Developmental Disability Services in New Jersey: DD vs. DDD and How to Apply

This can be confusing because the names sound very similar.

1. Birth–17Apply through PerformCare
2. 18–20Apply through DDD — services generally continue through CSOC until 21
3. 21+Adult services through DDD

Why should I apply for DD eligibility?

Receiving a diagnosis does not automatically enroll a child in New Jersey developmental disability services. Families must apply and have their child determined eligible to access specialized I/DD services through the Children's System of Care.

Even if your family does not need every available service right now, establishing eligibility can give you access to supports you may need later.

Eligibility may open the door to services such as:

• Respite
• Assistive technology
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Educational advocacy
• Summer camp assistance
• Individual Support Services (ISS)
• Certain intensive in-home clinical and behavioral supports
• Other CSOC developmental disability supports when eligibility and service criteria are met

Applications for children younger than 18 are submitted to PerformCare New Jersey.

1. 1Contact PerformCare

   Call 1-877-652-7624. PerformCare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

   Families can ask about applying for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (I/DD) eligibility. PerformCare can also help families register for access to the CYBER Family Portal.

2. 2Gather your documents

   Families should prepare supporting documentation. Examples may include:

   • Proof of the child's age
   • Proof of New Jersey residency
   • Citizenship or qualifying immigration documentation
   • Diagnostic evaluations
   • Medical or psychological evaluations
   • Developmental assessments
   • Adaptive functioning information
   • Other records supporting the child's developmental disability

   Not every document on this example list is required in every case. PerformCare provides a documentation checklist explaining exactly what should be submitted with the application.

3. 3Complete the application

   Families can apply through PerformCare's secure CYBER Family Portal. PerformCare currently recommends the online application because it can be processed more efficiently and families can track the application's status. A paper application is also available.

   The application includes information about the child, developmental functioning, supporting documentation, and required acknowledgments/forms.

4. 4Submit supporting documentation

   Submitting a complete application is important. If information is missing, PerformCare may contact the family and request additional documentation.

5. 5Eligibility review

   PerformCare's Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Unit reviews the completed application and supporting documentation. Once the Eligibility Unit has all information needed to make a determination, a decision is generally made within 60 business days. If additional information or further review is needed, the process can take longer.

6. 6Receive the decision

   Families receive an eligibility determination. If the child is approved, keep the eligibility letter with the child's important records.

• Respite

  Temporary care that gives a parent or primary caregiver a break from caregiving responsibilities. Respite options may include in-home respite, agency-based programs, after-school programs, overnight options, weekend recreation, or other approved models depending on availability.

• Individual Support Services (ISS)

  Support designed to help eligible youth build everyday living and independence skills, including activities of daily living and self-care.

• Assistive Technology

  Certain devices or technology that can help a child function more independently.

• Home & Vehicle Modifications

  Certain modifications may be available when needed to improve accessibility or support the child's disability-related needs.

• Educational Advocacy

  Support may be available for eligible youth who need more intensive assistance addressing education-related needs.

• Summer Camp Assistance

  CSOC may provide limited financial assistance for summer camp for eligible youth. Availability, application periods, and requirements apply.

• Intensive In-Home Supports

  Some eligible children may receive clinical or behavioral services in their home based on their needs and clinical criteria.

Not every child will qualify for or need every service listed above.

If you feel overwhelmed, you do not have to figure everything out alone. Families can:

• Call PerformCare at 1-877-652-7624
• Ask PerformCare questions about the application
• Ask healthcare providers for copies of evaluations and diagnostic records
• Ask the child's school for relevant evaluations or records when appropriate
• Ask a trusted professional or support person to help organize the paperwork

Don't wait until age 21

Families should begin learning about adult services before their child turns 21. A person can apply for a DDD eligibility determination beginning at age 18, even though DDD-funded adult services generally begin at age 21.

Starting early gives families time to:

• Complete the eligibility process
• Address missing documents
• Work on Medicaid eligibility
• Learn how adult services work
• Prepare for the transition from school and children's services
• Reduce the chance of unnecessary gaps in support

If my child already has DD eligibility through PerformCare, do we start over?

Not necessarily.

If an individual was previously determined eligible for developmental disability services through PerformCare, DDD allows them to use the Short Application for Determination of Eligibility. If the individual has never applied for developmental disability eligibility, or received CSOC services without completing the DD eligibility process, they generally need the Full Application.

Use DDD's official application guidance to determine which application applies to your situation.

1. 1Start planning at age 18

   Families can begin the DDD eligibility determination process once the individual turns 18. You do not need to wait until age 21.

2. 2Determine which application you need

   DDD has a Full Application and a Short Application. Generally, use the Full Application if the person has never previously been determined eligible for developmental disability services through DDD or PerformCare. The Short Application may be used when the individual was previously determined eligible through PerformCare or DDD.

   See Which DDD Application I Need

3. 3Gather documentation

   DDD requires supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility. In simple terms, DDD will look for documentation showing that the person has a qualifying developmental disability that:

   • Began before age 22
   • Is expected to be lifelong
   • Results in substantial functional limitations

   DDD considers areas such as:

   • Self-care
   • Communication
   • Learning
   • Mobility
   • Self-direction
   • Independent living
   • Economic self-sufficiency

   Use DDD's official application checklist for the exact documentation required.

4. 4Understand the Medicaid requirement

   This is very important. To enroll in DDD's Medicaid-funded adult waiver programs and receive those services, the individual must meet Medicaid requirements. Medicaid eligibility can become an important part of transition planning.

   Families approaching adulthood should review Medicaid and, when appropriate, Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Not every person with a developmental disability automatically qualifies for SSI or Medicaid.

   Learn About DDD Medicaid Requirements

5. 5Submit the DDD application

   Families can submit the completed and signed application with supporting documents according to DDD's current instructions. DDD currently accepts applications by:

   • Email
   • Mail
   • In person at the appropriate Community Services Office

   For email submissions, DDD lists: DDD.NJApply@dhs.nj.gov

   Verify current submission instructions on the official DDD website before sending sensitive documents.

6. 6Wait for the eligibility determination

   Once DDD receives a complete application and all required documentation, it can take up to 60 days for DDD to notify the applicant of the eligibility determination. If information is missing, it may take longer.

Families who need assistance can contact DDD. DDD currently provides an Intake Helpdesk: DDD.BeforeYouApply@dhs.nj.gov

Families can also contact the DDD Community Services Office serving their county and ask to speak with an Intake Worker. A family member or another trusted person may help the individual complete the application.

What does DDD offer?

DDD administers adult home and community-based services through Medicaid waiver programs, primarily the Supports Program and Community Care Program. Eligible individuals work with a Support Coordinator and planning team to develop a person-centered service plan based on the individual's needs, preferences, and goals.

Potential DDD services include:

• Support Coordination
• Respite
• Community-Based Supports
• Day Habilitation
• Behavioral Supports
• Assistive Technology
• Supported Employment
• Career Planning
• Community Inclusion
• Transportation
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech, Language & Hearing Therapy
• Environmental Modifications
• Vehicle Modifications
• Goods & Services
• Supports Brokerage
• Interpreter Services
• Personal Emergency Response Systems
• Other services depending on the person's program and assessed needs

Not every service is available to every participant. Service authorization depends on program rules, assessed needs, the individual's service plan, and other requirements.

A Support Coordinator helps an individual receiving DDD-funded services develop and manage their annual service plan. Support Coordinators help individuals and families:

• Identify goals and needs
• Develop the Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
• Connect with approved services and providers
• Monitor whether services are meeting the person's needs
• Update the plan when needs change

1. Under 18

   Apply for DD eligibility through PerformCare.

2. Ages 18–20

   Apply for DDD eligibility. Eligible youth generally continue receiving I/DD services through CSOC/PerformCare until age 21.

   Use these years to work on transition planning, DDD eligibility, Medicaid, and adult supports.

3. Age 21+

   Adult DDD services. If eligible and all program requirements are met, begin accessing appropriate adult services through DDD.

Information verified: August 28, 2026

Vicabell provides educational resource information and is not affiliated with the State of New Jersey, PerformCare, or the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Program requirements and services can change. Always confirm current information with the official agency.