Where to Apply for Services
DDD provides education and information to individuals and their families in preparation for adulthood. Direct services (for individuals up to age 21) such as family support, residential services and educational services is provided by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and local school districts.
For more information about services for children please visit: NJ Children's System of Care. You may also download their FAQ entitled:
FAQ’s for Families with Children with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
Adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families should review the following steps regarding eligiblity for services funded by DDD.
How to receive services funded by DDD
In order to receive services funded by DDD, an individual must apply to become eligible.* The eligibility criteria is outlined in state law. The application process can be lengthy, as DDD requires documentation to help it determine whether an individual’s functional limitations fall within the eligibility criteria.
In general, to receive DDD-funded services, individuals must show that they have a severe, chronic physical and/or mental impairment that:
- manifests in the developmental years, before age 22;
- is lifelong; and
- substantially limits them in at least three of these life activities: self-care; learning; mobility; communication; self-direction; economic self-sufficiency; and the ability to live independently.
Some conditions that might be considered a developmental disability include an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida, autism or a neurological impairment.
In addition, only legal residents of the United States who also are legal residents of New Jersey can be found eligible to receive DDD-funded services.
*The complete legal definition can be found at NJSA 30:6D-25(b) and NJAC 10:46 or in Division Circular #3.
If DDD determines you are eligible to receive services, you will be notified in writing and receive information on how to access services specific to your situation.
Applying for Services
If you have questions about whether or not you meet the criteria for DDD eligibility, you can, contact the Community Services Office that serves the county in which you live.
A DDD Intake Staff member there will discuss your situation and guide you through the process for applying for eligibility.
Start the Application Process
Click here to Start the Application Process.
