What is DDA?
The DDA Administration
- Provides a coordinated service delivery system for people with developmental disabilities
- Partners with people with developmental disabilities and their families to provide leadership and resources to enable these individuals in living fulfilling lives.
- Is guided by the principle that individuals with developmental disabilities have the right to direct their lives and services.
Who is eligible?
Per Maryland requirements, to be eligible to receive services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), you must have a qualifying intellectual or developmental disability which keeps you from meeting your daily activities independently and meet specific criteria (i.e., medical, technical, and financial criteria).
Developmentally Disabled Eligibility means:
- The person has 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 the person 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
Support Only Eligibility means:
- The person has 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.
DDA offers services for both children and adults, therefore, you can apply at any age.
How to apply?
To apply for DDA services, the individual or someone acting on their behalf, must complete the application process. The process starts with submission of an initial eligibility application with supporting documentation. If assistance is needed to complete the application, the individual can contact their local DDA regional office.
Applications can be downloaded from the DDA website, mailed to you, or picked up from your regional office.
DDA Eligibility Process:
Once the DDA application is submitted and supported documentation is received by DDA, you should receive a letter in about five to seven business days informing you of the date your application was received.
Then a DDA representative, from a Coordination of Community Services (CCS) agency, will contact you to schedule a face-to-face interview.
This interview involves the review of your initial application and completion of an assessment. This step completes the application, and your information will be reviewed by DDA for a determination. Please note that the CCS agency does not determine eligibility, the DDA does.
What happens once a determination is made?
Individuals and their representatives will receive a formal letter from the DDA stating the eligibility determination.
- Eligible – If determined to be eligible by the DDA, the individual will be provided with instructions on how to select their Coordination of Community Services (CCS) agency. If a selection is not made within 30 days of the letter, your regional office will randomly assign a CCS agency to you.
- Ineligible – If determined to be ineligible by the DDA, the individual will receive a letter with information regarding ineligibility and how to request a reconsideration to appeal.
How can The Center help you?
The Center is able to guide you through the application process by linking you to your regional office, mailing a copy of the application to you, and assisting with identifying someone to help you complete the application.
If determined eligible, The Center is able to partner with you and your representative as your assigned CCS agency.
To learn more about the application process or obtain the DDA Eligibility Application, please visit DDA Eligibility Process and Application.
To identify or contact your regional office please visit DDA Regional Offices.
