Intake and Eligibility

How to Apply for Adult Developmental Disability Services:

Services Offered:  Case Management and Crisis Services

Click image to view a video on How to Apply for Services

Step 1. Apply for MaineCare Services, if you are not already receiving MaineCare Benefits.  Applications & Forms | Department of Health and Human Services 

Step 2. Complete an Application Packet, which includes:

• Application Form (PDF) 
• A Comprehensive Evaluation that considers physical, emotional, social, and cognitive factors. This must be completed by either a licensed physician, licensed clinical psychologist, or licensed psychological examiner.  
• Adaptive Behavior Scale Test (completed no earlier than two years before the date of application)
• Completed General Intelligence Test or comparable test
• Any other relevant assessment such as psychological evaluations or individualized education plans (IEPs) 

Step 3. Send your completed Application packet

• Email to:  DSIntake.OADS@maine.gov
• Fax to:  (see regional fax numbers below)
  • Mail to:  (see regional addresses below)
  • Have questions?  Please use the regional Telephone numbers below to speak to a DS Intake Supervisor.

Step 4. Once the complete application packet has been received, an intake coordinator from the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) will contact you and/or your guardian within ten (10) days to schedule an intake assessment.  If more records or testing are needed, the Intake Coordinator will assist you in obtaining testing and/or documents. 

• If you are found eligible, you will receive an eligibility letter along with a list of community case management agencies that you can contact to request case management services.  Please see our Provider Directory for Case Management Agencies.
• If you are not found eligible, a Regional Supervisor will contact you by certified letter.  You can appeal the decision within 60 days if you believe that you are eligible.  For more information about the Grievance Process and your right to appeal, click here. You can contact Disability Rights Maine, and they can assist you with the appeal.  Information on Disability Rights Maine (DRM) can be found here.

Here is the criteria that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) uses to determine eligibility for Development Disability Services for Adults 18+.

Intellectual Disability:

• Deficit in Intellectual Functioning (intelligence quotient that is more than two standard deviations below the mean score as measured by a General Intelligence Test)
• Scored at least two standard deviations below the mean for neurotypical age peers as defined by an Adaptive Behavior Scale
• The functional deficit(s) manifested before age 22 and are believed to be directly related to identified intellectual impairments.

Autism Spectrum Disorder:

• A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• A score of at least two standard deviations below the mean for neurotypical age peers, as defined by an Adaptive Behavior Scale
• The functional deficit(s) manifested before age 22 and are believed to be directly related to the diagnosis of ASD.

If you are interested in applying for Waiver Services (Sections 21 and 29), please click here for more information.