Oklahoma Human Services to begin processing Cohort 10, will host informational meetings

Oklahoma has made a dramatic reduction in the wait time for Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) — from 13 years in 2022 to just one year in 2025.

The shortened wait follows legislative investments beginning in 2022, when the state allocated funds to address a backlog of more than 5,000 applicants.

For fiscal year 2025, the Legislature appropriated an additional $3 million to help process 1,328 applications received between May 2022 and May 2024. These applicants (divided into Cohorts 8, 9 and 10) are being processed in chronological order based on application date.

Oklahoma Human Services has made significant progress in helping families receive needed support and will begin processing Cohort 10 in May 2025.

Cohort 10 is comprised of people who applied for DDS services between November 2023 and May 2024. Processing — which involves contacting families and identifying those eligible — is ongoing through August 2025.

“With the additional appropriated funds, we successfully reduced the wait for DDS services from 13 years to just one, which is an incredible achievement,” said DDS Division Director Beth Scrutchins. “We are continuing the important work of connecting families with the vital support they need for their loved ones to thrive, and we remain on-track toward becoming a no-wait state.”

To date, 2,352 families are approved or receiving services across all cohorts.

Oklahoma Human Services is also hosting Regional Family Meetings in May for people who applied for services between February 2023 and May 2024. The meetings provide resources and information to families as they prepare to transition onto services. Events will take place in Oklahoma City on May 6 and Tulsa on May 8. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Families who applied for DDS services before October 2023, and have not been contacted are urged to reach out by emailing DDS.Waitlist@okdhs.org or calling 405-500-1866.

Media Contacts:
Ryan Stewart, Oklahoma Human Services, DDS Communications Administrator
405-549-9188
Ryan.Stewart@okdhs.org