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ODP Services in Pennsylvania for Autism & Intellectual Disability
Medicaid-funded support at home and in the community across Philadelphia and all 67 Pennsylvania counties. And family members can often be paid to provide it.
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The question parents ask most
Can I get paid to care for my own child?
It depends on age. A parent of an adult (18+) can often be hired and paid through Pennsylvania ODP. For a child under 18, federal Medicaid rules generally don’t let a parent be paid, but grandparents, adult siblings, aunts and uncles often can.
- Free training. We cover it and handle the paperwork.
- Keep care in the family. Nobody knows them like a relative does.
- Paid every cycle, with a real coordinator you can reach.
- Self-directed option. Choose and manage your caregiver through Agency With Choice.
ODP services
What we do for Pennsylvania families
Support for people with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Every service follows your Individual Support Plan (ISP) and is funded by Medicaid when you qualify.
In-home & community support
Daily living, routines, safety and independence at home and out in the neighborhood.
Respite care for parents
Planned breaks so you can work, sleep or be with your other children.
Community participation support
Classes, parks, libraries and volunteering that build confidence.
Companion services
A steady, familiar person for supervision and safe outings.
Life-skills coaching
Cooking, money, safety and everyday routines, step by step.
Behavioral support
Positive behavior plans carried out the same way every shift.
Community living
Independence shows up in everyday life.
Community participation, companion services and life-skills support help children, teens and adults with autism and intellectual disability take part in neighborhood life, with a steady person beside them.
- Outings to cafés, libraries, parks and classes
- A familiar caregiver who knows your family’s routines
- Support at home, in school and in the community
ODP provider near you
ODP services in Philadelphia and all 67 PA counties
Offices in Bethlehem and Pittsburgh, serving families statewide.
- ODP in PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia County
- ODP in PittsburghAllegheny County
- ODP in AllentownLehigh County
- ODP in BethlehemNorthampton County
- ODP in ReadingBerks County
- ODP in ErieErie County
- ODP in ScrantonLackawanna County
- ODP in Wilkes-BarreLuzerne County
- ODP in LancasterLancaster County
- ODP in HarrisburgDauphin County
- ODP in YorkYork County
Philadelphia region
Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, ChesterLehigh Valley & Northeast
Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Carbon, Monroe, Luzerne, LackawannaWestern PA
Allegheny, Westmoreland, Beaver, Butler, Washington, ErieCentral PA
Lancaster, Dauphin, York, Cumberland, Lebanon, CentreBethlehem office
1 E Broad St, Suite 430Pittsburgh office
304 Ross St, Suite 401Which waiver fits
Pennsylvania ODP waivers
Living at home, moderate support
The most common first waiver (Person/Family Directed Support).
Capped yearly budgetHigher needs
At home or a small community setting (Community Living Waiver).
Larger yearly budgetMost intensive
24-hour, residential and life sharing (Consolidated Waiver).
No set capAdults with autism
Community and life-skills supports (Adult Autism Waiver).
Adults 21+PUNS
Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services. The statewide waiting list that registers what your family needs.
Supports Coordinator
Free, and separate from your provider. Builds your Individual Support Plan with you.
Individual Support Plan (ISP)
Lists your approved services and hours. Everything we deliver follows it.
Agency With Choice (AWC)
You choose your caregiver, including a qualifying relative. The agency is the employer of record.
Medical Assistance
Pennsylvania’s name for Medicaid. It funds the ODP waivers.
Base funding
County money for limited services before a waiver is offered.
Still waiting on PUNS?
County base funding can cover limited services before a waiver is offered. Ask us what your county funds.
Getting started
How to get ODP services in PA
You can call us at any stage, including before step one.
Call your county
They confirm eligibility. In Philadelphia: Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS), part of DBHIDS.
Get on PUNS
Without it, no waiver can be offered to you.
Ask about base funding
It can pay for services while you wait.
Build your ISP
Your Supports Coordinator is free.
Services start
You choose the provider. Often days once staff is matched.
Who qualifies
Does my child or adult qualify?
ODP serves people of any age with an intellectual disability or autism. Children under 9 with a developmental delay likely to lead to either, and people under 22 with a medically complex developmental disability, may also qualify.
Your county confirms functional eligibility, and the County Assistance Office confirms Medicaid (Medical Assistance) eligibility. Child under 3? Start with Early Intervention.
En español
Servicios de ODP en español
Autismo y discapacidad intelectual en Filadelfia y los 67 condados de Pensilvania. Cubierto por Medicaid.
- Cubierto por Medicaid si califica
- Cobrar por cuidar a su ser querido
- Todo en español, de principio a fin
- Niños, jóvenes y adultos con autismo o discapacidad intelectual
¿Por dónde empiezo?
Questions parents ask
ODP questions, answered
Can I get paid to care for my child with autism in PA?
It depends on age. Under ODP, relatives can be hired and paid as Direct Support Professionals for in-home and community support, respite and companion care, through Agency With Choice or vendor fiscal models. A parent of an adult (18+) can often be paid. For children under 18, federal Medicaid rules generally don’t allow a parent or spouse to be paid, but grandparents, adult siblings, aunts and uncles often can. ODP also limits how many hours each relative can work per week (the “40/60 rule”). We tell you honestly where you stand.
How are ODP services paid for?
Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) funds ODP services through waivers or county base funding. If you qualify, services come at no cost to your family.
How do I get help for my autistic child in Pennsylvania?
Call your county MH/ID office to confirm eligibility and register on PUNS. In Philadelphia, call Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS), part of DBHIDS, to make a registration appointment. Under 3? Start with Early Intervention. You can call CareSphere at any stage and we will explain the next step.
I need someone to watch my special needs child so I can work. Is that covered?
Respite is an ODP service for planned breaks so parents can work, sleep or spend time with other children, depending on your plan.
Who qualifies for ODP services in Pennsylvania?
People of any age with an intellectual disability or autism. Children under 9 with a developmental delay likely to lead to either, and people under 22 with a medically complex developmental disability, may also qualify. Your county MH/ID office confirms functional eligibility and the County Assistance Office confirms Medical Assistance (Medicaid) eligibility.
What is the difference between the P/FDS, Community Living and Consolidated waivers?
All three are ODP waivers funded by Medical Assistance. P/FDS (Person/Family Directed Support) has the lowest yearly budget cap and is built for people living at home. The Community Living Waiver has a larger cap. The Consolidated Waiver has no set cap and includes 24-hour residential options.
What is PUNS and how long is the waiting list?
PUNS is the statewide list that registers people who need ODP support. Waivers have waiting lists, and wait times vary by county and urgency of need. County base funding may help in the meantime.
How do I register for ODP services in Philadelphia, and what documents do I need?
In Philadelphia, register through Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS), part of DBHIDS, by making an appointment with a registration specialist. Bring records that show eligibility, such as medical, psychological and school records, including a signed evaluation of the autism or intellectual disability diagnosis. In other counties, call your county MH/ID office. Ask them for their current document list.
Do I need Medicaid (Medical Assistance) to get ODP services?
Waiver services are funded by Medical Assistance, so you need to be eligible for it. The County Assistance Office checks financial eligibility, and your Supports Coordinator helps with the application. If you are not enrolled yet, the county will explain how to enroll.
What does a Supports Coordinator do?
A Supports Coordinator is free and separate from your provider. They help you register, build your Individual Support Plan, find providers and watch that services are delivered. You can ask for a different coordinator or provider at any time.
What is self-directed care and Agency With Choice (AWC)?
Self-directed care, called Participant-Directed Services, lets you or a surrogate choose and manage your own Support Service Professional, including a qualifying relative. It is available in the Consolidated and P/FDS waivers when the person lives in their own home or with family or friends. With Agency With Choice the agency is the employer of record and handles payroll and taxes. With Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) you act as the employer.
Can adults with autism get services in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Adults 21 and older with autism may qualify for the Adult Autism Waiver. Adults with autism or an intellectual disability may also qualify for the P/FDS, Community Living or Consolidated waivers. Registering with your county is the first step.
Is respite care for special needs children covered in PA?
Respite is an ODP service that gives parents planned breaks to work, sleep or care for other children. Hours depend on your waiver or base funding and your Individual Support Plan.
What is PH-95, the "loophole," for children with disabilities in PA?
PH-95, often called the loophole, is a Pennsylvania Medical Assistance category for children who meet the Social Security disability standard. Family income is not counted, so a child can qualify even if the parents earn too much for regular Medicaid. Families generally need to apply for SSI for the child first. Ask your county or the County Assistance Office to confirm the current steps.
Does Act 62 cover autism services in Pennsylvania?
Act 62 is a 2008 Pennsylvania law that requires many private health plans to cover autism diagnosis and treatment for children and young people up to age 21, with a yearly dollar limit that is adjusted over time. Self-funded employer plans may be exempt, so check your plan. ODP waiver services are separate and cover supports such as in-home help and respite.
Is there an ODP provider near me?
We have offices in Bethlehem and Pittsburgh and serve all 67 Pennsylvania counties, including Philadelphia.
How do I switch ODP providers?
Provider choice is yours. Tell your Supports Coordinator, and services should not lapse during the transition.
Do you serve children and adults?
Yes. We support children, teens and adults, including the Adult Autism Waiver for adults 21 and older.
How fast can services start?
Once your plan is approved and staff is matched, services can often begin within days.
¿Ofrecen servicios de ODP en español?
Sí. Tenemos un equipo bilingüe. Llame al (610) 868-1801.
Let's find the right support for your family.
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