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Developmental Disabilities Eligibility
What is a developmental disability? A developmental disability is a disability diagnosed as a mental or physical condition or a combination of mental and physical conditions resulting in significant impairments to daily functioning. The disability:
Also see: OAR 411-320-0020 and Developmental Disabilities Defined (PDF) Back to top How is eligibility determined? Each Community Developmental Disability Program (CDDP) is responsible for determining eligibility. The eligibility worker in your county will assist you through the eligibility process and help you obtain the necessary documents that will be needed to see if you are eligible. Once the eligibility worker has collected all the necessary information, he or she will review it to see if you qualify. See: Eligibility Procedures (PDF)To be eligible as an adult with mental retardation a pattern of IQ scores under 75 with significant impairments in daily living skills that are directly related to your intellectual functioning are considered in determining eligibility. This diagnosis must be determined to be in place by your 18th birthday. OAR 411-320-0020 (48) What information is needed to determine eligibility? Any information that documents your disability will be needed to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. Psychological evaluations, medical examinations, mental health and adaptive behavior assessments are examples of the kind of documents used in determining eligibility. Typically these records can be obtained from schools, hospitals, clinics, institutions, your doctor, therapist or others who may have information about your disability. The CDDP intake worker will assist you in gathering these documents.How long does it take to determine if I am eligible? It depends. If the necessary documents are readily available, a decision could be made in a matter of days. If new testing is required, or documents are needed from various sources, it could take longer. Before you can receive any funded services through the CDDP you must be determined eligible. Once a determination of your eligibility has been made you will receive a letter in the mail indicating the eligibility decision.Back to top Is there an appeal process if I’m not found eligible? Yes. There is an appeal process if you are denied eligibility. Once the CDDP has adequate documentation from which to make an eligibility decision, they will send you a letter detailing the eligibility decision including steps you can take to appeal a denial of eligibility. There are specific timelines that must be followed in the appeal process to assure your due process rights. OAR 411-320-0170 (2)(c)(B)What services will I receive if I am eligible? If you are determined eligible, a CDDP service coordinator will schedule a time to meet with you at your convenience. They will describe what services are available and what services you are eligible to receive. Many of the services funded by the DD program have specific eligibility criteria. Services are provided in the individual’s home, family home or other community setting and can range from minimal supports to more extensive 24-hour supports. Your service coordinator can also assist you in accessing other community resources such as 20-hour personal care, assistance with special education, money management, applying for public assistance programs such as Section 8 housing, a medical card or food stamps. Keep in mind that there are specific criteria you will need to meet to be eligible for these and other community resources.If I’m eligible, does my eligibility need to be reviewed in the future? Once an adult is determined to be eligible, their eligibility does not need to be reviewed unless there’s new documentation that invalidates the initial eligibility decision. All children’s eligibility is considered ‘provisional’ meaning that any time there is new information their eligibility must be reviewed to determine if they continue to qualify. A child’s eligibility must be redetermined by their 6th birthday and again when they become an adult. For school age children with mental retardation this means redetermining their eligibility by their 18th birthday. For school age children with other developmental disabilities eligibility must be redetermined by their 22nd birthday.Back to top How do I apply for DD services? To apply, contact the Community Developmental Disabilities Program in your county who will assist you with the application process. The application is available in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.
Contact your Community Developmental Disabilities Program office Access the Oregon Administrative Rules regarding DD eligibility Back to top |
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