How to Apply for OPWDD Eligibility in New York State
What Is OPWDD?
OPWDD stands for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. It is a New York State agency that funds services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. OPWDD serves people with conditions like:
- Intellectual disability
- Autism
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Neurological impairments
- Familial dysautonomia
- Prader-Willi syndrome
To qualify, the disability must have started before age 22. It must also be expected to continue and must affect the person's ability to live everyday life on their own.
What Is the Front Door?
The "Front Door" is how people enter the OPWDD system. It is not one meeting—it is the whole process of applying for services. The Front Door process includes:
- Finding out if the person is eligible
- Assessing their strengths and needs
- Making a plan for services
- Getting services started
You begin by contacting your local Front Door office. Staff will guide you through each step.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
You will need documents that show the person has a qualifying disability and that it started before age 22.
Psychological evaluation
This is the most important document. It must include:
- An IQ test (also called cognitive or intellectual functioning test)
- An adaptive behavior assessment (this measures daily living skills)
- If the person's IQ is above 60, the adaptive behavior assessment is required. This is often a separate interview with a parent or caregiver using a tool like the Vineland or ABAS.
- Evaluations should be recent. OPWDD prefers evaluations done within the last 3 years.
Other helpful documents
- Medical records, including any neurological evaluations
- School IEPs and special education records
- Developmental history
- Autism or other diagnostic reports (if applicable)
If you need help getting evaluations, ask your local Front Door office. They can point you to eligibility assessment providers in your area. Some clinics can do evaluations for free or low cost.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Work with your local Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) to submit your eligibility packet. You can also get help from a Care Coordination Organization (CCO) like Advance Care Alliance, CareDesign, or Tri-County Care.
Your eligibility packet includes:
- A completed transmittal form
- Consent forms
- All your supporting documents
Documents are uploaded to a system called CHOICES. Your care manager or the Front Door office can help with this.
Step 3: Wait for a Decision
OPWDD will review your application. This happens in steps:
First review: Staff check that your packet is complete. They may ask for more information or updated evaluations.
Possible outcomes:
- Eligible — The person qualifies for OPWDD services
- Provisionally eligible — For children under 8, or when more information is needed
- Not eligible — The person does not meet the criteria
If you are found not eligible, you can ask for a second review. A committee of clinicians will look at your case again. If you disagree with that decision, you can request a third review and a fair hearing.
What Happens After Eligibility?
Once eligible, the person will complete assessments to identify their strengths and support needs. Then you will work with a care manager to create a service plan.
Services may include:
- Community habilitation
- Respite
- Supported employment
- Day programs
- Housing support
- Self-direction options
Most OPWDD services are funded through Medicaid. You will need to enroll in Medicaid if you are not already enrolled.
How to Get Started
Call the OPWDD information line at (866) 946-9733. Tell the operator what county you live in, and they will connect you to your local Front Door office. You can also learn more by watching the Front Door video modules on the OPWDD website.