Understanding the Connecticut ABI Waiver: A Pathway to Community-Based Brain Injury Support
For individuals living with an acquired brain injury (ABI), returning to community life often requires more than determination—it requires the right supports, services, and opportunities for independence. In Connecticut, the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver offers a vital pathway for individuals to live safely and successfully in their communities while receiving the care they need.
At The Supported Living Group (SLG), we’ve proudly partnered with the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) for more than 16 years to provide community-based ABI support, helping individuals rebuild confidence, purpose, and independence through individualized care.
What Is the Connecticut ABI Waiver?
The Connecticut Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver is a Medicaid-funded program administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Its purpose is to provide community-based alternatives to institutional care for adults who have sustained an acquired brain injury.
The waiver allows eligible individuals to receive supports in their home or community rather than living in a nursing facility or long-term rehabilitation setting. It’s designed to empower people to live as independently as possible—guided by their own goals and preferences.
Who Qualifies for the ABI Waiver?
Eligibility for an ABI Waiver slot is based on both clinical and financial criteria. To qualify, individuals must:
Be a Connecticut resident between 18 and 64 years old
Have a documented acquired brain injury (ABI) that is not congenital, developmental, or degenerative
Require a level of care that would otherwise be provided in a nursing facility or hospital
Be Medicaid-eligible, meeting income and asset criteria
Be willing and able (or have a legal representative) to participate in person-centered planning
Desire to live in the community with the supports provided through the waiver
Because waiver slots are limited, approved applicants may be placed on a waiting list until a space becomes available.
What Services Are Available Under the ABI Waiver?
The ABI Waiver offers a wide range of non-medical, community-based services designed to promote independence, safety, and connection. Services are tailored to each participant’s unique goals and needs and may include:
Recovery Assistant Services (RA 1 & RA 2): Individualized support to assist with daily living, skill building, and community integration
Case Management / Service Coordination: Oversight of care plans and coordination between providers
Cognitive and Behavioral Support: Strategies to improve attention, memory, and emotional regulation
Pre-Vocational and Supported Employment Services: Help returning to or preparing for work
Independent Living Skills Training: Building routines for budgeting, cooking, transportation, and home management
Personal Care Assistance (PCA): Support for self-care and daily routines
Respite Care: Short-term relief for family members or caregivers
Transportation and Assistive Technology: Tools and mobility solutions to enhance community access
At The Supported Living Group, we deliver many of these services across Connecticut, focusing on personalized care that fosters growth, confidence, and connection.
How to Apply for the Connecticut ABI Waiver
Applying for the ABI Waiver involves several key steps:
Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Call the DSS Community Options Unit at 1-866-552-0024 or visit the DSS ABI Program webpage.
Complete a Pre-Screening & Application
DSS will collect medical, psychological, and financial information to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Assessment and Level of Care Determination
A DSS nurse or social worker will assess whether you meet the level of care criteria for waiver participation.
Service Planning
If approved, you’ll work with DSS and community providers, such as The Supported Living Group, to develop a Person-Centered Plan outlining your goals, supports, and services.
Enrollment and Service Delivery
Once a slot is available, you’ll begin receiving approved services through the ABI Waiver network.
Why Choose The Supported Living Group
With more than 16 years of statewide experience serving individuals with brain injury, autism, and other neurodiverse needs, The Supported Living Group (SLG) is proud to be one of Connecticut’s leading ABI Waiver providers.
We serve individuals across Windham, Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, and Fairfield counties, offering:
Comprehensive, non-medical community supports
Dedicated Recovery Assistants and case coordination
Specialized programs such as Inspire Arts, a creative rehabilitation initiative for ABI survivors
A compassionate, person-centered approach built on respect, dignity, and independence
Ready to Learn More?
If you or a loved one has experienced a brain injury and are seeking community-based supports in Connecticut, The Supported Living Group can help.
🌐 Visit: www.supportedlivinggroup.org
📞 Call: (860) 774-3400
📧 Email: jarber@slg-ct.com
Together, we’ll help you explore your eligibility, navigate the application process, and design supports that make independence possible.