Eligibility for Individuals Over the Age of 3
The disability must have originated before the age of 18, be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial handicap for the individual. A developmental disability does not include solely physical, learning, and psychiatric conditions.
The eligibility criteria to qualify for services under the Lanterman Act, an individual must:
- Have a developmental disability that originates before the age of 18.
- Be expected to continue indefinitely (i.e., lifelong).
- Present a substantial disability, which is defined as significant limitations in at least three of the following seven major life activities:
- Self-care
- Receptive and expressive language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
- Economic self-sufficiency
Qualifying developmental disabilities include conditions closely related to or requiring treatment similar to that of intellectual disability
- Intellectual disability
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Autism
Provisional Eligibility for Children Under 5
Children from birth to age 4 may qualify for provisional eligibility if they:
- Have a disability that is not solely physical in nature.
- Demonstrate significant functional limitations in at least two of the following areas:
- Self-care
- Receptive and expressive language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
This provisional status allows access to services until the child’s fifth birthday. At that time, a reassessment is conducted to determine eligibility for ongoing services.
A guide to California’s Regional Center System
The Department of Developmental Services, with input from the community, has made the following new packet of information for individuals and their families who are starting the intake process, or other people want to learn more about California’s regional center system.
This packet has information about the Lanterman Services Act. It’s for individuals, parents and caregivers of children or adults over 3 years old who may have or are at risk of having developmental delays or disabilities. This packet is also for people who want to learn more about the regional center system, resources, rights and how to qualify for services.
View a comprehensive overview of the Regional Center System
To access this guide in other languages, please click here to visit the DDS website.
To refer an individual over the age of 3, please contact our Intake Department via email or by calling our main number.
Please include the following information:
- Individual’s Name
- Contact Telephone Number
- Individual’s Date of Birth
- Individual’s Home Address
Lanterman Intake Email: | Lanterman Intake Line: |
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LantermanIntakeReferrals@sgprc.org | (909) 710-8338 Please ask to speak to a Referral Specialist |