NC Innovations Waitlist
NC Innovations Waiver Waitlist
(Registry of Unmet Needs)
NC Innovations Waitlist is the waitlist for members on the NC Innovations Waiver. It is also referred to as the Registry of Unmet Needs. The NC Innovations Waiver helps people with intellectual or developmental disabilities get services at home and in the community.
There are a limited number of waiver slots. When funding is full, eligible people are added to the NC Innovations Waitlist.
The amount of time someone waits depends on their county, application date and state funding availability. For questions, call 1-833-780-2587 or email InnovationsWaitlist@PartnersBHM.org.
Who is Eligible?
You may qualify if you:
- Have a documented diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Have major limits in at least three daily life areas, such as self-care, learning, moving around, communication or independent living
- Need waiver services to live safely in the community or move from an institutional setting
Apply Online
Complete both required forms:
If you believe you have an emergent need, complete the NC Innovations Waitlist Emergency Slot Request Form.
Printable Applications
Printed applications can be submitted to InnovationsWaitlist@PartnersBHM.org.
Documents You May Need
You will need documentation from a qualified professional that confirms the diagnosis and level of daily functioning. Examples include:
- Psychological evaluations
- Adaptive testing
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that include testing information
- Vocational rehabilitation assessments
- Medical records
- Guardianship papers
Call the Registry Line if you are unsure what to submit.
What Happens Next?
If you move forward with the Registry process:
- You or your legal guardian will complete the Innovations Waitlist Application and Care Needs Screening online, or you can complete a phone screening with a Registry Specialist. The phone screening takes about 90 minutes.
- You will submit documents that confirm your diagnosis and daily functioning.
- You will receive a letter explaining your Registry status.
The amount of time someone waits depends on their county and state funding availability.
Need help applying?
Contact the Registry Line:
To get started, call 1-833-780-2587 or email InnovationsWaitlist@PartnersBHM.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Translation services are available.
Emergency Slots
Some people on the NC Innovations Waitlist may qualify for an Emergency Slot, also called a reserve slot, if they have extraordinary circumstances or are at serious and immediate risk of harm.
To qualify, the person must be on the NC Innovations Waitlist, have a serious and immediate risk of harm documented by a professional, and have no other service system that can meet the need.
A person may qualify if one or more of these situations apply:
- Their primary caregiver or support system can no longer provide the level of support needed for exceptional behavioral needs, exceptional medical needs or documented safety risks.
- A child is at immediate risk of coming into DSS custody because of disability-related needs.
- The person needs protection from confirmed abuse, neglect or exploitation, as documented by DSS.
To get started, call 1-833-780-2587 or email InnovationsWaitlist@PartnersBHM.org.
You can apply online or download and print the NC Innovations Emergency Slot Request Form.
If you believe someone on the NC Innovations Waitlist may need an Emergency Slot, contact Partners as soon as possible.
Services Available While You Wait
If you have NC Medicaid and are on the NC Innovations Waitlist, you may be able to get similar services through NC Medicaid 1915(i). These services may help with daily activities, job coaching, community support, respite and other needs.
Getting 1915(i) services will not affect your place on the NC Innovations Waitlist.
If a Slot Becomes Available
You will be contacted by phone and mail. Be sure your contact information stays up to date. If we cannot reach you, you may be removed from the Registry.
If You Move
- Moving within Partners’ service area: Call to update your address.
- Moving to another area in North Carolina: Call to transfer your Registry date to your new LME/MCO.
- Moving out of state: You will be removed from the Registry.