Navigating special needs law and services for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) can be a complicated and daunting experience. Accessing government benefits is key to receiving needed day to day services. Our Team is here to advocate and guide you in order to receive the level of services needed.
An individual is functionally eligible for DDD services in New Jersey, if the individual has a severe, chronic disability of an individual which:
In order to qualify for DDD benefits in New Jersey, the individual must be found eligible for Medicaid benefits under any available program, including SSI-linked Medicaid, NJ Family Care, NJ Workability, Managed Long Term Services and Supports ("MLTSS"), Community Care Program or the Supports Program.
Strict financial requirements surround access to governmental benefits. If the beneficiary with a disability has “too much money” in their own name, they may be disqualified from all services.
The Supports Program provides supports to individuals living in their own home or with family members. The level of supports is based on the outcome of the NJCAT.
The Community Care Program provides services to individuals who meet the specified level of care for Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ("ICF/IDD") as assessed through the "NJCAT". These individuals also select services from the menu above with a higher level of funding based on the NJ Comprehensive Assessment Tool ("NJCAT").
The NJ Comprehensive Assessment Tool ("NJCAT") is a mandatory assessment tool used to determine DDD eligibility and the funds allotted to support the person’s individual budget. The assessment evaluates support needs in Self-Care, Behavior and Medical. NJCAT reassessments are completed every 5 years or sooner if needs have changed.
The NJCAT is an extremely important assessment that can be very challenging to complete. We are here to assist you in understanding the assessment and to provide tips to be sure you present the individual's needs accurately to receive a budget that will support their needs.
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Porzio’s Wealth Preservation attorneys serve New Jersey families with offices in Morristown NJ, Princeton NJ, and New York City. We provide legal counsel on Estate Planning, Elder Law, Asset Protection Planning, Special Needs Planning, Wills and Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers, Living Wills, Probate, Estate Administration, Estate and Trust Litigation, Guardianship, and Tax Planning to families in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Passaic County, Somerset County, Sussex County, Union County and Warren County.
