The Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides services to individuals with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. The services are based on age and specific eligibility based on federal requirements and referral/application processes.
Download the DDD Eligibility Packet - English
Download the DDD Eligibility Packet - Spanish
If you have questions regarding eligibility, please contact the Division at toll free 1-844-770-9500 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Click the selections below to learn more about eligibility criteria related to age groups and diagnosis.
For early intervention services, children age birth to three must have a significant delay in one or more developmental areas or an established condition that could lead to a developmental disability. To make a referral for a child, please contact the AzEIP Central Referral Line (Raising Special Kids) toll-free at (888) 592-0140 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Once a child has been made eligible for AzEIP, with the family’s consent, DDD eligibility will be determined.
A person age 3 years to 6 years must 1) voluntarily apply, 2) be an Arizona resident, and 3) either have one of the following developmental disabilities: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual (Cognitive) Disability, Epilepsy, Down Syndrome OR be at-risk for developing one of these disabilities to qualify for Division of Developmental Disabilities services.
A developmental assessment, provided by a medical professional or school evaluator trained in childhood development, can be used to identify a developmental delay that could lead to a developmental disability.
Professionals trained in early childhood development include:
Other Accepted Disabilities
How do I know if my child needs early intervention?
Denial of Eligibility: Request an Administrative Review
The Eligibility Specialist working your case will need to contact you the first week. This will be done either by phone (during regular business hours), email or U.S.mail. Please respond immediately as this can cause a delay in a decision. If you do not have your Eligibility Specialist's contact information, please contact Customer Service at 1-844-770-9500 or [email protected] for assistance.
“Re-determination” is the process when the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) looks at the information we have about you or your child and decides if you or your child continues to be eligible or need DDD services. During the re-determination process, you or your child will continue to receive supports and services. Re-determination will happen when your child reaches age six. Learn about the re-determination process.
A person aged 6 years to adulthood must 1) voluntarily apply, 2) be an Arizona resident, and 3) be diagnosed with a developmental disability (listed below) which developed before the age of 18 and is likely to continue indefinitely, and 4) there must also be significant limitations in daily life skills related to the disability (see second chart below).
A physician specializing in neurology shall diagnose epilepsy.
A licensed psychologist trained to perform psychological evaluations utilizing standardized, culturally appropriate, and psychometrically sound measures shall diagnose cognitive/intellectual disability by considering the following:
In addition to being diagnosed with at least one developmental disability, the person must show significant limitations in daily life skills due to their qualifying diagnosis in three (3) of the following. (Note: The age of the person is taken in to consideration when identifying significant limitations in daily life skills.)
Denial of Eligibility: Request an Administrative Review
The Eligibility Specialist working your case will need to contact you the first week. This will be done either by phone (during regular business hours), email or U.S.mail. Please respond immediately as this can cause a delay in a decision. If you do not have your Eligibility Specialist's contact information, please contact Customer Service at 1-844-770-9500 or [email protected] for assistance.
Eligibility Re-determination
“Re-determination” is the process when the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) looks at the information we have about you or your child and decides if you or your child continues to be eligible or need DDD services. During the re-determination process, you or your child will continue to receive supports and services. Re-determination will happen when your child reaches age eighteen. Learn more about the re-determination process.
“Re-determination” is the process when the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) looks at the information we have about you or your child and decides if you or your child continues to be eligible or need DDD services. During the re-determination process, you or your child will continue to receive supports and services.
More information is available on the Re-determination of DDD Eligibility page.
Division policy requires the person applying for services be a permanent resident of the State of Arizona. The only exceptions to this policy Include:
The Division cannot start or accept your application for eligibility more than thirty (30) days prior to your move to Arizona.
Eligibility is determined based on the same criteria that is outlined in the above sections based on the applicants age, 0-3 years, 3-6 years, and 6 years to adulthood.
In addition to applying with the Division, you must also complete the eligibility process with Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)/Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS).
Residential Placement: Please note that placement in a residential setting is not guaranteed and may not be available when you arrive in Arizona due to limited availability and member waiting lists. If the applicant requires placement in a residential setting, you can cover the costs of residential placement privately until placement can be approved and arranged through the Division. Note that any out-of-pocket payments for residential placement are non-reimbursable.
As with all applicants, you must submit complete and accurate information when you start the application process. Having this information in hand prior to arriving in Arizona and starting the process will reduce delays in eligibility determination.
Required documentation includes:
How can I get copies of my records?
Can you help me get copies of my records?
Yes. Please complete the Release of information form (which will be sent with your application) with the name of the places you need us to ask for records. You’ll need to sign a Release of Information form for each entity or location that has your records.
Who can sign the Application and the Release of Information?
How can my friend, family member or doctor help me with the application process?
You may want a friend, family member, teacher or doctor’s office to help you with the application process. You will need to fill out and submit a HIPAA Release Form to give us permission to discuss your application with the person who is helping you.
How do I appeal a Denial of Services?
If your application for eligibility for DDD services is denied, you will receive a Denial of Eligibility letter. This letter will explain the reason your application was denied and explain how to request an Administrative Review of the decision.
Learn about Requesting an Administrative Review of a Decision.
DDD can accept your application packet in two ways:
If you would like to speak to an Eligibility Specialist in person, they are available at the below locations during the hours listed*. If you would like to call an Eligibility Specialist, they are available Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM* at these locations although the hours listed below are the best times to call as well.
Flagstaff
1701 N 4th St
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(928) 637-0960
Chandler
125 E Elliot Rd
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 831-1009
Phoenix
4000 N Central Ave 4th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 375-5600
Peoria
8990 W Peoria Ave
Peoria, AZ 85345
(602) 771-0012
Tucson
1455 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 638-2600
Lobby hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Arizon time, Monday through Friday (excluding State Holidays). A mailbox is available for documents to be dropped off in the lobby.
If you would like to meet with an Eligibility Worker please call the office to make an appointment.
Completed applications and all required documentation can be emailed directly to [email protected] or drop off or mail the completed application and all required documentation to any DDD office statewide.
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Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a reasonable modification based on language or disability should submit a request as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the modification. The process for requesting a reasonable modification can be found at Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Modification