OPWDD Front Door & Self-Direction

Offered by New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

New York's Front Door entry process for determining OPWDD eligibility, assessing support needs, planning services, and exploring self-direction.

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) uses the Front Door process to connect people with developmental disabilities to services.

Front Door staff explain service options, guide applicants through eligibility, identify needs and preferences, and help begin person-centred service planning. Available supports can include independent living, employment, day habilitation, children's services, and self-direction.

The first step is to contact the OPWDD Infoline and ask for the local Front Door office. Eligibility requires a review of professional assessments and other records, and access to many services involves additional steps after eligibility is confirmed.

Program details can change. Confirm current eligibility, availability, costs, and application requirements with the official source before acting.

Eligibility

OPWDD reviews professional assessments and other records to determine whether the applicant meets New York's developmental-disability eligibility requirements.

How to apply

Call the OPWDD Infoline at 866-946-9733 and ask to be transferred to the Front Door office for the applicant's county, then complete the eligibility and needs-assessment steps.

At a glance

• Funding type: government funded
• Delivery: hybrid
• Services: Eligibility review, Service planning, Self-direction, Residential support, Employment support, Day services
• A diagnosis may be required
• Cost notes: OPWDD coordinates publicly funded supports, but additional benefit or Medicaid enrollment may be required for many services.

Source and verification

Last source check: July 28, 2026

Check the current program details at the cited source. Eligibility, funding, availability, fees, and application steps can change.

Open the official application or registration page

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