What Documentation You Need for DDS Eligibility

The California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) provides critical care, resources, and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. Under California state law, anyone with a qualifying developmental disability has a right to receive personalized care through the DDS. Eligibility is determined through an assessment process carried out by local DDS regional centers. While there is no set list of documentation that must be provided when you or your loved one applies for DDS services, there are some documents that will likely help the eligibility determination process. Understanding the criteria for eligibility, what documentation you need for eligibility, and how the process works will help secure the care you or your loved one needs.

Obtaining Care Services Through California DDS

The criteria for DDS services are relatively straightforward, as follows:

• Infants and toddlers: Infants and toddlers between the ages of 0-3 may be eligible for DDS services if they are at risk of having a serious developmental disability. This determination is made by DDS regional care centers.
• Children: In general, children can qualify for DDS services if they demonstrate significant functional limitations in at least two major life activities. As with infants and toddlers, this determination is made by a regional care center.
• Adults: For everyone else, the key criteria for DDS eligibility are (1) evidence of a serious developmental disability, (2) that began before the age of 18, (3) that appear to continue into the future indefinitely, and (4) that significantly impacts activities of daily living.

Regardless of age, all eligibility determinations are made by DDS regional care centers. Part of the initial assessment involves testing and diagnosing for developmental disabilities. Importantly, these diagnostic tests are free of charge. If the regional center determines a person has a qualifying diagnosis, that person will be eligible for DDS services.

Because regional centers make their own diagnoses, you are not required to bring in any specific paperwork or documentation. With that said, to ensure the best possible assessment, bring the following documentation:

• medical records
• official diagnoses from medical professionals related to a developmental disability
• school records
• behavioral records
• anything else that relates to a developmental disability

Understanding what documentation you need for eligibility is an important step toward securing benefits and services through California DDS.