DDA Eligibility
Application Process
As per
Maryland requirements, to be eligible to receive services
from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), you must have a
disability which keeps you from meeting
your daily activities independently and meet specific criteria.
In order for
the DDA to determine whether a person is eligible, the person or someone acting
on their behalf must complete the DDA application process. The process includes completing the DDA
Application for Eligibility, submitting supporting documentation, an interview
by a DDA representative, and a DDA determination.
DDA Applicaton for Eligibility
A person can
complete the DDA Application for Eligibility. If needed an individual can
request assistance in completing the DDA
Application for Eligibility. To
request assistance, please contact the Regional Office. The application can also be
downloaded from the DDA’s website, mailed to you, or you can pick one up from
any of DDA’s four (4)
regional offices
located in Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western Maryland. Once the
application is submitted, you should receive a letter in about 5-7 business
days informing you of the date your application was received. If you don't
receive a letter, please call the Regional Office.
Interview - Face to Face Assessment
After the
initial request for assistance or the application has been received, a DDA
representative will contact you to schedule an interview and review the
information. The DDA typically assigns
an independent case manager referred to as a Coordinator of Community Services
(CCS) to assist with the application process.
The CCS will submit the application or updates to the application,
supporting documentation, and information obtained during the interview to the
DDA Regional Office.
DDA Eligibility Determination
The DDA Regional Office will assess all the information to
determine whether the applicant meets either of the DDA eligibility categories
- Developmentally Disabled or Supports Only.
They will also determine a priority category - Crisis Resolution, Crisis
Prevention, Current Request, or that services are needed in the future. If needed they will consult with a subject
matter expert.
Developmentally Disabled Eligibility
means:
- The person has a physical or mental
impairment, but not just mental illness, or it can be a combination of mental
and physical impairments
- It will probably continue forever
- It started before the person turned
22
- You need supports or assistance to
live independently; and
- You need the support of a team to
help with your services and treatment.
Support Only Eligibility means:
- The person has a physical or mental
impairment, but not just mental illness, or it can be a combination of mental
and physical impairments; and
- It will probably continue forever.
Priority Categories
- Crisis Resolution means
the person is in crisis or emergency situation (for example - abuse, neglect,
homeless)
- Crisis Prevention
means the person is or will be in a health or safety crisis within the next
year
- Current Request
means the person needs/wants services; health and safety are not the immediate
issues
- Future Needs
means the person does have a need for services within the next three years.
Applicants
and their representatives will receive a formal letter from the DDA stating the
eligibility and priority category determinations. The letter includes information related to
requesting a reconsideration and appeal rights.
Important:
- DDA eligibility for services does
not mean that the DDA is able to provide funding to address your needs. It
means that when designated funding for your priority category is available and
you have the greatest need, your CCS will be informed and will assist you with
the DDA Waiver application process.
- It is important for you to keep the
DDA updated on any changes in your circumstances or contact information
including phone numbers, addresses, and caretakers.
DDA Eligibility Application Process
- At A Glance