Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I qualify for services with DSPD?
Residents of Utah may be eligible for state-funded services if they have the following qualifying disabilities:
Developmental Disabilities/Mental Retardation Services (DD/MR) (children and adults with onset prior to age 22)
- mental retardation and related conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, or severe epilepsy.
Acquired Brain Injury Services (ABI) (must be over age 18)
- acquired brain injury.
Physical Disabilities Services (PD) (must be over age 18)
- adults with the functional limitation of 2 limbs.
Administrative Rule R539-001 outlines additional eligibility requirements for people seeking services. Prior to being removed from the waiting list and entering into services, applicants shall be determined eligible for Medicaid Waiver services.
What types of services does DSPD offer?
The Division offers a variety of services for both children and adults to help them participate fully in a community setting. Supports include community living, day supports, supported employment services, and supports for people with disabilities and their families.
Once a person is found eligible for services and removed from the waiting list, staff will assess the person's needs and assist in selecting the supports that best serve the person. Supports are determined by the person's needs and the amount of funding available.
How do I apply for disability benefits?
Contact Disability Determination Services directly at 801-321-6500 for more information. You may also apply online on the Social Security Administration website.
Contact the Region Office in your area to begin the application process. An intake worker will explain the information required and the associated timeframes for submitting the needed information.
Who does the Division of Services for People with Disabilities serve?
Individuals with multiple disabilities. Most have mental retardation or developmental disabilities. Eligible clients have a severe, chronic disability and substantial functioning limitation in seven major life-functioning areas.
Individuals over 18 who may have a brain injury and a physical disability may be served.
DSPD does not provide housing for people unless they are receiving services. There are a number of additional community resources to assist people in finding affordable housing listed in DSPD's Housing Handbook .
How are critical needs determined?
The Division determines how critical the need is by using a standardized evaluation called the Needs Assessment. Members of local committees assess an individual based on a variety of factors including:
- severity of disability and problem behaviors exhibited;
- family's strengths and weaknesses;
- special medical needs;
- health and safety issues;
- availability of other resources;
- projected deterioration of disability without services;
- length of time without services.
The Needs Assessment can be redone if a person's situation changes or there is a suspected change in one or more of the above factors. Contact your intake worker to request another assessment.
Will I receive services immediately?
Services are provided to those with the most critical needs first when funding is available. DSPD receives funding through appropriations from the legislature. More often than not, the Division is not able to offer immediate services to eligible individuals so they are placed on the waiting list.
Medicaid waivers allow a person who qualifies for services in a nursing home or intermediate care facility for people with mental retardation (ICFMR) to receive services in their own home and community.
Applicants shall be determined eligibile for Medicaid Waiver services, once they are deemed eligible for state-funded services.
What information am I required to provide to DSPD when applying for state-funded DD/MR services?
Intake workers shall inform applicants of their responsiblity to provide the following documentation:
1. Psychological evaluation or, for children under six years of age, a developmental assessment.
2. Applicants must be available for an interview to provide the intake worker with the information requested on the Social History .
3. Possible additional documentation such as school evaluations, medical health summaries, etc
Contact the Utah Medicaid office directly at 1-800-662-9651. You may also visit their website.