How to Qualify
Qualifying for services through California’s Regional Center system is the first step toward receiving support for developmental disabilities. Whether you are seeking services for yourself, your child, or another adult, understanding the process helps ensure you receive the resources you need.
Canaan Cares provides guidance so individuals and families feel confident and supported from the first phone call to full eligibility determination.
Understanding California’s Developmental Disabilities System
California’s service system is operated by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). DDS contracts with 21 nonprofit Regional Centers across the state. These agencies act as the access point for evaluation, eligibility, and service coordination under the Lanterman Act and Early Start.
Regional Centers Provide:
- Diagnostic evaluations
- Eligibility decisions
- Coordination of services
- Development of IPP (Individual Program Plan) for ages 3+
- Development of IFSP (Individuals Family Service Plan) for ages 3 and under.
- Referrals to therapies, programs, community supports, and respite
Regional Centers do not deliver the services directly, but they authorize them and work with approved providers like Canaan Cares.
The Lanterman Act: Your Right to Services
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act is a California law giving individuals with developmental disabilities the right to:
- Services and supports that promote independence
- Person-centered planning
- Community-based programs
- Individual choice and decision-making
- Help to live the most inclusive, self-directed life possible
Eligibility is based on both diagnosis and how significantly the disability affects daily functioning.
Canaan Cares proudly serves all 21 California Regional Centers.
How the Eligibility Process Works
1. Initial Contact
Call your local Regional Center and request an intake appointment.
You can ask for services for yourself, your child, or your dependent adult.
2. Evaluation & Documentation
A team will conduct assessments that may include:
- Medical records
- Psychological evaluations
- Developmental testing
- Interviews with family members or care providers
3. Eligibility Decision
Clinical staff review all reports to determine if the individual meets Lanterman Act or Early Start criteria.
4. Service Planning
If eligible:
- Ages 3+ develop an IPP
- Ages 3 and under develop an IFSP
These plans outline goals, needed supports, and the services a person will receive.
Canaan Cares can guide families on preparing documentation, understanding evaluation results, and participating effectively in planning meetings.
Who Qualifies Under the Lanterman Act?
A person may be eligible if they have a substantial disability caused by:
- Autism
- Intellectual disability
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Conditions similar to intellectual disability
A “substantial disability” means major limitations in three or more life areas, such as communication, learning, mobility, self-care, decision-making, or independent living.
No Income Requirement
Regional Center eligibility is not based on income. All assessments, evaluations, and service coordination are provided at no cost to those who qualify. Some services, such as respite or childcare-based supports, may require a Family Cost Participation Program for certain incomes — but eligibility itself is never affected by financial status.
There are many specialty services offered by Canaan Cares. Click here to see all of them.
Regional Center Locations
Alta California Regional Center
916-978-6400
Central Valley Regional Center
559-276-4300
Far Northern Regional Center
530-222-4791
Golden Gate Regional Center
415-546-9222
Kern Regional Center
661-327-8531
North Bay Regional Center
707-256-1182
North Los Angeles County Regional Center
818-778-1900
Redwood Coast Regional Center
707-380-9821
http://www.redwoodcoastrc.org/
Regional Center of the East Bay
510-618-6100
San Andreas Regional Center
408-374-9960
https://www.sanandreasregional.org/
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center
909-620-7722
Tri-Counties Regional Center
805-962-7881
Valley Mountain Regional Center
209-473-0951
San Diego Regional Center
(858) 576-2996
Regional Center of Orange County
(714) 796-5100
Inland Regional Center
(909) 890-3000
Harbor Regional Center
(310) 543-0100
South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
(213) 744-7000
Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center
(626) 299-4700
Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center
(213) 383-1300
Westside Regional Center
(310) 258-4000
Contact Us!
When you fill out this form, you can expect to receive a call and email from our professional staff. We will reach out to you and answer your questions.
FAQ: How to Qualify for Regional Center Services
What disabilities qualify for Regional Center services?
How long does the eligibility process take?
While the Regional Centers do their utmost to serve everyone in a timely matter, the process does typically take several weeks, depending on appointment availability
Is there an age limit for eligibility?
Anyone could be eligible, as long as the disability official diagnosis was made prior to the individual turning 18 years of age.