Your Guide to the DDS Eligibility Process

Overview

To access DDS services, you must apply for eligibility. Once eligibility has been determined, you may get DDS services.

Applying for eligibility is a choice and we believe that it is important for applicants to fully understand the criteria for eligibility as well as the type of documentation that is required to enable DDS to make such an important decision. Therefore, included in the new application are the criteria for eligibility and explicit instructions about the necessary documentation.

Another important component is legal authorization to proceed with the process. Applicants must give their written permission so that DDS can proceed with the eligibility process. This does not mean that an applicant cannot get help from a family member, friend, or agency. However if the applicant chooses to have someone assist them, they will also need to authorize that by signing a permission form.

This permission is required if the applicant wants DDS to be able to communicate directly with this person on their behalf. These authorizations are now a vital part of the new application form.

After a complete application has been received by the Regional Eligibility Team, applicants can expect to be contacted by a Regional Eligibility Team member to schedule a face-to-face meeting.

Eligibility Criteria

Adult Eligibilty Requirements

1. Persons who are 22 years of age or older are eligible for Intellectual Disability Supports provided, purchased, or arranged by the Department if the person:
   1. is domiciled in the Commonwealth; and
   2. is a person with intellectual disability as defined in 115 CMR 2.01: Definitions.
2. Persons who are 22 years of age or older are eligible for Community Developmental Disability Supports provided, purchased or arranged by the department if the person:
   1. is domiciled in the commonwealth; and
   2. is a person with Developmental Disability (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome or Smith-Magenis Syndrome) as defined in 115 CMR 2.01: Definitions; and
   3. does not have an intellectual disability as defined in 115 CMR 2.01: Definitions.

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Eligibility for Children's Supports

1. Persons who are younger than 22 years of age may be eligible for Children's Supports provided, purchased, or arranged by the Department if the person:
   1. is domiciled in the Commonwealth; and
   2. for persons who are five through 22 years of age, either:
      1. have a severe chronic disability that:
         1. is attributable to a mental or physical impairment resulting from Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Smith-Magenis Syndrome or Prader-Willi Syndrome;
         2. is likely to continue indefinitely;
         3. results in substantial functional limitations; or
      2. have a verified diagnosis of Intellectual Disability or a closely related developmental condition that results in substantial functional limitations, or
   3. for persons from birth to age five a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition with a high probability of resulting in a developmental disability if services are not provided.