OPWDD Services and Eligibility Requirements
Discover our OPWDD services, all delivered with compassionate care and constant guidance. We make eligibility and enrollment simple, ensuring your loved one accesses to lifelong support tailored to their needs, today and for the future.
OPWDD services can change your child’s future—let us help
If you think your child may be eligible for OPWDD services, reach out and we’ll guide you through the enrollment process. A large range of disabilities are considered for OPWDD approval. Common diagnoses are autism, Down syndrome, genetic diseases, intellectual disabilities, and cerebral palsy among others. It’s important to note that often a child who doesn't have a visible disability or a specific diagnosis will still be approved for OPWDD services.
We’ll help you ascertain if they’re likely to be found eligible for OPWDD approval. Once they are, your child will receive services that grow and adapt along with them. As they move toward adulthood, they will continue to receive benefits generally unavailable via health insurance or the Department of Education.
OPWDD eligibility requirements
Participants must meet these criteria to apply for this service via Hamaspik of Kings County.
Live in NYC or Nassau County
Have an intellectual or developmental disability
Be aged 0-21 years old
Expert guidance
Compassionate support
Personalized services
Good things to know:
- Even before your child is officially approved for OPWDD services, they may be eligible for helpful perks like free diapers, formula, and other vital support.
- To qualify, it’s important to apply before your child turns 22 or provide documented proof of a disability that existed before this age.
- OPWDD services extend far beyond what the Department of Education offers, providing 1:1 after-school or weekend support and connecting you with a variety of impactful programs.
- Receiving OPWDD services won’t hold your child back from attending college, driving, or achieving independence. In fact, these services can make such goals more accessible, often through special accommodations tailored to your child’s needs.
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A weight off their shoulders
Ahuva Breuer, Intake Coordinator, Five Towns
It's unbelievable to feel the excitement from the parents when they hear their child has been approved for OPWDD services and they can finally get the help they need. I can almost feel the weight lifting off their shoulders when I give them the news. This gives me the push to help the next parent — to be there for them throughout the process.
The hearts behind the service
Dini Freund
Director of Intake
“We understand that the intake process can be hard for parents, so we do everything in our power to make it clear and efficient.”
Yehudis Heimfeld
“We educate parents on all different service options available for their specific circumstances. You can literally see the relief of clarity from parents at the end of the phone call."
FAQs
If your child isn’t initially eligible for OPWDD services, don’t lose hope. We’ll work with you to explore alternative supports, reassess their eligibility if circumstances change, and provide guidance on other helpful resources that may meet their needs.
The timeline varies depending on how quickly necessary documents and evaluations are submitted. Most applications take a few months from initial application to approval; we will keep you notified at every stage to ensure this process goes through smoothly.
Yes! Some supports, like free diapers, formula, and limited services, may be available even before your child is officially approved. These resources can offer immediate relief while you wait for full OPWDD enrollment.
You probably still have questions. Everyone does.
And we're here to provide answers.
Please tell us how we can make things easier for you.
