Are you struggling to find support for a loved one living with a developmental or intellectual disability? It can be challenging to navigate the New Jersey assistance system without the right support in place. To help you find the best services to fit your needs, we’ve gathered resources from the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to guide you through the process.
Eligibility Process
In order to be determined eligible for DDD services, an individual must meet the NJ eligibility criteria and complete the DDD Application. The recommended time to begin the application process is 6-12 months before the individual turns 21 and exits the school system.
After a preliminary review, DDD will schedule a mutually agreeable time and location to complete an NJCAT assessment. There is no “right” or “wrong” answers to the NJCAT! Answers should reflect an individual’s support needs and conditions at the time of the assessment. NJCAT results establish the individual’s tier, and the tier determines the individual’s budget. Following, the NJCAT, eligible individuals will receive notification via mail.
Program Options
Eligible individuals will be enrolled in the Supports Program unless they have been determined to meet the criteria for the Community Care Program.
Supports Program
The Supports Program enables NJ to better serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to assist them to continue living in their communities. The program provides opportunities for individuals to make their own choices in this process, as well as options for Employment/Day Services and Individual/Family Support Services.
Community Care Program
The Community Care Program provides the same services as the Supports Program, with the added access to Individual Supports and the ability to receive services in a licensed, residential setting or in their own home/family home.
Maintaining Program Eligibility
- Submit all required information and documentation on time.
- Provide accurate and updated information.
- Participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual contacts/visits conducted by the Support Coordinator.
- Maintain Medicaid eligibility.
- Follow the rules explained in the Participant Enrollment Agreement.
For a complete list of requirements for maintaining program eligibility, see Section 5.4 of the Supports Program and Community Care Program policy manuals.
Support Coordination
DDD will assign a Support Coordination Agency based on the individual/family’s preference or through auto-assignment. The Support Coordination Agency will identify a Support Coordinator to work with the individual/family and schedule the first Support Coordination meeting. The Support Coordinator will foster a relationship to understand the individual’s level of need and provide information about resources in the community.
At the first meeting, the individual will sign a Participant Enrollment Agreement. The Support Coordinator will develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and help the individual/family connect with appropriate services (pages 20-21) and providers. Together with the individual/family, the Support Coordinator will maintain a monthly contact (at the least), to review progress and make any changes needed.
To learn more about the DDD Assistance System and the steps to be taken to find services, visit the Quick Guide or https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/. Oaks provides a full continuum of individualized services for children and adults living with a developmental disability in an encouraging, supportive environment. We encourage you to explore the services or call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
