Respite offers primary caregivers a break from the stress of taking care of a family member with disabilities. Respite options through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) may include:
- A private provider (person of your choice who is not a DDDS provider)
- A respite camp (parents pay for respite up front and then request reimbursement for respite expenses through DDDS. State-funded respite can be used to support the child’s attendance at summer camp.
- On a case-by-case basis, some paid activities may be eligible for use of Respite funding.
DDDS respite services may be State-funded (non-waiver), or funded through the Medicaid Lifespan Waiver. Medicaid does not allow duplication of services, so it is important to coordinate all respite requests with your DDDS community navigator.
State-funded (non-waiver) respite
Non-waivered respite request must be a minimum of 1 hour in duration, but no more than 10 hours per day. The caregiver must not be required to be present nor be responsible for the care of the individual during this time.
Eligibility
- Ages 4 and older who are
- Preliminarily or fully eligible for DDDS services and
- DDDS-eligible service recipients who do not have respite funding through the Medicaid Lifespan Waiver or Diamond State Health Plan Plus
How to request non-waivered (State-funded) respite services
Email DDDS at least 2 weeks prior to the requested respite start date. A respite coordinator will contact you to help you through the process. Submit emergency requests as soon as possible prior to, or immediately following the requested respite date(s).
Respite requests must include:
- Begin and end dates for respite services
- Number of hours per day OR the number of nights
- Name of DDDS service recipient
- Name of the primary caregiver requesting respite
- Must include Supplier I.D. Number
- Name of person providing the respite service
- Current address, including county
Requests will be reviewed based on availability of DDDS funds, individual family circumstances, and any previous usage during the current fiscal year.
How to get reimbursed for State-funded respite services
Parents pay for respite expenses up front and then request reimbursement from DDDS.
Once the request is approved, the primary caregiver will receive an email with the prefilled service invoice from the DDDS respite coordinator. Review the invoice to make sure the information is accurate. Sign and return it by email to the respite coordinator.
Reimbursement normally takes 6 weeks from the respite end date.
Signed agreements / contracts received more than 45 days past the respite may not be honored for payment.
All new respite recipients must complete a State of Delaware W9 (so the State can issue payment/s).
- To complete the process, read the FAQ/Contact Us section, and then the Step By Step User Guide and select New Supplier.
- Or call/email for help at: (302)526-5600 / FSF_Supplier_Maintenance@delaware.gov
Medicaid-funded respite services
Medicaid provides financial and service support, including personal care, allowing families to manage care. Respite can be self-directed, where the service recipient and/or family identifies who will provide the care, camp may be selected, or a program approved service agency or home health agency may be selected to provide respite service. Contact your Managed Care Organization (MCO) case manager for more information.
Eligibility
- Individuals 18 or older enrolled in the Lifespan Waiver or covered for respite services through Diamond State Health Plan Plus
Learn more
For more information, or to request respite services, contact:
DHSS_DDDS_RespiteRequest@delaware.gov or call:
- 302-933-3145 – New Castle County
- 302-933-3156 – Kent and Sussex Counties
Respite programs for children
Respite provides temporary, short-term relief from caregiving duties to a child’s primary unpaid caregiver, parent, court-appointed guardian, or foster parent. Respite programs are not intended to replace routine care, before- or after-school care. Families can choose to self-direct respite care (select who will provide the care) but must coordinate with a Financial Management Services provider. Children can only receive respite through one program at a time as Medicaid does not allow duplication of services.
In-home unskilled respite
Care needs are typically not complex and do not require a licensed professional. Care is provided in the child’s place of residence, provider’s home or home of a friend or family member.
In-home skilled respite
Care provided by a licensed professional in a child’s place of residence or home of a friend or family member.
Out-of-home respite
Provided outside of the child’s place of residence.
Emergency respite
Short-term support when there is an unplanned and unavoidable circumstance, such as a family emergency. If self-directing (choosing your own respite caregiver) respite care, families must ensure that all providers are registered with Financial Management Services.
Requirements for respite providers
Primary caregivers or other legally responsible guardians may not pay themselves for self-directed respite services. Respite caregivers must complete a criminal background check before providing services.
