Can my child qualify for Lanterman Act services from Regional Center under age 3?

Prior to age 3, children receive early intervention services from Regional Center if they have or are at risk of developmental delays or disabilities. Because early intervention services use a different stream of funding and are based on different eligibility criteria, parents will often be told that children cannot receive Lanterman Act services such as the Medi-Cal waiver until age 3. This is incorrect. However, children under age 3 must have a diagnosed developmental disability that will continue to qualify them for Regional Center eligibility after age 3.

They must also have at least two medical needs beyond their developmental disability. Cognitive delays can help establish the qualifying diagnosis but not the special medical needs portion. There are no specific guidelines for medical needs, so for parents requesting Lanterman Act eligibility under age 3, the best way is to make the argument and see where it lands.

For more about eligibility and what services may be provided under the Lanterman Act, see this article.