How to Apply for DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) in Arizona
The Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides services and supports to children and adults with qualifying developmental disabilities. These services may include day programs, employment supports, respite care, habilitation, therapies, and more.
Who May Qualify?
To be eligible for DDD, an individual must generally:
Examples of qualifying disabilities may include:
Who May Qualify?
To be eligible for DDD, an individual must generally:
- Be an Arizona resident
- Have a qualifying developmental disability that began before age 18
- Have a condition expected to continue indefinitely
- Submit documentation supporting the disability diagnosis and functional limitations
Examples of qualifying disabilities may include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Intellectual Disability
- Certain other neurological conditions that result in substantial functional limitations
Documents You'll Need
Before applying, gather the following:
Before applying, gather the following:
- Completed DDD Eligibility Application
- Birth certificate or proof of citizenship/legal residency
- Medical insurance card (if applicable)
- Medical records, evaluations, or diagnostic reports
- School records such as IEPs, METs, or psychoeducational evaluations (if available
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the DDD Application
Download and complete the Arizona DDD Eligibility Application Packet.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You may submit your application by:
Step 3: Eligibility Review
DDD will review your application and may request additional information or evaluations before making an eligibility determination.
Step 4: Service Planning
If approved, you will be assigned a Support Coordinator who will help develop a plan for services and supports.
DISCLAIMER: Just having DDD does not approve you to receive attendant care, therapies, day programs, and employment services. You must be approved for ALTCS below as well.
Step 1: Complete the DDD Application
Download and complete the Arizona DDD Eligibility Application Packet.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You may submit your application by:
- Emailing it to [email protected]
- Mailing it to a DDD Eligibility Office
- Delivering it in person to a DDD office
Step 3: Eligibility Review
DDD will review your application and may request additional information or evaluations before making an eligibility determination.
Step 4: Service Planning
If approved, you will be assigned a Support Coordinator who will help develop a plan for services and supports.
DISCLAIMER: Just having DDD does not approve you to receive attendant care, therapies, day programs, and employment services. You must be approved for ALTCS below as well.
How to Apply for ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)
ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid long-term care program. Many individuals who qualify for DDD services may also qualify for ALTCS, which provides funding for home and community-based services, attendant care, therapies, day programs, employment services, and more.
Who May Qualify?
To qualify for ALTCS, applicants must generally:
How to Apply
Once an individual is determined eligible for DDD services, their DDD Support Coordinator can assist with the ALTCS application process. However, individuals and their guardians do not need to wait and may begin the ALTCS application process earlier by contacting ALTCS directly at 1-888-621-6880.
Financial Review: ALTCS financial eligibility is based on the income and resources of the applicant (the individual with a developmental disability), not the income of their parents, guardians, or other household members. In most cases, the applicant cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources in their name, although certain assets, such as an ABLE account or a qualified 529 college savings plan, may be exempt. Property, trusts, or other assets owned by the applicant may impact eligibility and should be discussed during the application process. The financial interview is typically conducted by phone and generally takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Medical Assessment: Medical eligibility for ALTCS is determined through an assessment using the Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) tool. To meet the medical criteria for ALTCS, an applicant must achieve a qualifying score on the PAS assessment. As part of the evaluation process, an ALTCS assessor will typically conduct an in-home interview to assess the applicant's functional abilities and support needs. For additional information regarding eligibility criteria, PAS scoring methodology, and copies of the PAS assessment materials.
TIPS:
Who May Qualify?
To qualify for ALTCS, applicants must generally:
- Be an Arizona resident
- Meet financial eligibility requirements
- Require medical assessment and financial review
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
How to Apply
Once an individual is determined eligible for DDD services, their DDD Support Coordinator can assist with the ALTCS application process. However, individuals and their guardians do not need to wait and may begin the ALTCS application process earlier by contacting ALTCS directly at 1-888-621-6880.
Financial Review: ALTCS financial eligibility is based on the income and resources of the applicant (the individual with a developmental disability), not the income of their parents, guardians, or other household members. In most cases, the applicant cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources in their name, although certain assets, such as an ABLE account or a qualified 529 college savings plan, may be exempt. Property, trusts, or other assets owned by the applicant may impact eligibility and should be discussed during the application process. The financial interview is typically conducted by phone and generally takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Medical Assessment: Medical eligibility for ALTCS is determined through an assessment using the Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) tool. To meet the medical criteria for ALTCS, an applicant must achieve a qualifying score on the PAS assessment. As part of the evaluation process, an ALTCS assessor will typically conduct an in-home interview to assess the applicant's functional abilities and support needs. For additional information regarding eligibility criteria, PAS scoring methodology, and copies of the PAS assessment materials.
TIPS:
- When answering assessment questions, consider whether the applicant can perform the task independently and consistently without reminders, supervision, or assistance. If the applicant is unable to complete the task on their own most of the time, the appropriate response would generally be "no" and the level of support needed should be explained.
- Be sure to describe what typically happens on a regular day, including any reminders, supervision, or assistance required, rather than focusing on what the applicant may be able to do in a one-time situation.
- Be ready with all documentation. ex. IEP notes, diagnosis, evals, psychosocial, or any supporting documentation
