ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Families seeking developmental-disability support face more than one eligibility test: recognition of a disability, access to case management and acceptance into an individual funded program are separate steps.

DDRB’s eligibility guidance says the disability must originate before age 22, be expected to continue indefinitely and cause substantial limitations in at least two major life activities. The guidance identifies the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s intake office as the starting point for an eligibility determination.

The current funding bulletin describes 50 programs through 26 agencies. It separately lists case management for ages 16–17 regardless of Medicaid status, and for adults with active Medicaid.

That difference matters as a young person approaches adulthood. A family should not assume that a service available during school automatically continues on identical terms after graduation.

The public directory identifies providers and types of support; it is not an assurance that every program has an immediate opening. Eligibility, provider acceptance and waiting time need to be established separately.

DDRB’s county office can be reached at 636-939-3351. This report reviews the current access rules rather than announcing a newly created benefit.