If You Are Registering for MR Services
Individuals New to the System If you were never registered for services, if you are coming from the public school system, children's services such as the Department of Human Services (DHS), or a nursing home, you may be eligible to register for mental retardation services.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible to receive mental retardation services and supports, you must:" Have an IQ score of 70 or below
" Have documentation that you had mental retardation before your 22nd birthday
" Have significant limitations in at least three areas of daily living, communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, self-direction, academic skills, work, leisure, health and safety
" Be a legal resident of Pennsylvania.
How Do You Get MR Services?
Call the Philadelphia Mental Retardation Service Registration Unit at 215-685-4MRS (4677) to make an appointment with a Registration Specialist. You may also log on to Compass at www.dpw.state.pa.us.comWhat to Bring to the Appointment
The individual requesting services and his/her family member or friend, should come to the registration appointment with the following information:" Personal Identification
" A current psychological evaluation
" Consumer's financial information: benefit award letter, copies of pay stubs, life insurance policies, burial reserve accounts, checking or savings accounts statements
You will meet once or twice with a Mental Retardation Services (MRS) Registration Specialist who will determine your eligibility for MR services. If you are not receiving Medical Assistance and are eligible, the Registration Specialist will help you enroll.
If You Are Eligible for MR Services
The Registration Specialist will look at your needs and resources, help you begin developing a plan, discuss services and make a referral to a Supports Coordination Organization (SCO). He or she will complete forms including:" The waiting list form (PUNS) - See Section II E of the Service Directory.
" Application for waiver services
" Social Summary
If all the information is complete in this process known as Service Preference, you will receive a letter within 45 days notifying you of your eligibility determination for the waiver, the availability of funding for services, and your rights including the mediation and appeal process. (Refer to Section VI for more information).
You will be given a choice of available organizations for Supports Coordination. Those SCO's are listed on the next page for your reference, along with some description of the organization. If You are Requesting Services There is a waiting list for Waiver Services. Your Supports Coordinator will work with you to find other resources in the community while you wait for mental retardation services. You may also want to learn more about the service you are requesting. You can learn about the agencies offering the specific service and support. Refer to Sections III D, E and F of the MRS Directory of Supports and Services to help you ask questions when considering an organization.
If You are not Eligible for MR Services
The Registration Specialist will give you suggestions of the appropriate community resources if you do not meet the eligibility requirements for MR Services.
