Order of Selection for
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is now in an order of selection (OOS). The federal government requires that an OOS process be initiated when the department does not have available resources to provide the full range of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.
DOR has experienced a significant increase in the number of individuals receiving VR services, combined with the rising costs of those services. Staffing and financial resources have not grown at the same pace, creating a strain on our capacity to serve every individual to the high standard we uphold.
At this time, all new applicants who are determined eligible for services will be placed on a waiting list. OOS does not impact consumers who have an approved and signed Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) in place. Those services will continue without interruption. OOS only affects new applicants who have been deemed eligible for services.
Student Services
OOS does not impact DOR Student Services. Those services continue to be available and open to all potentially eligible students with disabilities ages 16 through 21. Students currently receiving student services who want to receive VR services will need to apply. Students who have applied for VR services during OOS may continue to receive student services while VR eligibility is determined.
Eligibility Categories
DOR continues to accept new applicants during OOS. Any Californian with a disability can apply for DOR services, and the department will determine your eligibility as usual.
Once an applicant is found eligible, they are placed in a category based on how significantly their disability impacts their ability to work. Placing eligible applicants in a priority category provides a fair way to serve all applicants in the correct order.
All those with the "most significant barrier to employment" (category 1) will be served first, followed by those with "significant barriers to employment" (category 2) and then those with "barriers to employment" (category 3).
Within each category, we serve people according to the date of the application.
Waiting List
During OOS, applicants who have been determined to be eligible for services will be placed on a waiting list and will receive a letter every 6 months regarding service status.
When resources become available to serve new applicants, those on the waiting list will receive services based on the date of applications, starting with category 1. As more resources become available, new applicants in the second category will be served, with applicants in the third category served last.
Additional Resources
It’s difficult to predict when OOS will end. DOR is working to increase staff capacity, improve efficiency, and secure additional resources to fund VR services.
For those on the waitlist, the DOR can provide connections to other local resources such as workforce centers, independent living centers, or community programs that may provide support.
Stay Informed
Please check this web page for current OOS information.
For questions, email: OOSQuestions@dor.ca.gov
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