DDA Eligibility Review

• Individual can apply for services with DDA at any time however, we encourage they do so prior to age 18

• Individual completes DDA application & includes documentation supporting their disability/diagnosis

• DDA assigns a Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) or DDA representative to complete the Comprehensive Assessment – they will schedule an in-person visit with the individual and their team

• CCS reviews information and completes a recommendation to DDA regarding the eligibility and priority level 

• DDA reviews and makes the final determination & sends letter with decision to the individual

• The person may also receive a choice letter to choose a CCS provider. If they do not choose, they will be randomly assigned

• If assigned for ongoing CCS services, the CCS provider will then contact the individual to complete a Supports and Services Planning Tool (SSPT) or Person Centered Plan (PCP)

• Developmentally Disabled (DD) eligible – Eligibility for the full range of DDA services – not entitlement

  • A severe, chronic disability attributed to a physical or mental impairment, but not just mental illness, or a combination of mental and physical impairments

  • Has manifested before age 22

  • Is likely to continue indefinitely 

  • Results in the inability to live independently without external support or continuing and regular assistance

  • Requires the support of a team to help with services and treatment

• Supports Only (SO) eligible – eligible for support services only 

  • A severe, chronic disability attributed to a physical or mental impairment, but not just mental illness, or a combination of mental and physical impairments

  • Is likely to continue indefinitely

• DDA is no longer providing CCS services to individuals that are SO 

  • Cannot apply for the waiver with SO level eligibility 

  • If an individual is SO, they can contact DDA directly about a redetermination. DDA will be looking for supporting information on the diagnosis that clearly indicates a Developmental Disability prior to age 22

• Future Need – on the registry – no CCS services

• Current Request – services are needed within 3 years – most TYs

• Crisis Prevention – Crisis present - services needed within 1 year

  • to qualify for this priority category, the applicant shall have been determined by the DDA to have an urgent need for services; is at substantial risk for meeting one or more of the crisis resolution criteria within 1 year, or have a caregiver who is 65 years old or older

• Crisis Resolution – significant crisis present – services needed within 90 days 

  • homeless or will be homeless within 30 days;

  • victims of abuse or neglect;

  • at serious risk of causing physical harm to others; 

  • living with a caregiver who is unable to provide adequate care due to the caregiver's impaired health

• In order for an individual to receive DDA funding, they must be:

  • DD eligible

  • Have the appropriate priority category

    • Current Request  category or higher  for TY Funding or special selections such as Family Support Waiver

    • Crisis  categories for other types of funding

  • Have identified funding (Transitioning Youth, WLEF, Crisis)

  • Be eligible for one of DDA’s Maryland Home and Community Based Waivers

Community Pathways Waiver

• Children and adults

• Includes Meaningful Day, Residential and Support Services

Community Supports Waiver

• Children and adults

• Meaningful Day and Support Services

• Service cap of $25,000 annually

Family Supports Waiver

• Children birth to 21

• Various Support Services for the individual and family

• Service Cap of $12,000 annually 

*Note: exceptions to these requirements have been made in situations where an individual is institutionalized or has forensic involvement.  

• Late DDA applications

• Late referrals to CCS Providers

• Delayed follow-through

• Availability and responsiveness of providers in Howard County 

• Length of timeframe for waiver application processing

• Individuals not applying for Medical Assistance and SSI at age 18