Tennessee ECF CHOICES Waiver

Tennessee’s Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES waiver program provides home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Under certain circumstances, family members can be paid as caregivers through this program. The waiver covers community integration, employment support, and daily living assistance. Waitlists apply, so applying early is recommended.

TennCare Katie Beckett Program

TennCare offers the Katie Beckett category for children with significant disabilities who do not financially qualify for standard Medicaid. This program looks at the child’s income and resources rather than parental income. While it does not directly pay parents as caregivers, it provides Medicaid coverage for therapy and medical services that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Consumer-Directed Services

Some Tennessee waiver programs allow consumer-directed services, where the individual (or their guardian) hires and manages their own support workers. In some cases, family members can serve as paid workers under these arrangements. Regulations about which family members can be paid vary, and parents serving as paid caregivers for their minor children may face restrictions.

Other Financial Support

SSI provides monthly financial assistance for qualifying children with autism. Tennessee does not tax SSI benefits. The state’s Family Support Program through the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers small grants for disability-related expenses. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) may provide additional support for eligible families. Tax deductions for medical and therapy expenses can also help.

Getting Help Navigating Options

Navigating Tennessee’s system requires persistence. Contact the Disability Rights Tennessee organization for free advocacy support. The Arc Tennessee provides family resource coordination. Your child’s ABA provider may also help with documentation and referrals. Treetop ABA Therapy supports families in accessing all available resources.