Eligibility

What do I need for eligibility determination?

Before help from Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) can begin, the individual who needs services must have Eligibility determined. Eligibility is based on meeting certain criteria laid out by the State. Information about applying for Eligibility is outlined below:

Who needs to call?

The individual or the individual’s legal guardian must call in themselves. Our services are voluntary and we need to know that you are aware of the process and that you wish to proceed with the process.

What do I need to do next?

The Intake Specialist will provide you with a form titled MCBDD Referral for Eligibility (PDF).

The form contains information about the collateral you will need to gather and return to the Intake Specialist. All items marked with an asterisk are required to open your case. These items are:

• A copy of the individual’s birth certificate
• A copy of the individual’s Social Security card
• A copy of the individual’s qualifying diagnosis
• Any school plans, such as a recent IEP and ETR

Fill out the form and return, along with the requested documents, to the Intake Specialist. These items may be returned via mail, email or they can be dropped off at our offices. Contact information is provided on the form and also at the top of this page.

What happens after MCBDD receives my referral form and supporting documents?

Once we receive your completed referral packet, a case will be opened for the individual and the information will be forwarded to one of our Eligibility SSAs. The Eligibility SSA will contact you to set up a time to come out and meet the individual and complete an assessment. The assessment allows the Eligibility SSA to better determine the individual’s capabilities and whether there is a need for County Board services.

Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a letter regarding the results.

• If found eligible, you will be directed to call in to complete the enrollment process with the Eligibility SSA who performed the assessment.
• If found not eligible, you will be directed to other resources that may be available. If you feel that the determination is incorrect, information regarding the appeals process will be included.