Paying for Support in Pennsylvania: County Funds, Waivers, and Where to Ask
The money most families never hear about
Many families pay out of pocket for therapies, camps, respite, and equipment — or go without — never knowing that public funding exists for exactly those things. In Pennsylvania, much of it runs through your county, and the first step is a phone call most people don’t know to make.
Two county programs: Family Support Services and base-funded services
Both come through your county’s MH/IDD (Mental Health / Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) office, both are for people registered with the county who are not on a waiver, and both draw on the state money the county receives for intellectual disability and autism services — but they work differently, and they pay for different things.
Family Support Services (FSS) — in many counties called Family Driven Support Services (FDSS) or Family Resource Services — is a small, fixed amount of money per family per year that the family directs. You choose from a menu of purchases: respite care (in-home or a summer/respite camp), a family aide or sitting service, recreation and leisure programs, family education and training, adaptive equipment and adaptable products, medical supplies, home or vehicle modifications, and therapies not covered elsewhere. Amounts and menus vary by county and year, funds are limited, and requests are usually reviewed by a county committee — ask early in the fiscal year (July).
Base-funded services are services the county arranges and pays a contracted provider for, when a person is eligible but waiver funding isn’t available: supports coordination, in-home and community supports, behavioral support, respite delivered by an agency, transportation, and similar. You don’t receive a budget; the county authorizes the service and the provider bills the county.
In practice: FSS/FDSS is the family’s own small budget for the things that make daily life workable; base funding is the county buying formal services on your behalf. A family can be using one, the other, or both while on a waiver waiting list.
How to get either: contact your county MH/IDD office and ask to register for intellectual disability or autism services. Registration requires documentation of the diagnosis (for autism, a diagnostic evaluation; for ID, testing showing eligibility). Once registered, a Supports Coordinator or the county office can tell you what Family Support funds and base-funded services are available and how to request them. Every Pennsylvania county office is listed in the ND Collab directory.
Medicaid waivers — the larger, longer-term funding
Waivers fund ongoing services: behavioral support, in-home support, job coaching, day programs, residential support, and respite.
Pennsylvania’s main waivers for autism and intellectual disability are:
- Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) waiver — a capped annual amount per person; the most common starting point.
- Community Living waiver — a higher cap than P/FDS, for people who need more support to live in the community.
- Consolidated waiver — no annual cap; for the highest levels of need, including residential support.
- Adult Autism Waiver — for adults with autism age 21 and older; the only one with a minimum age.
Waitlists are real and can be years long, so registering with the county — the same step as above — should happen well before the funding is needed. The county’s Supports Coordination unit manages the waiting list and the application.
A common misconception about age. Families are sometimes told that a child has to be 18 or 21 before they can apply for a waiver. That is not the case for the P/FDS, Community Living, or Consolidated waivers: the state’s own eligibility criteria say “individuals of any age with an intellectual disability or autism.” The Adult Autism Waiver is the only one with a minimum age (21). If you hear otherwise, ask to see the eligibility criteria — and register with the county now, because the waiting list, not age, is the real delay.
Medical Assistance for children with disabilities
In Pennsylvania a child with a qualifying disability can receive Medical Assistance (Medicaid) regardless of the parents’ income — often called the “loophole” or PH-95 category. MA covers many therapies, behavioral health services (including BSC/behavior support), and equipment that private insurance limits or denies. Apply through the county assistance office or COMPASS, with the child’s diagnosis documentation.
Other places to look
- Early Intervention (birth to 3 through the county; 3 to 5 through the Intermediate Unit) — free evaluations and services.
- School-based services under an IEP or 504 plan — evaluations, therapies, and supports at no cost to the family.
- ACAP (Adult Community Autism Program) in participating counties.
- Disability-specific grants and foundations — small one-time grants for equipment, camp, or iPads; ask your Supports Coordinator which ones families in your county use.
- ABLE accounts — tax-advantaged savings that don’t affect benefits.
The one thing to do this week
Call your county MH/IDD office and say: “I’d like to register my child (or myself) for intellectual disability / autism services and ask about Family Support Services funding.” That call opens every door above.
Programs, amounts, and eligibility change and vary by county. This guide describes Pennsylvania; other states have their own county or regional systems — ask your state’s developmental disabilities agency. Not legal or financial advice.
Find your county office
Choose your county to see the office to call, with its address, phone, and website.
Washington, PA 15301
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Washington County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Honesdale, PA 18431
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Wayne County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Greensburg, PA 15601
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Westmoreland County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Philadelphia County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Roulette, PA 16746
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Potter County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Pottsville, PA 17901
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Schuylkill County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Wellsboro, PA 16901
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Tioga County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Franklin, PA 16323
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Venango County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Smethport, PA 16749
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for McKean County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Mercer, PA 16137
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Mercer County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Norristown, PA 19404
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Montgomery County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Bethlehem, PA 18020
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Northampton County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Sunbury, PA 17801
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Northumberland County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation. Behavioral-health line: 570-275-6080.
Lancaster, PA 17603
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Lancaster County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation. Behavioral-health office also at 750 Eden Road, Lancaster 17601.
New Castle, PA 16101
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Lawrence County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Lebanon, PA 17046
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Lebanon County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Allentown, PA 18101
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Lehigh County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation. Mental-health line: 610-782-3500.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Luzerne County, Wyoming County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Scranton, PA 18503
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Lackawanna County, Susquehanna County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Chambersburg, PA 17202
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Franklin County, Fulton County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Waynesburg, PA 15370
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Greene County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Lewistown, PA 17044
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Huntingdon County, Juniata County, Mifflin County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, autism, mental health services for Dauphin County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Delaware County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Erie, PA 16501
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Erie County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Uniontown, PA 15401
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Fayette County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Warren, PA 16365
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Forest County, Warren County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Clarion, PA 16214
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Clarion County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
DuBois, PA 15801
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Clearfield County, Jefferson County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Williamsport, PA 17701
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, autism, mental health services for Clinton County, Lycoming County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Danville, PA 17821
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Columbia County, Montour County, Snyder County, Union County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Meadville, PA 16335
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Crawford County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Carlisle, PA 17013
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Cumberland County, Perry County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
State College, PA 16801
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Centre County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
West Chester, PA 19380
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Chester County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Johnstown, PA 15901
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Cambria County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Ridgway, PA 15853
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Cameron County, Elk County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Carbon County, Monroe County, Pike County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Somerset, PA 15501
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Bedford County, Somerset County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Reading, PA 19601
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Berks County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Blair County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Towanda, PA 18848
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Bradford County, Sullivan County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Doylestown, PA 18901
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Bucks County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Butler, PA 16003
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and Early Intervention services for Butler County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
York, PA 17401
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Adams County, York County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Allegheny County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Kittanning, PA 16201
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Armstrong County, Indiana County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
The public front door for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health services for Beaver County residents. Contact them to register for services, ask about eligibility, request service coordination, or apply for Medicaid waivers — no diagnosis paperwork needed to start the conversation.
Key terms
- Family Support Services (FSS) / Family Driven Support Services (FDSS)
- A small fixed annual budget the family directs toward a county menu: respite, camp, recreation, family aide, education, adaptive equipment, therapies.
- Base-funded services
- Services the county arranges and pays a provider for when no waiver is available (supports coordination, in-home supports, behavioral support, agency respite).
- MH/IDD office
- Where you register.
- P/FDS, Community Living, Consolidated, Adult Autism
- Pennsylvania’s main waivers.
- Medical Assistance (PH-95)
- Medicaid for a child with a disability regardless of parent income.
- Supports Coordinator
- Your county-assigned guide to funding and services.
Our perspective
Support should not depend on a family’s bank balance or on knowing the right acronym. Public funding exists because neurodivergent people are entitled to lives with real support — using it is not charity, it is access.