Pennsylvania
OBRA Waiver - Participant-Directed Services (OBRA Waiver)
Self-directed care programs in Pennsylvania that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
OBRA Waiver - Participant-Directed Services
Open - No WaitlistPA Hourly Rate
$13.00 - $17.00
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$900 - $2,800
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire a family member (not spouse) as your caregiver
- Direct your own services and set schedules
- Receive personal care, home adaptations, and assistive technology
- Access respite care for your regular caregiver
- Enroll without a waitlist
- Transition to Aging Waiver at 60 for continued services
What You Can't Do
- Hire your spouse as a paid caregiver
- Enroll if under 18 or over 59 (different programs apply)
- Use waiver funds for room, board, or rent
- Receive services in a nursing facility
- Exceed your authorized service plan
- Hire a caregiver who fails Pennsylvania background checks
How to Apply
Apply for PA Medicaid
Ensure Medicaid enrollment through your county assistance office at (800) 692-7462.
Contact Independent Living Center
Reach your local Center for Independent Living or aging/disability office for an OBRA Waiver referral.
Complete level of care assessment
A nurse assessor determines whether you meet nursing facility level of care.
Choose participant-directed services
Elect participant direction as your service model.
Work with support coordinator
A support service coordinator helps you develop your person-centered plan.
Recruit your caregiver
Find and hire your preferred caregiver.
Caregiver enrollment
Your caregiver completes enrollment through the FMS, including all required Pennsylvania background checks.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Pennsylvania
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For payroll
W-4 tax withholding form
Tax withholding
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization
PA State Police criminal history check
Criminal background check through PSP
FBI fingerprint clearance
Federal fingerprint-based background check
ChildLine clearance
Child abuse history clearance (required for all caregivers in PA)
Direct deposit form
Banking information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OBRA Waiver in Pennsylvania?
The OBRA Waiver provides home and community-based services to adults ages 18-59 with physical disabilities who meet nursing facility level of care. It includes a participant-directed services option.
Can a family member be my caregiver?
Yes. Family members can serve as paid caregivers. However, spouses are not eligible to be paid under this program.
What is the age limit?
OBRA Waiver serves adults ages 18 to 59. At age 60, you transition to the Aging Waiver or COMMCARE programs.
Is there a waitlist?
No. Pennsylvania's OBRA Waiver is generally open enrollment without a waitlist.
What is participant-directed services?
You select, manage, and direct your own service workers. A support service coordinator helps you with the administrative aspects.
What services are covered?
Personal assistance, respite, home adaptations, assistive technology, home-delivered meals, and community integration services.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Pennsylvania's OBRA Waiver program.