Getting Started: How to Apply for Services Through the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

If you or a loved one has a developmental disability and lives in Cuyahoga County, the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) is the first step in receiving support services. PAC Services partners closely with the Board to provide home and community-based services once you are approved. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Determine Eligibility

The Cuyahoga County Board of DD serves people of all ages with a documented developmental disability that began before age 22 and is likely to last a lifetime. Disabilities may include intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or other conditions that limit major life activities.

2. Contact the Eligibility Department

Families or individuals can call the Eligibility Intake Line at 216-736-2673 (CCBDD) to start the application process.

You can also visit the Board’s website at cuyahogabdd.org.

You’ll be asked basic information and scheduled for an eligibility assessment.

3. Gather Documentation

The Board may ask for:

Medical records and diagnosis paperwork
School IEPs or psychological evaluations (if applicable)
Proof of residency in Cuyahoga County
Social Security or Medicaid documentation

4. Complete an Assessment

A Board staff member will schedule a meeting to assess daily living needs and abilities.

This is used to determine eligibility and the level of support you may need.

5. Get Assigned a Support Administrator (SA)

If you are eligible, you will be connectedwith a Support

Administrator (SA), sometimes called a case manager.

Your SA helps create a person-centered plan that outlines what services and supports are right for you.

6. Choose a Provider

Once your plan is in place, you can choose a provider, like PAC Services, to deliver the services you need.

PAC offers:

Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC)
Transportation
Community integration activities
Meal assistance and daily living support
Payee program

7. Start Services with PAC

Your Support Administrator will coordinate funding and connect you to PAC Services.

Our team then works with you and your family to create a welcoming, family-like support plan that helps build independence, confidence, and community connection.

Need Help?

The process can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Cuyahoga County Board of DD Intake Line: 216-736-2673
PAC Services Office: jeff.d@pacservices.net

We’re happy to connect you with the right resources.

Understanding the Payee Program: Managing Funds and Building Independence

Managing money can be challenging for anyone, but for adults with developmental disabilities, it often requires extra support. At PAC Services, we know that financial stability is key to independence, confidence, and quality of life. That’s why we offer a specialized Payee Program designed to help individuals handle their personal funds safely and responsibly.

What Is a Payee Program?

A Representative Payee Program is a service where an agency, like PAC Services, is approved to manage an individual’s Social Security benefits or personal funds. This ensures that basic needs are met, bills are paid on time, and money is used responsibly to support daily living.

1. Managing Funds Responsibly

We handle all incoming benefits or personal funds, making sure money is used properly for food, housing, transportation, and medical needs.

2. Paying Bills on Time

Families can feel at ease knowing important expenses like rent, utilities, and medical bills are paid consistently and on time.

3. Supporting Daily Living Needs

Participants receive spending money for groceries, shopping, and community activities, helping them enjoy life while staying within budget.

4. Encouraging Financial Independence

Whenever possible, we help individuals learn money skills, from budgeting to saving, so they gain more confidence and independence with their finances.

5. Providing Peace of Mind for Families

Guardians and families can relax knowing that finances are handled safely, transparently, and in the individual’s best interest.

Who Can Benefit from the Payee Program?

The Payee Program is especially helpful for:

Adults who receive Social Security (SSI/SSDI) benefits.
Individuals who struggle to manage money safely on their own.
Families who want the reassurance that funds are being used appropriately

Guardianship Services

Some adults with developmental disabilities may need extra support in making life decisions. Guardianship is a legal process that allows a trusted individual or agency to help manage personal, medical, or financial matters.

Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc. (APSI) provides guardianship services for adults with developmental disabilities in Ohio. https://apsiohio.org | ? 800-282-9363
Families can also apply for guardianship through the Cuyahoga County Probate Court. Legal guardianship ensures individuals are supported while maintaining as much independence as possible.

Social Security Benefits

Adults with developmental disabilities may qualify for monthly benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA):

SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides financial assistance for individuals with limited income/resources.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Based on work history or a parent’s Social Security record.

These benefits can help cover living expenses, medical needs, and daily supports. To apply, visit ? https://www.ssa.gov or call your local SSA office.

Medicaid Waivers

In Ohio, Medicaid waivers provide funding for services that help individuals with developmental disabilities live at home or in the community instead of in institutions.

Common waivers include:

Level 1 Waiver – Supports basic home and community needs.
SELF Waiver (Self-Empowered Life Funding) – Offers more flexibility and self-directed options.
IO Waiver (Individual Options) – Provides the broadest range of services, including 24/7 care if needed.

Waivers are administered by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and coordinated locally by the Cuyahoga County Board of DD.

The Payee Program includes:

Managing personal bank accounts and funds
Ensuring bills and expenses are paid on time
Helping individuals budget for daily living needs
Promoting independence while providing financial safety
This program gives families peace of mind, knowing finances are being handled with care and accountability.

What Is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC) and How Does It Help?

What exactly is HPC, and how does it help individuals live more independently and confidently? Let's break it down in simple terms.

What Is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC)?

Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC) is a service funded through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and local county boards. It provides in-home and community-based assistance to help individuals with developmental disabilities:

Stay safe and healthy at home
Build life skills
Participate in community activities
Gain independence in daily living

In short, HPC is about supporting people in the places they live, work, and spend time, while helping them grow more independent.

Examples of HPC Services

At PAC Services, our trained staff provides HPC in ways that are personalized to each individual’s needs and goals. This can include:

Meal Assistance – cooking, meal prep, grocery shopping, and healthy eating support.
Daily Living Support – cleaning, laundry, and household chores that keep living spaces safe and comfortable.
Personal Care – assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene routines.
Transportation – rides to and from doctor’s appointments, day programs, jobs, therapy, and community activities.
Community Integration – support to attend fun outings like bowling, concerts, shopping, sporting events, and festivals.
Medication Assistance – many PAC staff are state-certified Med Passers, trained to safely administer medications.
Money Management Support – through our Payee Program, helping individuals budget, manage funds, and stay financially secure.

How HPC Helps Adults with Disabilities

The benefits of Homemaker/Personal Care go far beyond daily tasks. HPC services:

Promote independence by teaching and encouraging life skills.
Build confidence as individuals take an active role in their daily routines.
Support community inclusion by making outings and social activities accessible.
Provide peace of mind to families knowing their loved ones are safe, cared for, and engaged.
Encourage stability through consistent staff who know each individual well.

As a smaller, family-centered agency, PAC Services offers more personal, consistent, and caring support than larger providers. Our staff are not only trained and certified, they are committed to building long-term, meaningful relationships with the individuals we serve.

Community Resources Every Family Should Know in Northeast Ohio

Navigating disability services can feel overwhelming for families, but the good news is that Northeast Ohio is home to many incredible resources that provide support, advocacy, and guidance. At PAC Services, we believe families should never feel alone. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to some of the most important community resources every family should know.

1. Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD)

The Cuyahoga County Board of DD is often the starting point for services. They determine eligibility, assign Support Administrators, and connect families to providers like PAC Services.

https://cuyahogabdd.org | 216-241-8230

2. Disability Rights Ohio (DRO)

DRO protects the rights of people with disabilities across Ohio. They provide legal advocacy, investigations, and resources for individuals and families.

https://disabilityrightsohio.org | 800-282-9181

3. Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc. (APSI)

APSI offers guardianship and protective services for adults with developmental disabilities who need help making important life decisions.

https://apsiohio.org | 800-282-9363

4. The Arc of Ohio & The Arc of Greater Cleveland

The Arc advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through education, advocacy, and community programs.

Statewide: https://thearcofohio.org | 614-487-4720

Local: https://thearcofgreatercleveland.org | 216-736-8395

5. Social Security Administration (SSA)

The SSA provides SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits to eligible individuals. These benefits can help cover basic living expenses.

https://www.ssa.gov | 800-772-1213

6. Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

The DODD oversees services statewide, including Medicaid waivers that fund Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC), transportation, and community integration.

https://dodd.ohio.gov | 800-617-6733

7. United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Ohio

United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline connects families to local resources for food, housing, transportation, disability supports, and more. It’s free and available 24/7.

https://www.211oh.org | 2-1-1

8. Inclusive Community Programs

Northeast Ohio offers many inclusive recreation programs, such as:

Rec2Connect – adaptive aquatics and recreation. https://www.rec2connect.org
Beck Center for the Arts – inclusive art, music, and theater classes. https://www.beckcenter.org
Cleveland Metroparks – accessible trails, nature centers, and seasonal events. https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com