Quick Summary
Group homes in Georgia are officially known as Community Residential Alternatives (CRA). These are licensed, small-scale residential settings (typically for 4 or fewer people) designed for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Funded primarily through Medicaid COMP waivers, CRAs provide 24/7 care, life skills training, and community integration.
As your child with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) grows into adulthood, planning for their future housing is a big step—one that is often filled with both questions and hope. It is an exciting time as you help your adult child transition toward independence with confidence. Every parent wants to know their child will have safe, supportive housing that meets their unique medical and personal needs. In Georgia, group homes offer a wonderful variety of supports to help individuals thrive in their local communities.
What Are Group Homes for Adults with IDD in Georgia?
In Georgia, the formal name for a group home is a Community Residential Alternative (CRA). These are residential settings where adults with IDD live together in a shared, family-like environment. These homes are licensed and overseen by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).
Most often, these homes are funded through Medicaid waiver programs, specifically the New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP). Residents receive individualized care plans that include:
- Assistance with Daily Living: Support with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and personal care.
- Health Oversight: Medication management and coordination of healthcare services.
- Skill Building: Training in home management, social skills, and use of leisure time.
- Community Access: Help with transportation and participating in local community events.
Understanding the Cost: How are Georgia Group Homes Funded?
Understanding the finances is often the most stressful part for families. In Georgia, the state uses a tiered funding model to ensure that those with the highest needs receive the most support.
The Role of Medicaid Waivers
The financial “heavy lifting” for residential care is usually handled by the COMP Waiver. While the NOW waiver is excellent for those staying in the family home, the COMP waiver is specifically designed for those requiring the 24/7 intensive support found in a CRA (group home) setting.
Daily Reimbursement Rates in Georgia (2024–2026)
The Georgia DBHDD pays providers a daily rate based on the resident’s “Category of Need.” This is determined by a Support Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment. Below are the standard rates for a 4-person group home:
| Resident Category (Need Level) | Daily Medicaid Rate (Per Person) | Estimated Annual Funding |
| Category 1 (Lower Needs) | $294.16 | ≈ $101,191 |
Category 2 (Moderate Needs) | $323.26 | ≈ $111,201 |
| Category 3 (High Needs) | $382.32 | ≈ $131,518 |
Category 4 (Intensive Needs) | $507.05 | ≈ $174,425 |
Out-of-Pocket: Room and Board
While the waiver pays for the care and staffing, it does not cover “Room and Board” (rent and food).
- The SSI Contribution: Most residents use their SSI (Supplemental Security Income) to cover these costs.
Personal Needs Allowance: In Georgia community residential settings, residents pay a capped rate for room and board ($768/month). They keep the rest of their SSI for personal expenses. With the 2026 SSI rate of $994, this leaves a Personal Needs Allowance of $226/month.
Residential Options in Georgia
Georgia offers a few different “flavors” of residential support to ensure a good fit for every personality and need level.
Community Residential Alternatives (CRA)
As mentioned, CRA is the formal term for licensed group homes. These are small settings—usually 4 residents or fewer—where staff is present 24/7. These homes are perfect for those who enjoy social interaction but need consistent supervision.
Host Homes (Life Sharing)
A host home is a unique and warm option where an adult with IDD lives with a private family (not their own). The “host” is trained and vetted to provide care, but the setting is a private residence rather than a staffed facility. This is often a great choice for individuals who thrive in a more intimate, quiet environment.
Finding the Right Provider
Choosing a provider is about finding a “second family.” Here are a few highly-regarded organizations in Georgia that offer residential services:
- Annandale Village: A non-profit community that provides a “continuum of care,” allowing residents to move between different levels of independence as their needs change.
- InCommunity: One of the largest providers in the state, offering a wide range of community-based group homes and support services.
- The Arc of Southwest Georgia: Offers both group home settings and host home arrangements with a focus on community inclusion.
- Georgia Pines: Serving South Georgia, they provide community homes for individuals with medically fragile or behaviorally challenging needs.
- United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia (UCPGA): Operates several 3-4 person homes focused on high-quality nursing oversight and individual rooms for privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Because funding is limited, the waitlist (officially called the Planning List) can take several years. While you wait, the Regional Field Office can provide referrals to state-funded community supports. It is vital to get on the list as early as possible and keep your contact information updated.
Absolutely. The NOW waiver is specifically designed for individuals living at home or independently. Even on the COMP waiver, many people live at home while receiving intensive daytime services or short-term “respite” care to give family caregivers a break. The goal is always the most integrated setting possible.
Yes! Most providers welcome tours. It is a great way to see the “vibe” of a home. For help with the application, start with your Regional DBHDD Field Office. For peer-to-peer advice, reach out to Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2P) or The Arc Georgia; they can match you with a mentor who has navigated this exact path.
Yes. While providers coordinate healthcare, residents retain the right to see their preferred medical professionals.
You have the right to request a change. Your Support Coordinator will help you navigate “Freedom of Choice” to find a different provider or residential setting that better suits your loved one.
A Final Note of Encouragement
Take a deep breath. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Georgia’s IDD community has wonderful networks to help you through the journey. It may be a winding road, but the destination—a safe, happy home for your adult child—is worth every step.
Sources
Official 2024-2026 State Rates & Financial Guides
- DBHDD 2024 Rate Update Presentation – Official 2024-2026 NOW/COMP Medicaid reimbursement rates for Georgia providers.
- Social Security Administration: 2026 SSI Federal Benefit Rates – Official federal rates for Supplemental Security Income used to calculate room and board.
- Medicaid Planning Assistance: Georgia Room and Board Rules – Comprehensive guide on capped room and board costs for Georgia community residential settings.
- Georgia.gov: Apply to NOW/COMP Waiver – Official state portal for accessing IDD resources and beginning the waiver application process.
Residential Providers & Regional Toolkits
- Georgia DBHDD: Out-of-Home Services – Official state directory and description of Community Residential Alternatives (CRA) and Host Homes.
- Georgia Collaborative ASO: IDD Provider List – Searchable database of licensed providers offering residential services across Georgia’s six regions.
- The Arc of Southwest Georgia: Residential Programs – Large-scale provider overview for families seeking group home and host home placements in South Georgia.
- Annandale Village: Continuum of Care Guide – Residential options for families exploring long-term private and Medicaid-funded community living.
Advocacy & Support Organizations
- Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO) – State-mandated protection and advocacy system for the legal and civil rights of Georgians with disabilities.
- Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2P) – Statewide support network offering a searchable database and peer mentoring for housing transitions.
- Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) – Advocacy and policy resources for navigating Georgia’s IDD service system and legislative updates.
