In the last guide, we looked at what "contact the regional center" really means. But when I actually picked up the phone, a whole new set of questions came up.
What do I say? Do I need documents? How long will this take?
Today, let's walk through the real process from application to eligibility. It takes longer than many people expect, so it helps to know the steps before you begin.
Part 1. The Overall Flow — Four Steps
From application to the start of services, there are four main steps.
| Step | What happens | Timeline in law (general rule) |
|---|---|---|
| ① Referral | You contact the center and ask to apply | — |
| ② Intake | An interview about developmental history and family situation | Within 15 working days of the request |
| ③ Assessment & Eligibility | Any needed evaluations, then an eligibility decision | Up to 120 calendar days after intake |
| ④ IPP | Developing the service plan | Within 60 days after assessment is completed |
It is common for several months to pass between your first call and the actual start of services. It is not "call today, start tomorrow." The actual time depends on your center, your area, and your child's situation. (Early Start, for children under 3, has its own timelines — please check with your center.)
Part 2. Each Step in Detail
① Referral — It really does start with one call
- Anyone can make the call: a parent, the person themselves, a doctor, or a teacher.
- Find your center by address and call, or fill out the center's online form.
- You do not need a diagnosis. Concern about development is enough to start.
- At this stage, an intake staff member collects basic information.
② Intake
- An intake interview is scheduled within a set period after your request.
- You will talk in detail about developmental history, current needs, and family circumstances.
- Helpful documents: birth certificate, medical records, school evaluation records (such as an IEP).
- You can start without documents, but having them makes things go much more smoothly.
Tip: Gather medical and school records before intake. If requests for documents go back and forth several times, the whole process can take longer.
③ Assessment & Eligibility
- Sometimes eligibility can be decided from intake alone, but most cases need additional evaluation.
- The regional center may arrange psychological or developmental evaluations, and families are not billed for these.
Eligibility in brief:
- Under 3: Early Start — eligibility is based on separate criteria, such as the degree of developmental delay.
- Age 3 and up: Lanterman Act — a developmental disability such as intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy that began before age 18, is expected to continue, and causes substantial limitations in daily life.
④ IPP
- Once eligibility is confirmed, a service coordinator (SC) is assigned.
- You and the SC develop the IPP (Individual Program Plan) together.
- The IPP is the plan that sets "which services, how much, and from whom." We cover it in detail in Guide 5.
Three Common Misunderstandings
Myth 1. "You need a diagnosis to apply."
No. You can apply simply because you are concerned about your child's development. The regional center arranges any evaluations that are needed.
Myth 2. "If we're found not eligible, that's the end."
If you disagree with an eligibility denial or a service decision, there is an appeal (fair hearing) process. You need to request it within the deadline stated on the notice, and if you want to keep current services in place while appealing a reduction or change (aid paid pending), there is a shorter deadline. When you receive a notice, check the deadline first.
Myth 3. "One call and it'll be done quickly."
The process does start with one call, but eligibility takes time. Preparing documents ahead of time and knowing the timeline for each step can ease a lot of the anxiety of waiting.
Wrap-Up
Applying to a regional center is not hard. It just takes time. In the next guide, we will look at what actually changes after eligibility is confirmed — the gap between expectations and reality.
Further Reading
- DDS Eligibility
- Find your regional center: the Regional Center lookup page on the DDS website
Please note
This guide is general information for California families new to developmental disability services. It is not legal or medical advice. Rules and procedures can change, so please confirm current details with DDS and your regional center or your service coordinator (SC).