Eligibility for DDA Services

Visit the DDA's website to download an application, have one mailed to you, or pick one up from your local regional DDA office. Either you or someone acting on your behalf can complete the DDA Application for Eligibility. You can also contact your regional DDA office for help.

Now is the time to gather all the information you think DDA needs to know to support you (or the person you are applying for) appropriately. You will want to gather copies of any relevant forms or evaluations, as well as any other information you think would be helpful. Some examples of formal evaluations that may be relevant are: current psychological or neuropsychological evaluation, medical evaluations (such as physical or occupational therapy, nutritional, and speech), Individualized Education Plan, and other important records.

After you submit your initial request for assistance or your application, a DDA representative will contact you to schedule an interview to complete a comprehensive assessment and review your information. The DDA typically assigns an independent case manager, referred to as a Coordinator of Community Services (CCS), to assist with the application process.

Total Care Services, Inc. (TCS) maintains a contract with DDA to provide Comprehensive Assessment services to people in Maryland. If TCS is assigned to help you with the application process, a team member specializing in intake and assessment will help you submit the application or application updates, supporting documentation, and information obtained during your Comprehensive Assessment to the DDA Regional Office.

Your DDA Regional Office will assess your information to determine whether you meet either of the DDA eligibility categories - Developmentally Disabled or Supports Only.

Eligibility Categories are:

Developmentally Disabled:

• You have 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 you 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.

Supports Only:

• You have 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.

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.

Priority Categories are:

Crisis Resolution

Crisis Resolution means you are in crisis or an emergency situation. Crisis Resolution is for people who are:

• Homeless or will be homeless within 30 days
• Victims of abuse or neglect
• At serious risk of causing physical harm to others or
• Living with a caregiver who is unable to provide adequate care due to the caregiver’s impaired health

What to expect from your Coordinator of Community Services:

If your priority category is designated as Crisis Resolution, your TCS Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) will meet with you face-to-face monthly for the first 90 calendar days. After that time, your CCS will meet with you face-to-face on a quarterly basis. Your CCS will assist you in developing a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) annually and connect you and your family to community resources.

Crisis Prevention

Crisis Prevention means you are or will be in a health or safety crisis within the next year. Crisis Prevention is for people who are:

• have been determined by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to have an urgent need for services
• are 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

What to expect from your Coordinator of Community Services:

If your priority category is designated as Crisis Prevention, your CCS will meet with you face-to-face quarterly. Your CCS will assist you in developing a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) annually and connect you and your family to community resources.

Current Request

Current Request means you need/want services, but health and safety are not the immediate issues. Current Request is for people who have a current need for services. In this category, unless there is a change affecting health and safety, the number of fiscal years you have been on the waiting list determines your priority for services.

What to expect from your Coordinator of Community Services:

If your priority category is designated as Current Request, your CCS will meet with you face‐to‐face annually. Your CCS will assist you in developing a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) annually and connect you and your family to community resources.

Future Needs

If your priority category is designated as Future Needs, this means that you do not have a need for services within the next three years. Notify DDA if your circumstances or needs change and you feel that your priority category should be re-evaluated.

You and your representative will receive a formal letter from the DDA stating your eligibility and priority category determinations. This letter includes information related to requesting a reconsideration and appeal rights.

Changes to Your Priority Status:

DDA determines funding for services based on both your eligibility and priority categories. Your priority status for funding could change if there are changes to your circumstances that affect your health and safety. That is why it's important to let the DDA and your Coordinator know about changes when they occur. Also, be sure to notify DDA and your Coordinator of any updates to your contact information to prevent delays in providing support.

When you are eligible to begin services, you can choose a Coordination of Community Services provider, like TCS, or DDA will assign one to you. Your Coordinator of Community Services will help you connect with resources and services in the community. Learn more about TCS' Coordination of Community Services program here.