Division of Developmental Disabilities

Governor Mikie Sherrill • Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Apply for Services

When can I apply for services?

Although a person cannot begin getting DDD services until they are 21 or older, they can be evaluated for a determination of eligibility for DDD services as early as age 18.

  • Some people want to apply as soon as they are 18 so they can know well before they turn 21 whether they are eligible for DDD services.
  • Some people want to wait to apply until they are 19 or 20, since DDD services are not available until they are 21 or older.

When can I get services?

To get DDD services, you must be 21 and you must have applied and been determined by DDD to meet all other criteria to be eligible for DDD services. There are Limited Circumstances Where a Person Aged 18 through 21 May Receive DDD Services.

Services Before 21

  • If you are getting services through school, you can continue getting those services until you are 21.
    • Note: If you choose to graduate or leave school between the ages of 18 and 21, it is very important that you (and your family) talk with your school’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team and transition coordinator.
  • Eligible youth aged 18 through 21 can receive services (in addition to school-based services) through the NJ Children's System of Care, within the Department of Children and Families.

How do I apply for services?

To apply for DDD services, you need to fill in the DDD Application for Determination of Eligibility and send it to us. 

In addition to the application, you need to send documents proving that:

  • You meet the functional criteria for a developmental disability
  • You are a legal United States citizen and a resident of New Jersey
  • You are eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid

To meet the functional criteria for a developmental disability, you must provide documentation that shows that you have a chronic physical and/or intellectual disability that:

  • Began before you were 22 years old, and
  • Is expected to be lifelong, and
  • Substantially limits you in at least three of these life areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

For more information, see Division Circular 3 (PDF).

How do I apply for services or for an eligibility determination?

To be evaluated for elgibility for DDD-funded services, complete either the FULL or SHORT Application for Determination of Eligibility.

You must use the FULL Application for Determination of Eligibility* if either:

  1. You did not apply before for developmental disability services from either the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities or the NJ Children’s System of Care (PerformCare), OR
  2. You received a service through the NJ Children’s System of Care (PerformCare) but never completed PerformCare’s Application for Determination of Eligibility for Children Under Age 18.

You may use the SHORT Application for Determination of Eligibility* if either:

  1. You applied before for developmental disability services through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and were notified by DDD that you were eligible, OR
  2. You applied before for developmental disability services through the NJ Children’s System of Care (PerformCare) and were notified by PerformCare that you were eligible.

Submitting Your Application to DDD

The completed Application for Determination of Eligibility, including all signed forms and supporting documentation, can be submitted in person, by mail, or by email.

In-Person: Hand-deliver your application and supporting documentation Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm to the Community Services Office for the applicant's county of residence.
 
By Mail: Mail your application and supporting documentation to DDD Intake at the Community Services Office for the applicant's county of residence.
 
By Email: Scan the completed, signed application and all supporting documents and submit as an attachment to DDD.NJApply@dhs.nj.gov. Please include the following in the email subject line: Intake Application - Individual's Initials - County of Residence (SAMPLE: Intake Application JS Mercer County).
 
A family member or other interested person can assist an individual in completing DDD's Application for Eligibility, but cannot apply on the individual's behalf.

Once DDD receives your completed application and documentation, it can take up to 60 days for DDD to notify you about your eligibility for services. If your application is incomplete and/or missing any of the required documentation, it can take longer.

Please see DDD's Notice of Non-Discrimination and Language Assistance Services for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency.

What if I need help applying for services?

If you need help applying for services, you can email the Intake Helpdesk at DDD.BeforeYouApply@dhs.nj.gov. You can also call or visit the DDD Community Services Office that serves the county you live in and ask to talk with an Intake Worker.

If you need help in a language other than English, please review the Division’s Language Assistance Services for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency.