The Waiting List was previously known as the Registry of Unmet Needs. In November 2008, there were 3,465 people on this list. At that time, people selected a "date of need" to indicate when they wanted to receive developmental disabilities services. People could move their "date of need" or refuse a waiver offer and remain on the list.
In 2017, the Registry changed to a "true" waiting list, and when someone refused a waiver offer, they were removed from the list. If they decided they wanted services in the future, they needed to submit a new application. In order to be on this list, a person had to be eligible for Nebraska Medicaid or be a minor.
As of 2017, the list is again known as the "Registry." Many people on the list are not "waiting" but are getting some type of state-funded service. As of March 1, 2024, there were 2,704 eligible Nebraskans waiting for developmental disabilities services.