688 Referrals

What is a 688 Referral?

In Massachusetts, students with disabilities access adult service agencies through the Chapter 688 referral process. Chapter 688 provides a two year coordinated planning process for students whose entitlements to special education services will end when they graduate from school or turn 22 years of age.

  • What is a 688 Referral?
  • Adult Agencies
  • Eligibility
  • Application Process
  • How to Apply
Picture of filling in a referral sheet

Who is Eligible for a 688 Referral ?

Scrabble tiles spelling eligible

Automatically Eligible

  • Individual receives Social Security Benefits (SSI or SSDI) based on his or her disability

OR

  • Individual is listed in the registry for the MA Commission for the Blind

Potentially Eligible

  • Individual receives Special Education Services through his or her school district
  • Individual requires ongoing services because of the severity of his or her disability
  • Individual is unable to work 20 hours or more per week in competitive employment

688 Application Process

Only school systems can refer students that they believe may be eligible for adult services through Chapter 688. The 2 year planning period allows enough time to determine eligibility for adult services and for an agency(ies) to include the anticipated cost of services for the student in the budget request which is submitted to the Massachusetts Legislature each year.

Important Note!

688 Referrals should be filed 2 years before the student graduates from High School or turns 22 years old.

Female high school student smiling and chin on a pile of books

If you are unsure which 688 agency to apply to, the following document includes referral guidelines with student profile descriptions for each agency:

688 REFGUIDE Oct 2013.pdf

How to Apply

  • Discuss the referral process with your IEP Team or Special Education Liaison.
  • Complete and sign the referral release form and submit to the school's special education department.
  • The agency will either mail a full application to the your home or arrange a meeting with you at school.
  • Parents and guardians may also choose to apply directly to 688 support agencies. Speak to your child's liaison or contact the agency for more information.