Am I Ready?
The below are pre-screening items that the APD uses to determine eligbility.
- The applicant is 3 years of age or older.
- The applicant lives in Florida.
- Does the applicant have a diagnosis of a developmental disability?
- Did this condition manifest before the age of 18?
Rights and Responsibilities
- Apply for help and to have your eligibility decided without us looking at your race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin (place of birth), or political belief. If you have a disability that limits you in any way, please tell us so we can make accommodations to assist you. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities – State of Florida (APD) is an equal opportunity provider.
- Give us complete and correct proof of requested information, within the time limits given to you, to determine if you are eligible for services.
Ready to apply? Here's how it works.
Step 1: Fill in and submit your application
- Please allow ample time to complete all sections of the application as well as gathering and uploading necessary documentation.
- Please create a user account to start an application.
- Fill out as much as you can, as that can speed up your application process.
Step 2: Upload documents
In many instances, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) can verify Florida residency for applicants through information provided on the application form. If necessary, APD may request additional information or documentation to verify residency.
1. Identity & Domicile Verification
For all applicants, one or more of the following documents may be needed:
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
- A copy of a valid Florida driver’s license
- U.S. passport
- Federal, state, or local government issued photo ID
- School Photo ID (accepted for children under the age of 16)
- A military dependent’s ID card
- Certificate of Indian Blood
- Native American tribal document
Parents of applicants under the age of 18 can submit one of the following: U.S. military card or draft record, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card, federal, state, or local government issued photo ID
Applicants born in another country who do not have US Citizenship, provide the following: Please submit the immigration documentation that shows your status as a resident alien, qualified alien, or legal immigration status, and proof of domicile in Florida.
2. Diagnosis Verification (these could be lengthy in numbers of pages/volume of records)
For APD to begin the eligibility process, please submit diagnosis documentation along with the application. Please note that the Quick Guide: Applying for APD Services is a reference only and not an exhaustive list. If necessary, APD may request additional information or documentation in order to complete your application.
- Diagnostic testing and evaluation
- Medical records
- Reports and records from schools
- Assessments and evaluations from various kinds of doctors
- Genetic testing
Step 3: We'll review your application
Helpful Tips
Fill out as much as you can. We'll need at least the details below:
Name, Social Security Number, Date of birth, Address & Signature
After that, you can submit your application at any time.
To protect your privacy, any unsaved data will be lost after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Questions marked "required" must be answered. The others are optional.
You must use the Save and Continue and Back buttons, to navigate through the application.
Click the “Save and Continue” button when you are done with a question. This will also save your information.
Click the "Back" button to return to the previous step.