What is the CCP & When Should My Loved One Apply?
Let’s review the key details of the Community Care Program (CCP), including eligibility requirements, level of care assessments, and what it means to be on the waiting list. Whether your loved one is approaching adulthood or already enrolled with New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (NJ DDD), understanding this program can help you plan ahead and make informed choices.
Navigating the world of disability services can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s time to make decisions about long-term support for a loved one. One program that often comes up in New Jersey is the CCP: a Medicaid waiver program designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living safe, meaningful lives in the community.
But what exactly does the CCP offer? Who qualifies for it, and when is the right time to apply? We’ll answer all your questions here.
What Is the CCP?
The CCP is one of two Medicaid waiver programs administered by NJ DDD. The other is the Supports Program (SP). While both programs offer important services, the CCP is tailored for individuals who need a more intensive level of care and supervision, especially those who may eventually live outside the family home.
The CCP helps eligible adults age 21 and over access a wide range of services, including:
- 24/7 residential support
- Day habilitation and employment services
- Behavioral supports
- Transportation
- Respite services
- Assistive technology
- Community-based supports
The goal of the CCP is to help people with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible, while receiving the care they need to thrive.
RELATED: 4 Tips to Navigate NJ DDD Support Coordination Services with Your Loved One
Who Is Eligible for the CCP?
To be considered for the CCP, individuals must meet a number of eligibility criteria, including:
DDD Eligibility
Applicants must first be found eligible for services through the NJ DDD. This means they must:
- Be a New Jersey resident
- Be age 21 or older
- Have a documented developmental disability that occurred before age 22 that is lifelong in nature
- Require a level of support that substantially limits daily living skills
Medicaid Eligibility
Since the CCP is a Medicaid-funded waiver program, this means that individuals must be eligible for Medicaid, either through NJ FamilyCare or by applying through the County Board of Social Services.
Level of Care (LOC) Criteria
Applicants must meet an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) level of care. This means their functional needs are significant enough to qualify for a residential setting typically provided in an institution, even if they will receive services in the community instead.
Level of care is determined through an evaluation of the person’s:
- Health needs
- Cognitive functioning
- Communication skills
- Ability to manage daily living activities (like bathing, eating, dressing, etc.)
This assessment is often completed using the NJ Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJ CAT), which helps NJ DDD determine support needs and funding tiers.
What Is the CCP Waiting List?
Unlike the Supports Program, which is available to all eligible individuals, the CCP is capacity-limited, meaning only a certain number of people can be enrolled at any one time. As a result, many individuals must spend time on the CCP waiting list before receiving services.
It’s important to understand:
- The list is not first-come, first-served—people are prioritized based on urgency of need.
- NJ DDD may periodically review and update each person’s priority status.
- Families can request a priority reassessment if circumstances change (such as caregiver illness or loss of housing).
The waiting list can feel frustrating, but being on it positions your loved one for enrollment when a slot becomes available. It’s also an essential step toward future planning, especially if full-time residential services may be needed down the line.
When Should You Apply?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but in general, earlier is better. If you believe your loved one will eventually need a high level of support, including residential care, it makes sense to apply to the CCP as soon as they are eligible at age 21.
Here’s why applying early helps:
- It ensures your loved one gets on the CCP waiting list sooner.
- It creates a record of need in case future planning or urgent changes occur.
- It gives your family time to explore service options and prepare for transitions.
Many families start the process before the individual turns 21, by completing NJ DDD eligibility and Medicaid applications. This way, the transition from school-based services to adult services can be smoother.
If your loved one is already receiving services under the Supports Program but their needs have changed, you can also request an evaluation for CCP eligibility and get added to the waiting list if appropriate.
Need Help Navigating the CCP?
At Skylands Family Support, we’ve helped many families explore their options and apply for programs like the CCP. If you’re unsure where to start or need guidance along the way, we’re here to support you.
Contact us to speak with a member of our team. You don’t have to go through this alone—we’re here to help you make the best choices for your loved one’s future.