This is general information provided on the DDDNJ website:
Division services are available to individuals who are age 21 or older and meet all other eligibility requirements. Applying for Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) services
Here is a general outline of the process:
When can I receive services?Individuals receiving services through school are able to continue doing so through age 21. If you choose to graduate or leave school between the ages of 18 and 21, it is critical to discuss service options with your school’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team and transition coordinator.
When can I find out if I am eligible to receive services?Although Division services do not begin until age 21, individuals can be evaluated for eligibility as early as age 18.Some people prefer to apply as soon as they are 18, so that they can know well before they turn 21 whether they are eligible for Division services. Some people prefer to wait to apply until they are 19 or 20, since services are not actually available until age 21 or older.
How will my eligibility for services be evaluated?To find out if you are eligible for services you will need to submit an Application for Determination of Eligibility and supporting documentation to the Division for review. This includes documentation that you:
- Meet the functional criteria for a developmental disability;
- Are a legal U.S. citizen and resident of New Jersey; and
- Are eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid.
To meet the functional criteria for a developmental disability, you must provide documentation that you have a chronic physical and/or intellectual disability that began before you were 22 years old, is expected to be lifelong, and limits your ability to care for yourself and live on your own. Meeting the last standard requires showing that you have a substantial functional limitation in three or more of the following areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. For more information, please see Division Circular 3 or NJSA 30:6D-25(b) and NJAC 10:46.
More information is located on the DDD website: link below
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