Understanding the DDD Budget in New Jersey: Services, Tiers and How Funding Works
Understanding the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities budget can help individuals and families make informed choices about services and supports. This on-demand Family Resource Network webinar explains how the NJCAT, DDD tiers, waiver programs, service planning, support coordination and self-direction work together.
Watch the Understanding the DDD Budget Webinar
Complete the short form to access the full webinar. Family Resource Network explains how DDD funding is determined, how the Supports Program and Community Care Program differ, what services may be available and how families can work with a support coordinator to use an approved budget.
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Free On-Demand Webinar
Understanding the DDD Budget: Services, Tiers and Funding in New Jersey
What You Will Learn
- How NJCAT results establish a DDD tier and annual budget
- How tier levels A through E relate to assessed support needs and funding
- The difference between the Supports Program and Community Care Program
- Which services may be covered through a DDD waiver program
- How to plan services within an approved annual budget
- The role of the support coordinator and planning team
- How self-directed services can provide more choice over workers and supports
Who Should Watch?
- Parents, guardians and family caregivers in New Jersey
- Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Families beginning to navigate DDD services
- People preparing to receive or currently using a DDD budget
- Families comparing provider-managed and self-directed supports
- Support team members helping with person-centered service planning
How the New Jersey DDD Budget Process Works
- DDD uses the NJCAT to evaluate support needs related to self-care, behavior and medical needs.
- The NJCAT results establish a tier, which determines the annual budget available for services.
- The individual enrolls in the Supports Program or, when all additional requirements are met, the Community Care Program.
- The individual, family, support coordinator and planning team identify outcomes and services for the Individualized Service Plan.
- Approved services are authorized within the annual budget and delivered by qualified providers, self-directed employees or eligible community vendors.
- The support coordinator maintains contact, monitors the service plan and helps address changing needs or service issues.
Why Understanding the DDD Budget Matters
A DDD budget is an annual amount available for authorized services in a Medicaid waiver program. It is not a direct cash payment. The services included in an Individualized Service Plan must relate to the person’s assessed needs and outcomes, follow program rules and fit within the available budget.
Knowing the assigned tier, waiver program and service options can help a family prepare for planning meetings and compare different ways to arrange support. Some services are specific to the Supports Program or Community Care Program, and access can also depend on assessed need, plan approval, provider availability and current DDD policy.
Self-direction may give an individual more choice over how, when and from whom certain services are delivered. A support coordinator can help the person and family consider provider agencies, self-directed options and other services that fit the approved plan and annual budget.
New Jersey DDD Budget Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About DDD Budgets
Review common questions about NJCAT tiers, annual budgets, waiver programs, covered services, support coordination and self-directed services in New Jersey.
What is a New Jersey DDD budget?
A DDD budget is the annual amount available to fund authorized home and community-based services through a DDD Medicaid waiver program. It is used to purchase services identified in the individual’s approved service plan and is not paid directly to the individual as cash.
How is a DDD budget determined?
DDD uses the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool, or NJCAT, to evaluate support needs related to self-care, behavior and medical needs. The NJCAT results establish the person’s tier, and the tier determines the annual budget available for services.
What do DDD tier levels A through E mean?
Tier levels reflect the level of support identified through the NJCAT. New Jersey uses lettered tiers A through E, and some individuals may receive an acuity designation based on additional needs. Because allocations and program rules can change, families should use the current DDD tier letter and program materials for the person’s exact budget information.
What is the difference between the Supports Program and Community Care Program?
Both are Medicaid waiver programs that provide DDD-funded home and community-based services. The Supports Program does not have a waiting list. The Community Care Program has additional eligibility requirements and currently has a waiting list, although people who meet the state’s criteria for imminent risk may be considered through a separate process. Some services are available only through one of the two programs.
What services can a DDD budget cover?
Depending on the waiver program and approved service plan, services may include day habilitation, supported employment, behavioral supports, respite, transportation, assistive technology, therapies, community-based or individual supports, environmental or vehicle modifications, and other approved supports. Service availability varies by program and assessed need.
What does a support coordinator do with the DDD budget?
The support coordinator works with the individual, family and planning team to develop and update the Individualized Service Plan. The coordinator helps identify services and providers, confirms that planned services fit within the annual budget, maintains regular contact and monitors whether the plan is addressing the person’s needs and goals.
Can an individual hire caregivers through self-directed services?
An individual enrolled in the Supports Program or Community Care Program may choose self-direction for eligible services. Depending on the selected model, the person or representative may find, hire, schedule and manage workers. A fiscal intermediary handles functions such as payroll and taxes, and all workers and services must meet DDD and Medicaid requirements.
Can a DDD tier or budget change?
If changes in a person’s life affect the need for support, the individual, guardian or support coordinator can request an NJCAT reassessment. A reassessment may result in a higher tier, a lower tier or no change. A current Person-Centered Planning Tool and Individualized Service Plan are required before the reassessment can be completed.
Can every person use every DDD service?
No. A service must be available through the person’s waiver program, address an assessed need or outcome, be included and authorized in the Individualized Service Plan, and comply with DDD and Medicaid rules. Provider availability and the remaining annual budget can also affect how services are arranged.
This webinar is provided for general educational purposes. DDD and Medicaid policies, rates, budget amounts and procedures may change. Review current information from the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities about the NJCAT, waiver programs and services, support coordination and self-directed services. Families should contact DDD or their support coordinator for guidance about an individual situation.
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Family Resource Network connects New Jersey individuals and families with information, guidance and resources throughout each stage of the DDD service process.
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