Question 1

How do I start services with Independence Inc.?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the Request Services form or give us a call. We will ask a few questions about the situation, talk through which services might fit, and tell you what happens next. There is no cost to ask and no obligation after.

Question 2

What happens after I reach out?

Accepted Answer

Someone from our team calls you back to learn more about the person who needs support. From there we work out which services fit, coordinate with the support plan, and build a schedule around the individual. Then we get started.

Question 3

I'm not sure which service we need. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and most people are not sure at first. Tell us what a typical day looks like and what part of it feels hardest right now. We will point you toward the right service, or a mix of a few.

Question 4

Who is eligible for services?

Accepted Answer

We generally support adults 18 and older with disabilities across the Central and Suncoast Region of Florida. Eligibility usually comes down to two things: a current support plan and a funding source. That is most often an HCBS Medicaid Waiver, the Florida Community Care managed care program, or APD's iBudget Florida waiver. If you are not sure where you stand, call us. We do this every day.

Question 5

How are services paid for?

Accepted Answer

Services are usually funded through Florida's disability and Medicaid programs and coordinated with your support coordinator. We are an approved HCBS Medicaid Waiver provider and we participate in the Florida Community Care managed care program. Services can also be authorized through APD's iBudget Florida waiver. If you already have a coordinator, they can reach us directly.

Question 6

Which programs and plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We are an approved Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver provider, we participate in the Florida Community Care (FCC) managed care program, and we accept services authorized through APD's iBudget Florida waiver. Support coordinators can also refer clients to us directly. The full list, with links, is on our Resources page.

Question 7

Do you work with support coordinators?

Accepted Answer

Every day. If you are a coordinator, the For Support Coordinators page has the fastest way to refer a client and reach the right person on our team.

Question 8

I need a break as a caregiver soon. How fast can you help?

Accepted Answer

This is exactly what respite is for. Call us directly rather than using the form, and call during office hours if you can, which are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Outside those hours you will reach voicemail and we return it the next business morning. How quickly we can start depends on your authorization and on which support professionals are free, so we will tell you what is realistic rather than promise a time we cannot hold. If someone is in danger right now, call 911 rather than waiting on us.

Question 9

What do I need to work at Independence Inc.?

Accepted Answer

Direct support roles need a high school diploma or GED, at least a year of experience with developmental disabilities, and the ability to pass a drug test plus Level 1 and Level 2 background screening. The Careers page has the full details and the current openings.

Question 10

What is the work actually like?

Accepted Answer

You support one person, or a small number of people, with the things that help them live independently. Morning routines, a ride to work, a grocery run, an afternoon out. It is steady, personal work, and you see the difference you make. The Careers page describes a full shift in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Eligibility & cost

Respite & urgent needs

Working here

Programs we accept

HCBS Medicaid Waiver Provider

Florida Community Care Managed Care Program

APD iBudget Florida Waiver

Support coordinator referrals

Who we generally support

Not sure if you qualify?

Check our credentials

Still have a question?