Navigating services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey can be complex. The Community Care Program (CCP) Waiting List is a crucial element for families and individuals seeking support. This article explains what the CCP waiting list is, how it functions, and who is eligible to be on it. It is important to understand that being placed on the waiting list does not guarantee immediate enrollment in the CCP.
What is the Community Care Program (CCP) Waiting List?
The Community Care Program (CCP) waiting list serves as a formal way for individuals and their families to inform the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) of a potential need for enrollment in the CCP. Think of it as an official notification system. By adding your name to the list, you are signaling a future need for CCP services.
However, it is vital to understand that inclusion on the CCP waiting list is not an automatic pathway to CCP enrollment. Placement on the list simply indicates a potential future need and starts a process.
Eligibility Criteria for the CCP Waiting List
To be eligible to request placement on the CCP waiting list, individuals must meet specific criteria set by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. These criteria fall into two main categories:
Category 1: For individuals generally applying:
- Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Medicaid Eligibility: Must be eligible for Medicaid.
- DDD Service Eligibility: Must be determined by the Division to be eligible for DDD services, as outlined in Division Circular #3 (N.J.A.C. 10:46). This circular details the general eligibility requirements for DDD services in New Jersey.
Category 2: For individuals who were already in the system prior to specific dates:
- Date of Birth: Born before January 1, 1997.
- Prior DDD Eligibility: Determined by the Division to be eligible for services before January 22, 2013.
- Medicaid Eligibility: Must be eligible for Medicaid.
These categories ensure that individuals requesting to be on the waiting list meet basic prerequisites related to age, Medicaid status, and prior engagement with the DDD system where applicable.
CCP Enrollment and the ICF/IID Level of Care Requirement
When an individual is reached on the waiting list, a comprehensive determination process begins to assess their eligibility for CCP enrollment. Meeting the waiting list criteria is only the first step. For actual CCP enrollment, individuals must fulfill all general DDD eligibility requirements and be assessed as requiring an ICF/IID Level of Care.
ICF/IID stands for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. This level of care determination is crucial. It means the Division must conclude that, without the CCP services, the individual’s needs are so significant that they would qualify for services in a State-run institution for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In essence, the CCP program is designed to provide community-based services to individuals who would otherwise require institutional care.
This requirement is detailed in Division Circular 8 (N.J.A.C. 10:46C). This circular provides the specific standards for both joining the CCP waiting list and the procedures for CCP enrollment.
How to Request Placement on the CCP Waiting List
To formally request to be added to the Community Care Program Waiting List, you need to complete the designated form: Community Care Program Waiting List Request Form.
Once you have completed the form, you should submit it along with any relevant supporting documentation. There are two ways to submit your application:
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Email: Send to [email protected]
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Mail:
Waiting List Coordinator
NJDDD
2 Echelon Plaza
221 Laurel Road, Suite 210
Voorhees, NJ 08043
It is recommended to keep a copy of the completed form and any documentation you submit for your records.
Understanding the Waiting List Process
The Division of Developmental Disabilities typically processes the CCP waiting list chronologically. This means that individuals are generally contacted for eligibility determination in the order they were added to the list. However, the exact timeframe for being reached can vary and is not guaranteed.
For any questions or clarifications regarding the CCP waiting list, you can contact the DDD Fee-for-Service Helpdesk at [email protected]. They can provide assistance with understanding the process and address any concerns you may have.
Conclusion
The Community Care Program (CCP) waiting list is an important initial step for accessing community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. While placement on the list is not a guarantee of CCP enrollment, it is a necessary process to formally register a potential need for these vital services. By understanding the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the subsequent enrollment requirements, individuals and families can effectively navigate the pathway to accessing the support they need through the New Jersey CCP.
