Step 1
Start with DDS Intake and Referral
Arkansas DHS says DDS Intake and Referral is the best place to start for services and support. Families can call 501-683-5687 or submit the online request linked from DHS.
Official source ↗Arkansas · DDS / CES Waiver
Arkansas Medicaid waiver checklist
This checklist helps Arkansas families organize CES Waiver steps through DHS Developmental Disabilities Services. It is an organizer, not an eligibility decision.
Step 2
Organize diagnosis and medical records
DHS says a clinical review team reviews medical records, diagnosis or condition information, and whether the condition is expected to continue indefinitely.
Official source ↗Step 3
Track level-of-care support areas
DHS describes review of substantial support needs in areas such as self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and independent living.
Official source ↗Step 4
Record CES Waiver waitlist details
DHS states there is a waitlist and that eligible clients move into waiver slots based on when they were added to the waitlist.
Official source ↗Step 5
Keep yearly DDS contact-update letters
DHS says families on the waiting list receive a yearly letter from DDS to update contact information.
Official source ↗Step 6
Track health coverage separately through Access Arkansas
DHS points families to Access Arkansas for health coverage programs such as traditional Medicaid, ARKids First, or TEFRA while waiting.
Official source ↗What to gather before your DDS intake call
Having these documents ready prevents delays during the clinical review process.
Diagnosis records or developmental evaluation
Must confirm the qualifying disability.
Medical records showing support needs
Clinical review covers self-care, learning, mobility, and safety.
Proof of Arkansas residency
Utility bill, lease, or official mail.
Identity documents
Birth certificate, state ID, or Social Security card.
School records or IEP
If the applicant is school-age.
Any prior waiver or DDS contact records
Dates, letter copies, or prior intake documentation.
Arkansas CES Waiver FAQ
How do I apply for the Arkansas CES Waiver?
Arkansas CES Waiver intake starts through the DHS Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Intake and Referral team. Families can call DDS at 501-683-5687 or submit an online request linked from the Arkansas DHS DDS page. DDS will walk through the intake process, review eligibility, and explain next steps. WaiverPath helps you organize intake notes, documents, and follow-up dates — confirm program requirements and timelines directly with DDS.
Is there a waitlist for the Arkansas CES Waiver?
Yes. Arkansas DHS states there is a waitlist for CES Waiver services and that eligible clients move into waiver slots based on when they were added to the waitlist. Contacting DDS as early as possible establishes your place. Keep every yearly contact-update letter from DDS and respond promptly to avoid losing your spot. Confirm current waitlist status directly with DHS.
What documents do I need for an Arkansas DDS CES Waiver intake?
Before your DDS intake call, gather: (1) diagnosis records or evaluation confirming the qualifying disability, (2) medical records showing ongoing support needs, (3) proof of Arkansas residency, (4) identity documents such as birth certificate and state ID, (5) school records or IEP if the applicant is school-age, and (6) any prior waiver or program documentation. Having these ready prevents delays during DDS's clinical review.
What is the Arkansas CES Waiver and who qualifies?
The Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver is Arkansas's Medicaid HCBS waiver for individuals with developmental disabilities. It funds supports such as residential services, personal assistance, supported employment, and day program services for eligible Arkansans who need a nursing-facility level of care. Eligibility involves a clinical review by DDS covering diagnosis, level-of-care support needs, and Arkansas residency. Confirm current criteria with Arkansas DHS DDS — WaiverPath is an organizer, not an eligibility advisor.
How long does the Arkansas CES Waiver process take?
Timelines vary depending on intake scheduling, clinical review, and waitlist position. DHS states there is a waitlist and that placement is based on intake date, so contacting DDS early matters. After a waiver slot becomes available, there is an assessment and service-plan process before services begin. Log every call, letter, and contact date so you can follow up accurately and respond to DDS promptly when contacted.
What is the yearly DDS contact-update letter and why does it matter?
Arkansas DHS states that families on the CES Waiver waiting list receive a yearly letter from DDS to update contact information. Failing to respond can result in removal from the waitlist. Keep every letter you receive, record the date and what action you took, and make sure DDS always has your current mailing address, phone number, and email. WaiverPath's checklist helps you track these interactions.
Does WaiverPath handle my Arkansas application for me?
No — WaiverPath is an organizer for families, not an agency or representative. Free accounts open the Arkansas checklist and help you track key dates. Plus ($6.99/mo or $49/yr) adds a forms assistant for capturing DDS intake notes, document inventory, waitlist log, and follow-up plans in one place. Confirm eligibility, program tracks, and timelines with DDS at 501-683-5687 or your local DHS office.
Official sources
Last reviewed by WaiverPath: July 2, 2026.
Medicaid.gov Home & Community Based ServicesFederal HCBS overview describing home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries.Arkansas DHS Developmental Disabilities ServicesArkansas DHS division page for Developmental Disabilities Services programs, contacts, forms, and resources.Arkansas DHS CES WaiverArkansas DHS page for the Community and Employment Support Waiver, DDS Intake and Referral, waitlist, and official waiver resources.Access ArkansasArkansas portal DHS links to for applying for health coverage programs while on the CES Waiver waiting list.
WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.