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What Oregon Families Need to Know About Oregon’s New Developmental Disability Eligibility Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)

    If you or someone you care for is applying for developmental disability (DD) services in Oregon, there are important updates to the eligibility process that took effect on July 1, 2026.

    The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), has permanently adopted revisions to two key administrative rules governing how Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDPs) determine eligibility for services:

    While many of the changes clarify existing practices, the rulemaking also introduces a new intake interview requirement, updates numerous definitions used during eligibility determinations, and provides greater clarity about documentation, timelines, and application procedures.

    Here’s what applicants, families, and providers should know.

    Why Were These Rules Updated?

    According to ODDS, the permanent rulemaking was designed to:

    • Update and define terminology used throughout the eligibility process.
    • Align Oregon’s administrative rules with Senate Bill 19 (2019).
    • Add an interview as part of the intake process.
    • Clarify existing expectations and current practices to improve consistency in eligibility determinations.

    Many of these updates formalize procedures that CDDPs have already been using while making the rules easier to understand and administer consistently across the state.

    A New Intake Interview Is Now Part of the Application Process

    The most noticeable procedural change is the addition of an eligibility interview during intake.

    Under the updated definition of “Intake,” applicants (or their legal representatives) will complete an eligibility interview with the CDDP either:

    • In person
    • Virtually
    • By telephone

    The interview is used to complete or review the application (Form 0552) and any required releases of information, based on the applicant’s preference.

    For most applicants, this simply means there is now a clearly defined conversation with the CDDP as part of the application process before eligibility is determined.

    The Rules Now Better Define What Counts as an Application

    One of the biggest improvements is that the rules now distinguish between an application and a completed application.

    The rules now define an Application as the official ODDS intake application (Form 0552).

    A Completed Application must:

    • Be accurately completed.
    • Be signed and dated by the applicant or legal representative.
    • Include all documentation required for an eligibility determination.

    This provides applicants with a clearer understanding of when the eligibility determination process can officially move forward.

    What Documentation May Be Needed?

    The revised rules also provide more detail about the types of documentation that may be needed to determine eligibility.

    Depending on the individual, documentation may include:

    • School psychological or comprehensive evaluations
    • Medical assessments related to disabilities or physical impairments
    • Psychological evaluations
    • Neurological evaluations
    • Records from residential or psychiatric facilities
    • Substance use records
    • Records created during applications for other government benefit programs
    • Administrative medical examinations when authorized by an eligibility specialist

    Not every applicant will need every document listed, but the rule now clearly identifies the types of records a CDDP may request when making an eligibility determination.

    Current Documentation Is More Clearly Defined

    The rulemaking also updates the definition of Current Documentation.

    Current documentation generally refers to records that are less than three years old from the date of the application or redetermination and relate to the person’s intellectual or developmental disability.

    Examples include:

    • Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
    • Positive Behavior Support Plans
    • Educational records
    • Medical assessments
    • Psychological evaluations
    • Adaptive behavior assessments

    Providing a clearer definition helps applicants understand what information may still be considered current during the eligibility process.

    The Rules Better Define “History”

    Another important clarification involves the definition of History.

    The updated rule explains that history means records containing necessary and consistent evidence demonstrating:

    • An intellectual disability before age 18; or
    • Another developmental disability before age 22.

    This clarification helps explain the historical documentation eligibility specialists rely on when determining whether statutory eligibility requirements have been met.

    Updated Definitions Improve Consistency

    Much of the rulemaking focuses on updating terminology used throughout the eligibility process.

    ODDS revised definitions for terms including:

    • Adaptive Behavior
    • Current Documentation
    • History
    • Indefinitely
    • Informal Adaptive Behavior Assessment
    • Intake
    • Intellectual Disability
    • Intellectual Functioning
    • Intelligence Tests
    • Learning Disability
    • Motor Impairment

    The rules also add new definitions for:

    • Application
    • School-Aged
    • School-Age Testing

    Most of these revisions clarify existing terminology rather than changing eligibility requirements.

    What Happens if Required Information Isn’t Submitted?

    The revised rules now more clearly explain when a CDDP may stop the eligibility determination process.

    A CDDP may stop processing an application if:

    • The applicant voluntarily withdraws the application; or
    • Required documentation is not submitted within 90 calendar days from the date of intake.

    If this occurs, the CDDP must provide written notice explaining what information is still needed or confirming that the application has been withdrawn.

    These requirements help ensure applicants understand the status of their application and what steps remain.

    Are the Eligibility Criteria Changing?

    One question many families have is whether these rules change who qualifies for developmental disability services.

    Based on the adopted rulemaking, the answer is not substantially.

    The revised rules continue to require applicants to meet Oregon’s existing eligibility criteria for intellectual disability or another developmental disability. The updates primarily:

    • Clarify definitions.
    • Better explain documentation requirements.
    • Formalize current administrative practices.
    • Improve consistency in how eligibility determinations are completed.

    Although the rule text includes clarifications related to adaptive behavior assessments, intellectual functioning, developmental history, and documentation standards, these changes are presented as refinements to existing eligibility procedures rather than entirely new eligibility standards.

    What Should Applicants Do?

    If you’re applying for developmental disability services, consider taking the following steps:

    Ask about the intake interview

    Since the eligibility interview is now formally part of intake, ask your CDDP what to expect and whether you should prepare any additional information beforehand.

    Gather records early

    Obtaining school records, psychological evaluations, medical records, and other supporting documentation can take time. Beginning this process early may help avoid delays.

    Respond promptly to requests

    If the CDDP requests additional documentation, responding promptly can help prevent the eligibility process from being paused due to missing information.

    Stay in communication with your CDDP

    Your eligibility specialist can explain how the updated rules apply to your individual circumstances and identify any additional documentation that may be needed.

    Final Thoughts

    The July 1, 2026 updates to Oregon’s developmental disability eligibility rules are primarily about improving clarity, consistency, and transparency.

    For most applicants, the most visible change will be the addition of a formal intake interview. Behind the scenes, ODDS has also modernized definitions, clarified documentation requirements, and standardized portions of the eligibility determination process that were previously less explicit in administrative rule.

    Families applying for services should not assume these updates make eligibility significantly easier or harder. Instead, they provide clearer guidance for applicants, eligibility specialists, and Community Developmental Disabilities Programs throughout Oregon.

    As always, if you have questions about your specific application, contact your local CDDP or eligibility specialist for guidance.

    Official Sources

    This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, contact your local Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP) or the Oregon Department of Human Services.