Waiver Services 101
The Iowa Department of Human Services has created brochure that explains Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) that each of the waivers provides: Are Home & Community Services Right for You.
Iowa Waiver Services 101 is a handy resource sheet to help get a better understanding of Home and Community-based waivers in Iowa that are available people with various disabilities. There are multiple links to the waiver applications, as well as, short explanations regarding who each waiver serves. It also lists possible services that the various waivers may be able to provide, once you are approved.
This link takes you directly to the Iowa Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Program 
.
County Contacts
There are many different contacts throughout the state, depending on the services you need:
- To determine what area you are in for waiver services, please click: HCBS Specialist Map 2021
- To determine what area you are in for Mental Health Disability Services, click this link.
If you cannot find the right person to call, please call your local DHS office.
Applying for Social Security for a Child with a Disability
The Social Security Administration offers the SSI Child Disability Starter Kit (for children under age 18). 
Supplemental Security Income
Click here to go to the SSI website and learn more about this federal income supplement program that is funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes).
Disability Planner: Social Security Protection
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide assistance to people with disabilities. This site provides detailed information to help you understand what to expect from Social Security during the application process.
Guardianship & Conservatorship
The Iowa Legal Aid website has a variety of resources on this topic.
Estate Planning
The Estate Planning form provides basic information on estate planning and special needs trusts. It gives a basic overview of when it may be beneficial to set up a special needs trust for your family.
Transition & Autism
From The Organization for Autism Research - Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood. From education.com - Autism Life Skills: 10 Essential Abilities. From Autism Speaks - Transition Tool Kit. From Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), Transition to Adulthood Guidelines.“