Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. Do not wait for a waiver review. This website does not provide emergency response.
At a glance
Three things to know.
Tell APD what changed
Explain the urgent risk and why current help is not enough.
Keep useful records
Ask what evidence is needed and how to send it.
Confirm the next step
APD reviews the request. A request does not guarantee enrollment.
Read the overview
A sudden change can leave a family unsure where to turn. Crisis enrollment is a way for APD to consider urgent access to waiver services when specific criteria are met. It is not a separate waiver or a guarantee of immediate services.
Understand the criteria
Three situations APD may review.
Select a situation to see what APD considers. These examples help you prepare a conversation; they do not determine whether someone qualifies.
A safe place to live is at risk.
The person is homeless, in a shelter, or in an unsafe living arrangement. APD looks at the immediate health and safety risks and available alternatives.
Where the person is staying, when that arrangement may end, and why available support cannot keep them safe.
A shelter record, eviction notice, or a dated statement describing temporary or unsafe housing.
Behavior creates an immediate, serious safety risk.
Without immediate waiver services, behavior may threaten life or cause injury requiring emergency medical care. APD considers the severity, frequency, and supports already attempted.
Specific incidents and dates, injuries, what support was tried, and why it has not been enough.
Incident reports, medical treatment records, behavior assessments, or an existing safety plan from a professional.
The caregiver can no longer provide safe care.
Illness, injury, advanced age, or extreme duress prevents the caregiver from meeting the person's health and safety needs. APD also reviews whether another caregiver can help.
What changed, which daily care tasks can no longer be provided, and why other caregivers are unavailable.
A physician's statement about the caregiver's medical limitations and a signed explanation of other circumstances.
Explain the full picture to APD. The agency considers severity, immediate risk, available supports, and the intensity of services needed.
A clear next step
How to request a crisis review.
- Step 1
Contact APD
Tell your regional office that circumstances are urgent and you want to request crisis enrollment.
- Step 2
Explain the change
Describe the immediate risk, dates, current supports, and why those supports no longer meet the need.
- Step 3
Share evidence
Send relevant records through APD's approved process. Ask which documents are still needed.
- Step 4
Confirm follow-up
Keep your receipt and copies. Ask who is reviewing the request and when to check back.
Applying for the first time?
APD's online system now includes a Crisis Application section. Follow its prompts along with the initial APD application.
Already in pre-enrollment?
Report the change to your APD worker or regional office. The online crisis option also serves active APD clients who are not receiving iBudget services.
APD must establish the applicable disability, level-of-care, and waiver requirements. If the person already receives iBudget services, contact the waiver support coordinator and APD about changing needs.
Open APD's application system →Florida law sets this eligibility-decision timeframe after APD receives a complete application for an applicant deemed to be in crisis. It is not a promise that services start within 15 days. Ask APD to confirm the complete-application date and explain any delay.
Make the situation easier to understand
Build a clear picture for APD.
A short written explanation
Describe what changed, when it changed, the immediate risks, and the help needed. Include which alternatives were tried and why they are unavailable or insufficient. A letter can support your request; it does not replace APD's application requirements.
Records that support the request
Choose documents that relate to the crisis situation above. APD's guidance asks for current records, generally from the last 12 months, and may require additional information. Ask how to proceed if a record is missing.
A contact and follow-up record
Keep the date submitted, confirmation number, name of the APD contact, and copies of what you sent. Report significant changes promptly.
Send personal and medical documents only through the official process APD directs you to use. Do not put them in Excellent Care's general contact form.
Resource Center · Episode 07
Watch the video.
Choose a narration language in the player. Translations still being prepared are clearly marked.
English narration. Captions are controlled by the viewer.
Watch on YouTubeCommon family questions
Know what a review can mean.
Does meeting crisis criteria guarantee enrollment?
No. Enrollment depends on APD's determination, the applicable program requirements, and available funding. A crisis request does not guarantee placement in a particular home.
What if APD denies the request?
Ask for the written decision and review the appeal instructions and deadlines in that notice. Disability Rights Florida may be able to explain your rights or offer assistance.
Can Excellent Care approve a crisis request?
No. APD makes crisis and waiver enrollment decisions. Excellent Care can discuss its residential programs, but its referral form is not an APD crisis application.
The right people to call
Connect with the official team.
APD Southern
(305) 810-1016APD Southeast
(561) 822-4596APD Information
1-866-273-2273Confirm the office serving your county through APD. These are program contacts, not emergency lines.
Prepared using the supplied Disability Rights Florida training, slides 42–50, and current APD guidance. The online instructions have been updated from the older presentation. General education only, not individual legal or eligibility advice. APD decides each request.
