Parenting a child with developmental disabilities can provide joy as well as a whole new set of challenges to a family. Caring for children with disabilities at home can be mentally and financially overwhelming if proper support is not provided.

Through the Family Support Assistance Program offered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD), a limited number of families receive payments ranging from $250 to $400 a month, depending on the number of children with developmental disabilities living in the home. These payments can help families pay for needed services such as respite care, architectural modifications, technical assistance, or personal items such as diapers and medication.

Qualifications for the Family Support Assistance Program:

The family:

• must be headed by a natural or adoptive parent or a legal guardian (adoptive parents cannot also be receiving an adoption subsidy)
• must have an adjusted gross income of no more than $45,000 a year
• must live in Oklahoma

• must have mental retardation or another developmental disability as defined by Oklahoma law
• must live with natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian
• can not receive Home and Community-based Waiver services while receiving the Family Support Assistance Payment

To apply for this program, contact the DDSD Area Office nearest you. Families who qualify are served in chronological order, based on the date of their application, as funds allow. Currently, the waiting list is a year to a year and a half long.

In northwest Oklahoma (including Oklahoma City), contact:
      DDSD Area I Office
      729 Overland Trail
      Enid, OK 73703
      1-800-522-1064
      (580)237-0995
      Oklahoma City (405)522-6925

In northeast Oklahoma, contact:
      DDSD Area II Office
      Laura Dester Center
      1427 E. 8th St.
      Tulsa, OK 74106
      1-800-522-1075
      (918)560-4700

In south Oklahoma, contact:
      DDSD Area III Office
      311 S. Chickasaw
      Pauls Valley, OK 73075
      1-800-522-1086
      (405)238-8000

You can contact OASIS at 1-800-426-2747 for additional information about the Family Support Assistance Program.

last modified: October 2004