How to apply for Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Waiver — home and community-based services
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Who it's for
The EBD waiver pays for services that help people stay at home instead of moving to a nursing home: adult day services, personal care, homemaker help, home-delivered meals, home modifications, respite, medical alert systems, and more. It serves people 65 and older with a significant functional impairment, and people 18 to 64 who are blind, physically disabled, or have HIV or AIDS, who need a nursing-home level of care. Monthly income must be under three times the SSI limit ($2,982 in 2026), and countable resources under $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple. Contact your local Case Management Agency to start.
Requires a nursing-facility level of care, determined by a functional assessment through the Case Management Agency, plus Health First Colorado financial eligibility. The income limit applies to the applicant's own income. Some waivers have waitlists.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Find my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Health First Colorado application
- Functional (level-of-care) assessment by the Case Management Agency
- Proof of income and resources
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-800-221-3943
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Waiver — home and community-based services. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need health First Colorado application, functional (level-of-care) assessment by the Case Management Agency, proof of income and resources — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.