Planning for 21 in Union County: what DDD eligibility means

For Union County families of autistic children: DDD eligibility at 21 is not automatic. Learn the steps, who to ask, and what to prepare.

Published August 31, 2026 · Union County, New Jersey

The change at age 21

If your child has been receiving services through New Jersey's Children's System of Care, those services end on the child's 21st birthday. The adult agency you will deal with is the Division of Developmental Disabilities, or DDD. This is not a small transition, and it is not automatic. You have to apply for DDD eligibility separately. In Union County, families often assume the school district or a therapist will handle this. That is not how it works.

What DDD eligibility means

DDD is the state agency for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It does not pay for special education and it does not provide ABA therapy directly. What DDD can do, once your child is found eligible, is help fund or arrange adult services such as day programs, residential supports, respite, and similar supports. Eligibility is based on records and evaluations, not on a single diagnosis. The state must see that the disability began before age 22 and that it causes significant limitations in two or more major life areas. Many autistic adults qualify, but each case is reviewed individually.

Where to start in Union County

Begin with your child's school district. Every district in Union County has a child study team that is required to plan for transition to adult life. That includes Berkeley Heights, Clark Township, Cranford, Elizabeth, Garwood Boro, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, and Plainfield. Ask the case manager for the name of the district's transition coordinator. That person should know the referral process for DDD. At the same time, contact DDD directly. Say that you live in Union County and that your child is approaching 21. Ask for the eligibility packet and the intake department. DDD has regional offices that cover the county, but you need to make the first call.

What to prepare

Before you call, gather the records DDD will ask for. These include:

• Recent psychological and neuropsychological evaluations.
• Medical records that show a diagnosed developmental disability.
• Your child's current and past Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs.
• School evaluation reports, including speech, occupational therapy, and functional behavior assessments.
• Records that describe daily living skills, mobility, self-care, and communication.
• Medicaid or health insurance history that lists diagnoses and treatment.

You will also fill out a form about your child's daily life. Be honest and detailed. It helps DDD understand what your child actually needs after age 21.

Do not wait until age 21

You can start the DDD process at age 17 or 18. Federal special education law requires transition planning by age 16. In Union County, districts like Elizabeth Public Schools, Linden Public Schools, and Garwood Boro have transition plans in the IEP. Ask to see that plan and make sure DDD eligibility is listed as a goal. The plan should include coordinated steps that move your child from school to post-school settings.

What DDD eligibility does not guarantee

Being found eligible for DDD does not mean services start immediately. New Jersey may place your child on a waiting list or assign a support coordinator. The services your child gets depend on a needs assessment and DDD's funding rules. Wait times change and can be different for every person. After DDD approves your application, ask them for an estimate of next steps and any timelines they can share. If DDD denies your application, you have the right to request a fair hearing.

Other services and how they fit

Union County has 52 ABA providers registered on the federal NPPES registry. Almost every town has one, and every town has a provider within 7 miles. But those providers are not the same as DDD services. After 21, DDD is the main payer for residential and day services. For behavioral health care, your child's health insurance still matters. If your child is on NJ FamilyCare, a managed care plan like Horizon NJ Health, Wellpoint, Aetna Better Health of NJ, or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan will cover medical services. DDD eligibility is separate from those plans, but you will need both.

Ask the right people

If you feel lost, use these exact questions:

• To the school district: "Who is the transition coordinator for students with disabilities?"
• To the child study team: "Has a referral to DDD been made in the IEP?"
• To DDD: "What is the application process for a Union County resident who is 20 years old?"
• To PerformCare: "How does the transition to DDD work for my child's case?"

PerformCare is the single access point for the Children's System of Care from age 3. You can call them while your child is under 21. DDD eligibility is a separate process, but PerformCare can help coordinate the handoff.

Know what is in your control

You cannot control DDD's budget or the state waiting list. You can control your paperwork, your questions, and your starting date. In a county with 21 municipalities, no one central office will do the transition for you. The responsibility falls on you and your child's care team. Keep copies of every DDD form and every evaluation. Always ask for a written response. If you hear no, ask about the appeal process. Planning for 21 is not a single date. It is a series of small, concrete actions, and the best time to take the first one is now.