Guide
The iBudget Florida waitlist, explained category by category
More than 15,000 Floridians are waiting for iBudget. Which category you are in affects your wait far more than how long you have been on the list.
The short answer
APD assigns each eligible applicant to one of seven priority categories set by Florida law. Categories 1 and 2 cover crisis and children leaving child welfare and are offered enrollment first. Categories 6 and 7, adults and children without a higher need, make up most of the 15,401 people waiting as of August 3, 2026. If your situation changes, tell your regional office, because that can change your category.
What each category means
| Cat. | Who | Waiting, Aug 3, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crisis. For example homeless, a danger to self or others, or a caregiver unable to provide care | Offered first |
| 2 | Moving out of the child welfare system | Offered first |
| 3 | Intensive needs, including a caregiver expected to be unable to care within 12 months | 51 |
| 4 | Caregiver age 60 or older, with no alternate | 271 |
| 5 | Graduating from secondary school within 12 months | 10 |
| 6 | Age 21 or older, not above | 7,178 |
| 7 | Under 21, not above | 7,891 |
Our three counties
| County | On the pre-enrollment list, Jan 23, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hillsborough | 806 |
| Pinellas | 606 |
| Pasco | 357 |
All three belong to APD's Suncoast Region. Call (800) 615-8720.
What can legitimately change your category
- A caregiver turning 60 with no alternate.
- A caregiver's illness or injury.
- A planned school graduation.
- Homelessness or a safety crisis. Call right away.
Send documentation to your regional office. Keep copies, and note who you spoke to.
While waiting
- Medicaid-eligible children can still receive home health services.
- Check APD's resource directory at resourcedirectory.apd.myflorida.com.
- Ask about the Long-Term Care program if the person is 18 or older and needs nursing home level care.
About this page. Aster Care LLC is a private home care agency, not a government agency. Eligibility decisions are made by the state offices named here. This is general information, not legal or benefits advice, and program rules change, so please confirm details with those offices.
Questions families ask
How long will we wait in Category 7?
APD does not publish a wait time. Families with children in lower categories should plan for a long wait and use other services meanwhile.
Does it matter when I apply?
Yes. Within a category, the law looks at the order in which people became eligible, so do not put it off.