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EDWP Program

Elderly Care Waiver Program (EDWP)

Helping Georgians Live Independently at Home 

The Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP) is a Georgia Medicaid program that provides long-term care services to older adults and individuals with physical disabilities who are at risk of nursing home placement. The program allows eligible individuals to receive the care they need at home or in a community setting. 

 

What Services Are Available Through EDWP? 

EDWP includes a wide range of home and community-based services, designed to support daily living needs, health, and independence: 

 

 

  1. Daytime supervision in a licensed adult day center 
  2. Therapeutic activities and structured social engagement 
  3. Nursing and medical social services 
  4. Physical, speech, and occupational therapy 
  5. Nutritious meals, including special diets 
  1. Residential care for individuals who cannot remain safely at home 
  2. Includes meals, personal care, and 24-hour supervision 
  1. In-home electronic monitoring and two-way communication 
  2. Available 24/7 for individuals living alone or at risk of medical emergencies 
  1. Skilled nursing and medical social services 
  2. Physical, speech, and occupational therapy 
  3. Home health aide and personal care assistance
  4. Help with meals and daily activities 
  1. In-home assistance with: 
  • Meal prep and feeding 
  • Bathing and hygiene 
  • Light housekeeping and errands

2. In-home respite care for caregivers 

  1. Clients hire and manage their own caregiver(s) after 6 months of traditional services 
  2. Must select a financial management service to handle payroll and tax compliance 
  1. Temporary overnight care in an approved facility 
  2. Includes 24-hour supervision and support 
  1. Nutritious meals prepared off-site and delivered to the client’s home 
  2. Supports dietary needs and helps ensure food security  
  1. Support and education for live-in family caregivers 
  2. Caregivers work with a designated care coach to provide daily assistance 
  3. Promotes independence while maintaining care in the family home 
  1. Ongoing assessment, care planning, and service coordination 
  2. Referrals, monitoring, and support to ensure services meet the member’s needs 
  3. Acts as a liaison between the member, providers, and state agencies 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR EDWP?

  • To qualify for the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP) in Georgia, individuals must meet both financial and functional requirements. Eligibility includes:

    General Requirements:
    1. You must be Medicaid-eligible or already receiving Medicaid benefits
    2. You must be age 65 or older, or under 65 with a qualifying disability

    Functional and Care Needs:
    1. You must be functionally impaired due to a physical disability or chronic illness
    2. You must have unmet needs for daily care (e.g., bathing, dressing, preparing meals)
    3. You must require a nursing home level of care, but choose to receive services at home or in the community

HOW TO APPLY FOR EDWP SERVICES

Let CareSmart Guide You 

1. Our team at Care Smart specializes in EDWP case management. We help you: 
2. Navigate the application process 
 3. Coordinate services and providers 
4. Monitor care and adjust your plan as your needs change 
5. Advocate for your safety and well-being every step of the way 

Financial Eligibility for EDWP

To qualify for the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP), individuals must meet both income and asset limits based on Medicaid guidelines. There are two financial eligibility categories: 

  • SSI Category: This includes individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  1. Medical Assistance Only (MAO)

For individuals who don’t receive SSI but may still qualify for Medicaid. Applications are handled through the local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). 

  • Monthly income limit: $2,523 per individual 
  • Resource limit: 
  • $2,000 for an individual 
  • $137,400 combined if married and spouse is not in EDWP** 

 

Spousal Considerations 

If the applicant is married and the spouse is not enrolled in EDWP or living in a facility: 

  • The spouse’s assets must be included in the financial eligibility review. 
  • The combined assets of both must be $137,400 or less. 
  • The EDWP applicant must transfer any personal assets over $2,000 to the spouse within one year of Medicaid eligibility. 

 

Spousal Income Diversion 

An EDWP-eligible person may divert up to $3,259.50/month to their spouse to support their living expenses. 

  • The spouse’s income is subtracted from this amount before determining how much the applicant can divert. 

 

Note: 

These limits are subject to change annually based on federal SSI and Social Security updates. 

📞 Need help understanding your eligibility? 
We’re here to assist. Call CareSmart at 678-278-8335.