top of page

1

Do I Qualify?

Basic eligibility requirements
 

In Oregon, DD services (through the Oregon Department of Human Services) are for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

You generally must have:
 

  • A developmental disability that:
     

    • Started before age 22 (or before 18 for intellectual disability)

    • Is expected to be lifelong

    • Affects the brain (neurological condition)
       

  • AND causes significant limitations in daily living skills, such as:
     

    • Communication

    • Self-care (dressing, hygiene)

    • Social skills

    • Safety awareness

Learn More About Eligibility
Contact our Family Support Specialist For Help

2

Qualifying diagnoses (examples)
 

You don’t qualify just by having any diagnosis—you must also show functional limitations.
 

Common qualifying conditions include:
 

  • Intellectual disability (typically IQ ≤ 70 with adaptive skill deficits)

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Epilepsy

  • Other neurological conditions affecting development
     

👉 Important: A diagnosis alone isn’t enough—you must show how it impacts your daily functioning.
 

They assess:
 

  • Can you live independently?

  • Do you need help with basic tasks?

  • How much supervision/support is required?
     

If your limitations aren’t considered “significant,” you may be denied—even with a diagnosis.

Diagnoses Helpful Tips

3

How Do I Apply?

 How to apply (required step)

You must apply through your county’s program, called a:

➡️ Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP)

What happens:

  1. Contact your local CDDP office
     

  2. Submit an application
     

  3. Provide records (medical, school, psychological testing)
     

  4. Complete an eligibility assessment
     

  5. Wait for a determination
     

CDDP staff are the ones who officially decide eligibility and help with paperwork

CDDP County Links
Link to Download Application

4

Helpful Tips

What helps your application

​

To improve your chances, include:

  • Psychological or neuropsychological evaluations

  • School records (IEP, special education history)

  • Medical diagnoses

  • Documentation showing difficulty with daily living skills

⚠️ Common reasons people are denied
 

  • Disability started after age 22

  • Not enough documentation

  • Functional limitations aren’t severe enough

  • Condition is primarily mental health (not developmental)

bottom of page