Good questions, straight answers.

It depends on authorization, your DSP's onboarding and service setup. We'll confirm a start date once those steps are complete.

Colorado adults 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are Health First Colorado members — and the families who care for them. giv.care currently accepts appropriate Supported Living Services (SLS) referrals, and selected Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver services are coming soon.

We serve Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Jefferson counties. More Colorado communities may be added as we grow — see current availability.

Eligibility is determined by Health First Colorado and your Case Management Agency. Try our path navigator for likely next steps, or see who to call in your county.

If demand is high, our office will add you to the waitlist, keep you updated, and reach out as soon as we can begin.

No. Colorado eliminated the SLS waiver waitlist in 2014. Anyone who meets the criteria can enroll. Program eligibility does not guarantee immediate provider or staffing availability. giv.care confirms its current capacity during intake. (DD enrollment is subject to a state-managed waiting list and state availability.)

Both programs serve Colorado adults age 18 and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. SLS generally supports adults who do not require access to services 24 hours a day. The DD waiver is intended for adults who require access to services and supports 24 hours a day and may include residential habilitation. A Case Management Agency determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment.

Not yet. giv.care Colorado is preparing to add selected DD waiver services. Case managers and families may contact us for planning conversations, but services cannot begin until final provider approval, member authorization, staffing and operational setup are complete.

Colorado's Children's Extensive Support (CES) waiver serves eligible children from birth through age 17, and some children receive services through Community First Choice. giv.care Colorado currently serves adults 18 and older and is not currently listing an approved children's service — your Case Management Agency can discuss CES and other available programs. At 18, many young adults move to adult programs like SLS.

SLS is an HCBS waiver for adults with I/DD covering services like respite, mentorship and community connections. Community First Choice (CFC) is a Medicaid State Plan benefit under the federal 1915(k) option — not a 1915(c) waiver — that, since July 2025, covers personal care and homemaker services. Many people use both. giv.care Colorado currently provides SLS services. See the guide.

Talk with your case manager. Let them know you'd like giv.care as your provider, and we'll coordinate the transition.

CDASS and IHSS are ways to receive Community First Choice services, which giv.care does not currently list as a service. giv.care currently provides SLS waiver services — your case manager can explain how your programs fit together.

Today, we primarily serve individuals and families who bring their own DSPs — the best, most consistent care happens with a personal connection. As our network grows, you'll be able to tap into other available caregivers.

Start with the people closest to you, then let friends and family know you're looking. Many great caregivers come from the friends and family of your friends and family.

Authorized services are paid by Health First Colorado — giv.care bills the state. Your case manager can explain whether any cost-share applies.

Not yet. We currently can't process payment for non-Medicaid care. If you're not enrolled, apply through Colorado PEAK — disability programs can have different financial rules than regular Medicaid.

Tools that help authorized members of the support team coordinate services and access the information they need.

Generally, yes. In Colorado, parents of adult children (18+) are not Legally Responsible Persons, so you can be hired and paid through giv.care — as long as services are authorized and you meet training and background requirements.

Colorado treats parents of minor children as Legally Responsible Persons, with special rules for paid care. giv.care Colorado currently serves adults 18 and older, so we aren't able to offer DSP roles supporting children at this time. Your child's Case Management Agency can explain the options that may apply.

Colorado treats spouses as Legally Responsible Persons. Spouses may be paid in some programs (like IHSS) for "extraordinary" care beyond what a spouse would normally provide.

DSP compensation depends on the role, service, location, qualifications, experience and current employment offer. The applicable pay rate is provided before an applicant accepts a position. How pay works.

Hours depend on what's authorized in the person's plan. Colorado is also phasing in a weekly cap per caregiver per member — 84 hours now, 70 from January 2027, and 56 from July 2027 — with an exception process.

Yes. The giv.care app runs on up-to-date Apple or Android phones, and a data plan is required for EVV clock-in and to submit your shift notes.

Colorado requires background screening for caregivers of at-risk adults, including a Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS) check and a fingerprint-based check. giv.care explains the applicable requirements and responsibilities during onboarding. Please disclose any past charges — some records require additional review.

CPR and First Aid certification, Colorado's required HCBS provider training, person-specific training, and QMAP medication training if you'll give medications.

You work for giv.care. The person you support can request you, and you always have the right to accept or decline any shift.

No. Your schedule is something you work out with the person you support, within their authorized hours.

Not automatically. Transportation must be specifically authorized and is not included with every service. We'll explain what applies to your situation.

Ask our Colorado team — we'll walk you through current benefits for your role and hours.