Skip to content

HOPE Waiver

The HOPE waiver provides home and community-based services for people who meet a nursing facility level of care. Eligibility includes adults age 65 or older, or adults age 18 or older with a qualifying disability, subject to financial and needs assessments.

Services may include in-home services, respite and caregiver services, meals, adult day services, community living homes, and assisted living. Contact Dakota at Home for an assessment. Structured Family Caregiving is a separate service option under this waiver.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • Does the person receiving care live in South Dakota? — Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
  • Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

What this record does not yet say

  • usable primary source
  • current financial eligibility category and limits
  • citizenship and immigration rules
  • current service capacity
  • self direction service options
  • application documents and decision timing

Services

Services may include in-home services, respite and caregiver services, meals, adult day services, community living homes, and assisted living. Contact Dakota at Home for an assessment. Structured Family Caregiving is a separate service option under this waiver.

How to apply

  • Contact Dakota at Home to learn more (833-663-9673 or DakotaAtHome@state.sd.us). Financial eligibility is decided by DSS Economic Assistance; individuals already on Medicaid submit form EA265 (Request for Long-Term Care or Home Community Based Services Waiver Assistance); otherwise complete a full Medicaid application. A needs assessment is required.

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.

  • sd-paid-family-caregiver-program (companion): Structured Family Caregiving is a service option for qualifying HOPE waiver participants.