Transition planning should begin before the final year of high school. New Jersey DDD recommends applying for Medicaid and submitting the DDD Application for Determination of Eligibility after the individual turns 18 and at least six months before age 21.

Yes. An individual can be evaluated for DDD eligibility as early as age 18. DDD services generally begin at age 21, when school-based services end, although the state recognizes limited circumstances in which an eligible person ages 18 through 21 may receive certain DDD services.

Medicaid is part of the DDD eligibility and service process. The DDD application requires documentation showing that the individual is eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid. Enrollment in a DDD Medicaid waiver program also requires Medicaid enrollment.

New Jersey DDD recommends applying for Supplemental Security Income when the individual turns 18. SSI eligibility is based on disability, income, resources and other federal requirements. In New Jersey, an individual approved for SSI is automatically eligible for Medicaid.

The individual must meet New Jersey residency, citizenship and Medicaid requirements. Documentation must also show a chronic physical or intellectual disability that began before age 22, is expected to be lifelong and substantially limits the person in at least three major life areas identified by DDD.

Families generally use the full DDD application when the individual has not previously completed a developmental disability eligibility determination through DDD or the New Jersey Children’s System of Care. Some individuals who were already found eligible through the Children’s System of Care may qualify to use the short application.

The New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool is the standard assessment DDD uses to evaluate support needs related to self-care, behavioral needs and medical needs. It is completed during the initial DDD eligibility process. For students transitioning out of school, the NJCAT may be completed during the fall or winter of the final school year.

DDD provides a Support Coordination Agency Selection Form during the eligibility process. Families can use the state’s Provider Search Tool to find agencies serving their county and should identify a first and second choice. For students exiting school at age 21, selection and assignment usually take place between February and April of the final school year.

Once eligibility, Medicaid and enrollment requirements are met, the assigned support coordinator works with the individual and planning team to create an Individualized Service Plan. For students leaving school at age 21, DDD recommends completing and approving the plan before graduation so authorized services can begin when school-based services end.