NJ DDD glossary — every acronym in plain English
If a professional used a word or acronym you didn't recognize, search it here. No jargon, no gatekeeping.
The NJ state agency that funds adult services (21+) for people with developmental disabilities.
DDD is part of the NJ Department of Human Services. It manages the Supports Program and Community Care Program Medicaid waivers, sets annual budgets, and approves service providers. Eligibility must be established before age 22 and requires active NJ Medicaid.
The written plan built with your Support Coordinator that lists services, goals, and budget.
The ISP is reviewed at least annually and any time needs change. It documents your goals, chosen providers, service hours, backup plans, and how your DDD budget will be spent for the year.
A DDD-approved agency that assigns you a Support Coordinator.
You choose your SCA and can switch at any time. The SCA is paid directly by DDD, not by you.
The person who helps you build and follow your ISP.
Your SC must meet with you at least quarterly (monthly for higher-tier plans), monitor services, and help resolve problems. If yours isn't responsive, you can request a new one from the SCA or switch agencies.
The interview DDD uses to score support needs and set your annual budget.
The NJCAT looks at self-care, behavioral, and medical support needs. Higher scores unlock larger budget tiers. You can request a re-assessment if needs change significantly.
A NJ Medicaid self-directed option to hire your own caregivers — including some family members.
PPP is separate from DDD waivers. It's run through NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid MLTSS and gives a monthly cash budget to hire and manage personal-care workers.
The DDD Medicaid waiver for adults who need more intensive supports, including 24-hour care.
CCP funds residential services (group homes, supervised apartments) plus day services. It has a waiting list — most adults start on the Supports Program first.
A DDD waiver for adults living with family or on their own who don't need 24-hour care.
SPP funds day habilitation, employment supports, respite, transportation, and self-directed services. It does NOT fund residential (housing) services.
Waiver services that fund supported employment — job coaching, career planning, on-site support.
Both SPP and CCP include employment supports. Combine with DVRS for the initial job search and training.
NJ agency that funds job training, tuition, and job placement for people with disabilities.
DVRS is time-limited and funds the path to employment; DDD funds the ongoing support once someone is working.
The school plan for a student receiving special education (ages 3–21).
Required by federal law (IDEA). Includes goals, services, accommodations, and transition planning starting by age 14 in NJ.
A civil-rights plan giving accommodations (extra time, seating, etc.) without special-ed services.
Based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Good fit when a student needs adjustments but not specialized instruction.
NJ pediatric case management for children with special health needs, run by county.
Free case management from birth to age 21. Helps coordinate specialists, therapies, insurance, and community resources.
Free/low-cost NJ services for children under 3 with developmental delays or disabilities.
Call 1-888-653-4463 to request an evaluation. Services are provided in your home or child care setting.
Federal cash benefit for people with disabilities and limited income/assets.
For a child under 18, the parents' income counts. Starting the month after the child turns 18, only the individual's own income and assets count — many families re-apply then.
Federal benefit based on work history — the individual's or a parent's.
SSDI usually leads to Medicare after 24 months. Many people receive both SSI and SSDI ('concurrent').
SSDI paid to an adult child whose disability began before age 22, based on a parent's work record.
Also called 'Childhood Disability Benefits.' Kicks in when the parent retires, becomes disabled, or passes away. Comes with Medicare after 24 months.
Tax-advantaged savings account that doesn't count against Medicaid/SSI asset limits.
Disability must have begun before age 26 (rising to 46 in 2026). NJ residents can use any state's ABLE plan.
A legal trust that holds unlimited assets without disqualifying government benefits.
Two main types: third-party (funded by parents/family) and first-party (funded by the individual's own money, e.g. a settlement). Work with a NJ special-needs attorney to set one up.
NJ Medicaid program that manages long-term care through managed-care organizations (MCOs).
MLTSS covers nursing home care, in-home personal care, and assisted living for eligible adults. Different from DDD waivers.
Medicaid-funded therapies for daily-living, motor, and communication skills.
Available through NJ FamilyCare, private insurance, EI (under 3), and schools (through the IEP).
Devices or apps that help non-speaking individuals communicate.
AAC devices can be funded through NJ Medicaid or private insurance with a Speech-Language Pathologist evaluation.
Medicaid help with bathing, dressing, and daily activities at home.
Available through NJ FamilyCare with a nurse assessment. Hours are based on documented need.
Your right to challenge a Medicaid or DDD denial before an Administrative Law Judge.
Deadlines are strict — usually 20 days from the notice. Request in writing and keep a copy. Free legal help is available through DRNJ and Legal Services of NJ.
The federally-funded protection & advocacy agency for NJ. Free legal advocacy.
Call 1-800-922-7233. Handles rights violations, abuse/neglect, education, and access cases.
Family Institute trainings, Mainstreaming Medical Care, and 20 county chapters.
Free trainings for families on DDD, IEPs, guardianship, and transition. County chapters run recreation, employment, and residential programs.
Managing your DDD budget to hire your own staff and choose your own supports.
You act as the employer (with support from a Support Broker and Fiscal Intermediary). Great option when you want flexibility, family staff, or non-traditional supports.
A NJ DDD-approved organization that delivers waiver services.
Providers must be approved and listed in the DDD Provider Search. You can change providers at any time by updating your ISP.
Company that processes payroll and paperwork when families self-direct services.
The FI handles W-2s, taxes, and background checks for the staff you hire — you're still the boss, but they take on the paperwork.
Federal-state agreement letting Medicaid pay for home & community services instead of institutional care.
NJ DDD runs two: Supports Program (SPP) and Community Care Program (CCP). 'Waives' the rule that Medicaid only pays for institutions.
NJ children's crisis team that comes to you 24/7.
Call 1-877-652-7624 (PerformCare). Free for children under 21. Team arrives within 1 hour and stays for up to 8 weeks of stabilization.
NJ's child protective services agency (formerly DYFS).
Report abuse or neglect: 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873), 24/7.
- NJ DDD Documents— NJ DDD
See something outdated? Tell us and we'll fix it.