In a memo dated January 20, 2026, the OIDD Office Director told DSN Board executive directors, contracted case management provider CEOs and case management supervisors that OIDD is no longer automatically adding individuals to the waiver waiting lists at the time of OIDD eligibility.
Scope
The change applies to the OIDD-operated waivers: Intellectual Disability and Related Disabilities (ID/RD), Community Supports (CS), and the Head and Spinal Cord Injury waivers. The memo says SCDHHS is streamlining waiting-list processes across all South Carolina waivers, and that the change was flagged at the December 17, 2025 Case Management Workgroup meeting. Requests for waiver slots continue through the normal process in the waiver manuals.
What the memo does not say
It does not report how many people were previously added or how many are now on any list, and it does not describe a new timeline. Do not assume an eligibility determination now places someone on a list.
Why this matters for providers
| Who | What to do |
|---|---|
| Case managers | Confirm the waiver-slot request step explicitly for every newly eligible person. An eligibility letter is no longer the same as list placement. |
| Residential and day providers who take referrals | Expect fewer pre-placed referrals and ask families whether a slot request has actually been filed. |
| Family communication | Update intake scripts so families are not told they are "on the list" based on eligibility alone. |
The memo lists the OIDD contact as Melissa Ritter (mritter@ddsn.sc.gov).
Last verified against the linked agency source on October 30, 2026. Regulatory details change; confirm before acting.
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