Transition planning

Turning 22: Transition to Adult Services (Massachusetts)

Chapter 688 planning, DDS eligibility, and MassHealth Day Habilitation

"Turning 22" (Chapter 688) is the state's planning process that helps students exit special education and move into adult services. It starts with a school-submitted Chapter 688 referral and continues with eligibility and program applications to the appropriate adult agency (e.g., DDS, MassAbility — formerly the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission / MRC).

Plan the dates

Your timeline

When are the deadlines?

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Chapter 688

What Chapter 688 Is (and Isn't)

  • Purpose: Create an orderly planning process as school services end.
  • Who sends it: The school district submits the Chapter 688 referral; families/guardians sign.
  • What it triggers: Notifies adult agencies (DDS / MassAbility [formerly MRC] / MCB) to begin transition planning.
  • What it is not: It is not an application or a guarantee of services/funding — you still apply to the adult agency.

Who Is Involved in Turning 22 Planning

  • The student and their family/guardian.
  • The school district (special education team, 688 designee).
  • The relevant adult agency (DDS, MassAbility [formerly MRC], or MCB) reviewing the referral.
  • Service coordinators and care managers who help plan for adult supports.

Timing: When the 688 Referral Should Be Sent

  • Typically sent two years before the student leaves school or turns 22.
  • Use the DESE Chapter 688 guidance to confirm timelines for your situation.
  • Keep a copy of the referral and document who it was sent to and when.

Adult eligibility

DDS Eligibility & Adult Planning

  • DDS eligibility: Determined under 115 CMR 6.00 based on intellectual disability or certain developmental disabilities and Massachusetts domicile. DDS serves people across the lifespan; at age 22, special-education entitlement ends and adult DDS supports become primary, which is why eligibility is typically confirmed during the Turning 22 process.
  • Separate application: The Chapter 688 referral does not apply for adult services on its own. You also submit the DDS eligibility application and respond to record requests from the regional eligibility team.
  • Planning: If found eligible, the person participates in DDS Individual Support Planning (ISP) under 115 CMR 6.00.
  • Unsure which adult agency applies? Contact MassAbility (formerly the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission) — referral options are listed on the DESE Chapter 688 page.

MassHealth Day Hab

MassHealth Day Habilitation (DH)

  • Program rules: Day Habilitation is governed by 130 CMR 419.000 (Day Habilitation Center Services) and the MassHealth Day Habilitation Provider Manual.
  • Clinical eligibility & prior authorization: Members must meet MassHealth clinical criteria. The provider uses the DH Leveling Tool to identify the member as Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 and obtains prior authorization at admission, every two years thereafter, and on a significant change in need.
  • Rates: Day Habilitation payment rates are set by EOHHS in 101 CMR 348.00.

Avoid service gaps

Minimal Checklist (Prevent Service Gaps)

  1. 1Confirm the Chapter 688 referral was sent ≥ 2 years before exit/22. Keep a copy.
  2. 2Submit your DDS eligibility application (if DDS is the right agency) and provide requested records.
  3. 3Meet the Transition/688 Coordinator and participate in planning.
  4. 4If Day Habilitation is appropriate, ensure the provider seeks MassHealth prior authorization and your MassHealth coverage stays active.
  5. 5Before school exit, confirm start dates (DDS supports and/or DH) to avoid gaps in weekday services.

Official resources

Official Resources

Tip: If you're stuck, call your DDS Area Office or DDS Service Coordinator listed on the DDS Turning 22 page.