a MnCHOICES Assessment, which evaluates your needs and determines if you qualify for the CADI Waiver.
  • A trained assessor will meet with you and your family, if needed to review:
    • Your health needs.
    • What help you need daily.
    • Your goals for living in the community.
  • You can schedule this assessment through your local human services office.

Step 3: Provide Financial Information

  • Apply for Medical Assistance (MA) if you don’t already have it.
  • The county will review your income and assets to determine if you meet the financial criteria for the CADI Waiver.

After the assessment and financial information, the county or tribal office will inform you if you qualify or do not qualify for the CADI Waiver.

If you qualify for a CADI Waiver, here are the next steps:
  • Meet with Case Manager
    • Work with your case manager to create a community support plan. The plan will outline the services you’ll receive and how they’ll be provided.
  • Choose Service Providers
    • You’ll have the option to select the providers or organizations that will deliver your services. Your case manager can give you a list of approved providers.
  • Start Receiving Services
    • Once everything is set up and your plan is approved, you can begin using the services and support included in your plan.
  • Review Plan Regularly
    • Your plan will be reviewed at least once a year to make sure it still meets your needs. You can request changes at any time if your needs or situation change.
  • Stay in Contact with Case Manager
    • Keep in touch with your case manager to address any questions or concerns and ensure your services are working well.
If you do not qualify for a CADI Waiver, here are some steps you can take:
  • Contact Case Manager or County Worker:
    • They can help you understand the denial and suggest other resources or services.
  • Request an Appeal:
    • You have the right to appeal against the decision if you disagree with it.
    • Follow the instructions in your denial letter to start the appeal process.
  • Ask for a Reassessment:
    • If your situation changes or you think something was missed, you can request a reassessment.
  • Explore Other Programs:
    • Check if you qualify for other waivers like Developmental Disability Waiver (DD) or Brain Injury Waiver (BI).
    • Some services might be available through local nonprofits, community organizations, or other state programs.
Resources for More Information
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