Waivers for Children

Colorado has four waiver programs for children that can help them live in the community in a safe and healthy way. Some children’s waivers also give services to parents of children with disabilities.

The four children’s waiver programs are:

• Children with Life Limiting Illness Waiver (CLLI)
• Children’s Extensive Support Waiver (CES)
• Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (CHRP)
• Children’s Home and Community Based Services Waiver (CHCBS)

Each waiver has its own set of benefits and services. You may qualify for one waiver or for more than one waiver, depending on your disability and living situation. Some waivers may have waitlists. If you qualify for more than one waiver, you can sign up for one waiver that doesn’t have a waiting list while you on the waiting list for another.

This section will describe the basics of each waiver and who is eligible.

Note: This page introduces the four waiver programs for children. Learn more about waivers for adults.

Children’s Waiver Programs Details

Here is more detailed information about each waiver program for children. As you read about them, check out these useful resources that can help you understand their differences:

• This table shows which waiver programs offer which benefits and services.
• The Children’s Waiver Flowchart can help you figure out which waiver program is right for you.

See more charts comparing waiver programs.

Children with Life Limiting Illness Waiver (CLLI)

The Children with Life Limiting Illness Waiver is for children 18 years old or younger who have a life-limiting illness certified by a physician. The CLLI waiver does not set limits around life expectancy, so children with serious illnesses that may eventually be treated or cured can still qualify.

To qualify, you must be “at risk of institutionalization in a hospital setting” and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability for children.

The CLLI Waiver gives you palliative care (providing some relief from symptoms and improving your quality of life) as you and your parents seek medical treatment or cures. If you use the CLLI waiver, you qualify for all Health First Colorado (Medicaid) services except nursing facilities and long-term hospital care.

For this waiver, your income must be $2,829 per month or less and your countable resources must be less than $2,000. For this waiver, parental income and resources aren’t counted.

To apply for the CLLI waiver, enroll in Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and contact your local Single Entry Point Agency.

Children’s Extensive Support Waiver (CES)

The Children’s Extensive Support Waiver is for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are 17 years and younger and live in a family home.

This waiver provides services to help you live in the community and gives you the support you need so that you can stay in the community as you become an adult. Services include, but are not limited to, respite care, professional services, accessibility adaptations, and parent education.

To qualify, you must have a disability at the level that you need almost constant supervision to keep yourself and others safe. You must also need a level of care that matches the care at an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID).

To apply for this waiver and learn about income and resource eligibility rules, contact your local Community Centered Board or the Member Contact Center.

Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (CHRP)

The Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver is for children who are 20 years and younger with an intellectual or developmental disability that puts them at risk of needing to live outside of their home, such as in a long-term care facility.

This waiver can help you learn and keep the skills you need to live in your community. Its services include, but are not limited to, 24-hour residential support, community connector services, professional services, and respite services.

To qualify, you must need a level of care that matches the care at an Intermediate Care Facility for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ICF/IID), your income must be $2,829 per month or less, and you must have $2,000 in countable resources or less.

To apply for this waiver and learn more, contact your local Community Centered Board or the Member Contact Center.

Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (CHCBS)

The Children’s Home and Community-based Services Waiver is for children who are 17 years and younger with a significant disability. Your medical needs need to be at the level where you are at risk of needing to live in an acute hospital or skilled nursing facility.

This waiver is for families where the parents have too much income or resources to qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid). You can still qualify as a child if your income is less than $2,829 per month and you have under $2,000 in countable resources.

The Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver gives you all the covered services under Health First Colorado (Medicaid), as well as case management services and In-Home Support Services.

To apply for this waiver, contact your local Single Entry Point Agency, Community Centered Board, or Private Case Management Agency.