Preparing for the NJCAT Assessment in New Jersey
The New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool, commonly called the NJCAT, helps the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities understand an individual’s support needs. The results establish a tier that affects the individual budget and reimbursement rates for many DDD-funded services.
Watch the NJCAT Webinar
Complete the short form to access the full webinar. Family Resource Network explains how the NJCAT works, what to expect during the assessment and how to describe daily support needs clearly and accurately.
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Preparing for the NJCAT Assessment in New Jersey
What You Will Learn
- What the NJCAT assessment is and how New Jersey DDD uses it
- How NJCAT results establish tier levels and influence DDD budgets
- How the assessment considers self-care, behavioral and medical support needs
- The difference between supervision, prompting and physical assistance
- Common mistakes families may make during the assessment
- How to describe the support an individual needs throughout a typical day
- When an NJCAT reassessment may be appropriate
Who Should Watch?
- Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey
- Parents, guardians and family caregivers
- Families preparing for an initial NJCAT assessment
- Individuals transitioning from school-based services to adult DDD services
- Families considering an NJCAT reassessment
- Support team members familiar with the individual’s daily needs
Why Preparing for the NJCAT Matters
The NJCAT asks about the support an individual needs in everyday life. This may include personal care, communication, mobility, decision-making, safety awareness, behavioral support, medical care and daily activities.
Families may unintentionally understate these needs by focusing on what the individual can do occasionally, with reminders or in a familiar setting. Responses should describe what the person can do consistently and safely, how often support is needed and what may happen when that support is unavailable.
NJCAT Questions for Families and Caregivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Review common questions about the NJCAT assessment, DDD tiers, support needs and reassessments in New Jersey.
What is the NJCAT?
The NJCAT, or New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool, is a mandatory needs-based assessment used by the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities. It is used as part of the DDD eligibility process and to evaluate an individual’s support needs.
What areas does the NJCAT assess?
The NJCAT evaluates support needs related to self-care, behavioral needs and medical needs. Questions may also address communication, mobility, learning, self-direction, independent living and safety.
Does the NJCAT determine a person’s DDD budget?
NJCAT results establish an individual’s tier. The assigned tier helps determine the annual DDD budget amount and reimbursement rates for many DDD-funded services.
Who should participate in the NJCAT assessment?
The individual should participate with people who understand their support needs. This may include a parent, legal guardian, family caregiver or another person who regularly provides assistance. Participants should be familiar with the individual’s routines, challenges, supervision needs and medical or behavioral supports.
How should families answer NJCAT questions?
Answers should reflect the individual’s current support needs. Consider what the person can do consistently and safely, how often reminders or assistance are required and whether someone must remain nearby for supervision. Specific examples from daily life can provide helpful context.
What is the difference between supervision and physical assistance?
Supervision may include monitoring, verbal reminders, prompting, redirection or remaining nearby to maintain safety. Physical assistance involves direct help with an activity such as dressing, bathing, eating, mobility or medication. Someone may be physically capable of completing a task while still needing regular supervision or prompts.
Can an NJCAT assessment be completed again?
An individual, legal guardian or support coordinator may request an NJCAT reassessment when changes in the person’s life, medical condition, behavior or level of support may have affected their needs. A reassessment may result in a higher tier, a lower tier or no change.
How can someone request an NJCAT reassessment?
Begin by speaking with the individual’s support coordinator and requesting a copy of the current NJCAT. The individual or legal guardian can review the assessment, document changes and complete the state’s Request for NJCAT Reassessment form. A current Person-Centered Planning Tool and Individualized Service Plan must be in place before the reassessment can be completed.
This webinar is provided for general educational purposes. DDD policies, forms and procedures may change. Families should contact the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities or their support coordinator for guidance about an individual situation.
Get Help Navigating New Jersey Disability Services
Family Resource Network connects New Jersey individuals and families with information, guidance and resources throughout each stage of the process.
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