People on Virginia's DD Waivers Waiting List have until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2026 to apply for this year's IFSP-Funding, a small grant of up to $1,000 for things that help them keep living at home. The application portal opened Oct. 1, according to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) funding announcement and its IFSP-Funding page.
Who can apply and how much
IFSP stands for the Individual and Family Support Program. To apply, a person must be on the waiting list for Virginia's developmental disability Medicaid waivers and live in their own home or with family. A family member applies for anyone under 18. The maximum depends on waitlist priority, per the DBHDS one-page guide:
| Waitlist priority | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Priority 1 | $1,000 |
| Priority 2 or 3 | $500 |
DBHDS says awards don't depend on when you apply, so there's no need to rush. Money is limited and not everyone gets funded. Its FAQ says Priority 1 awards go to the highest critical-needs scores and Priority 2 and 3 awards are chosen at random, with preference for new or previously denied applicants.
Funds can cover items such as safety rails, ramps, alarms, therapy tools and community activity fees, but not rent, mortgage or utilities, and not groceries or clothing unless they're disability-related. Recipients get a Way2Go debit card and should keep receipts for three years. People who got funds in December 2025 need to activate and use their cards; DBHDS warns that not doing so may affect eligibility for future awards.
Apply at dbhds.virginia.gov/ifsponline. The My Life, My Community helpline is 844-603-9248.
Why this matters for providers and DSPs
Support coordinators at community services boards (CSBs) are often the first to hear that a waiting family needs a ramp or a safety alarm. DBHDS planned a separate training for coordinators and case managers. Before the Oct. 30 deadline, it's worth checking that the families you support know about the program.