Waiting List

About the waiting list

We understand that waiting for services you need can be stressful. Our staff is here to support you every step of the way. Below, you can find information about what you can expect:

• While you wait for DSPD services 
• When you start receiving DSPD services

Why is there a waiting list?

Funding is not available right away for every new person who is eligible for and wants services. Once a person qualifies for DSPD services, they are placed on a waiting list.

How is my place on the waiting list decided?

People are ranked on the waiting list based on their level of need. We assess a person’s needs based on the Needs Assessment Questionnaire (NAQ). Each person fills this out with their caseworker during the intake process. 

To decide where a person should be on the waiting list, the NAQ looks at 3 different areas:

• Severity of need – Looks at what support a person needs for personal care, daily living, personal safety, behavioral issues, and medical. This section is 50% of the overall score.
• Caregiver support – looks at availability and ability of the family/caregiver. This section is 30% of the overall score.
• Time on waiting list – Calculates how many days a person has been on the waiting list. This section counts for 20% of the overall score.

As a person’s needs change, their place on the waiting list can change too. A person might notice their place on the waiting list goes up or down. This can be because their needs changed, or because new people with higher needs were brought onto the waiting list. Because of this, some people will spend more time on the waiting list than others.

Check your place on the waiting list by contacting your assigned caseworker. Don’t know who your caseworker is? Call our intake line at 1-844-275-3773.

While I’m on the waiting list

Your caseworker will try to contact you once every year to update your needs assessment. That way, DSPD stays up to date on what your needs are. It is important that you respond to this when your caseworker reaches out so we know you still want to receive services. If you don't respond to multiple attempts to contact you, you could be removed from the waiting list. You can also contact your waitlist worker anytime to let them know that your needs have changed. 

Sometimes, DSPD will get state funding that allows us to give some temporary services to people on the waiting list. Your waiting list worker will let you know if you qualify for any of these temporary services. 

Contact your waiting list worker

Every person on the waiting list is assigned a caseworker to help them during their time waiting for services. You can always contact your waiting list worker with any questions. 

If you don’t know who your waiting list worker is:

• Call the DSPD intake line at 1-844-275-3773 and choose the "Apply for Services" option to speak with a caseworker, or 
• View contact information for individual caseworkers.

Moving off the waiting list

Your waiting list caseworker will contact you to let you know when there is funding for you to start getting services. A transition worker will then contact you to help you navigate the process of coming into services. 

The transition process usually starts a few months before you start receiving services. 

Your transition worker will:

• Email you a packet with paperwork to fill out.
• Work with you to complete assessments. 
• Send you information to help you choose a support coordinator and service provider(s).

Help you make a budget, find the right services, and more. 

Contact [email protected] with questions about this transition. 

View a detailed description of what to expect when you’re coming into services.