“What does the CADI waiver pay for?” is one of the most common Minnesota disability-services questions—and one of the easiest to answer too broadly. A waiver does not work like a blank check or a fixed benefits package. It authorizes specific services based on eligibility, assessment, need, program rules, and a person-centered support plan.
What is the CADI waiver?
CADI stands for Community Access for Disability Inclusion. It is a Minnesota Medical Assistance home and community-based services waiver for eligible people with disabilities who need a qualifying level of care and choose to receive support in the community.
The lead agency—typically a county or tribal nation—determines eligibility and authorization. A provider such as Truwell can explain service availability and fit, but cannot approve a person for the waiver or independently add services.
What does the CADI waiver pay for?
The exact service menu can change, and not every service is right for every person. Service categories that often come up include:
Individualized Home Supports
IHS can provide assistance, supervision, skill development, or family training connected to living at home and participating in the community. Read our detailed Minnesota IHS guide.
24-hour emergency assistance
This service gives an authorized person a way to request immediate help for unexpected health or safety needs identified in the plan. It does not replace 911. See our 24-hour emergency assistance guide.
Night supervision
Night supervision provides scheduled overnight assistance and monitoring based on assessed needs.
In-home or out-of-home crisis respite
Crisis respite is short-term stabilization support during an authorized behavioral or medical crisis. Learn how in-home crisis respite differs from emergency response and planned respite.
Employment services
Authorized employment exploration, development, and support can help a person identify goals, prepare for work, connect with employers, and maintain employment.
Residential services
Some eligible people receive Community Residential Services or another residential support. Authorization, setting, licensing, compatibility, and capacity all matter.
Other supports
Depending on current program rules and individual authorization, waiver plans may include additional services such as respite, specialist services, assistive technology, environmental accessibility modifications, transportation-related supports, or transition assistance.
What the CADI waiver generally does not mean
- It is not unrestricted cash. Funding is tied to authorized services and providers.
- It does not automatically pay ordinary rent or room and board. Housing and service funding are distinct, even when housing-related supports exist.
- It does not guarantee every requested service. The service must be eligible, assessed, justified, available, and authorized.
- It does not guarantee immediate provider capacity. A valid authorization still requires a qualified provider able to meet the person’s needs.
CADI vs. DD waiver
| Question | CADI | DD |
|---|---|---|
| Primary pathway | Disability and applicable program level-of-care criteria | Developmental disability or related condition and applicable criteria |
| Age | Primarily adults under current program rules | Children and adults may qualify |
| Services | Many home, community, employment, crisis, and residential supports | Many overlapping home, community, employment, crisis, and residential supports |
| How to choose | The lead agency determines eligibility through assessment; families do not simply select the waiver with the longest service list. | |
What is the BI waiver?
The Brain Injury waiver serves eligible people with an acquired or traumatic brain injury who meet the applicable program and level-of-care criteria. It can authorize specialized supports that help the person live in the community.
What is the CAC waiver?
The Community Alternative Care waiver serves eligible people who are chronically ill or medically fragile and meet hospital-level care criteria. It supports community living when program requirements are met.
Eligibility language is technical and changes over time. Lean on the MnCHOICES process and lead-agency guidance rather than a short online checklist.
How to apply
- Contact the county or tribal lead agency. Ask for disability-services intake or a MnCHOICES assessment.
- Complete the assessment process. Share medical, functional, behavioral, and support information.
- Complete financial and program eligibility steps. Medical Assistance and waiver requirements both matter.
- Develop the person-centered plan. Identify outcomes, risks, preferences, and needed services.
- Select qualified providers. Confirm service area, capacity, staffing, and fit before assuming a start date.
What should you ask a provider?
- Is the provider licensed and enrolled for the specific authorized service?
- Does the provider currently serve the person’s county?
- Can the provider meet the preferred schedule and staffing needs?
- How will staff follow the person-centered plan and document outcomes?
- What communication, backup, and emergency procedures apply?
- What information is needed before the provider can accept the referral?
Starting a Truwell referral
Truwell provides several Minnesota 245D services that may be authorized through disability waiver programs. Review our services or submit a referral with the county, waiver, requested service, authorization status, schedule, location, and support needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CADI waiver in Minnesota?
The Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver is a Minnesota Medical Assistance home and community-based services program for eligible people with disabilities who meet program, financial, and level-of-care requirements and choose community services instead of institutional care.
What does a CADI waiver pay for?
A CADI waiver may authorize services such as Individualized Home Supports, 24-hour emergency assistance, night supervision, crisis respite, employment supports, residential services, assistive technology, environmental modifications, and other approved supports. It does not provide unrestricted cash, and every service must be assessed, authorized, and included in the person-centered plan.
What is the difference between CADI and the DD waiver?
CADI and DD are different waiver programs with different eligibility pathways and level-of-care criteria. They can authorize several overlapping services. The correct program depends on the person’s assessment and eligibility—not simply which waiver appears to offer more services.
Does a CADI waiver pay rent or buy a house?
Generally, waiver funding pays for authorized services and supports rather than ordinary room and board. Some housing-related services, accessibility modifications, or transition supports may be available when separately eligible and authorized, but families should not assume the waiver pays monthly rent or purchases housing.
How do I apply for a Minnesota disability waiver?
Contact the county or tribal human-services agency for a MnCHOICES assessment and eligibility guidance. The lead agency determines program eligibility and works with the person to develop a support plan and authorize services.
Official sources
- Minnesota DHS: Home and community-based waivers
- Minnesota Statutes, section 245D.03: covered services
Updated June 23, 2026. This guide is general information, not an eligibility or coverage determination. Current DHS policy, the person’s assessment, waiver, authorization, and support plan control.