What is the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool?

• DDD will be assessing each individual who is 21 years and older and eligible for DDD-funded services through a questionnaire called the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJ CAT).
• This application tool will help determine an individual’s needs, by identifying the areas in which a person needs support and assistance.
• It will also help determine an individualized budget to be used for the “purchase” of needed services.

Why is the assessment necessary?

• Assesses whether the individual meets eligibility for DDD services.
• Assesses individual competencies and assists in determining who needs more support so that those with like needs receive a similar level of support.
• Promotes fairness and equity in regards to allocation of resources.

What does the NJ CAT consist of?

• The NJ CAT consist of 2 parts:
  • Functional Criteria Assessment (FCA) – assesses whether a person meets eligibility criteria for DDD services.
  • Developmental Disabilities Resource Tool (DDRT) – assesses service and support need levels of the individual.

Who completes the assessment?

• Respondent should be the person who knows the individual best (guardian, family member or residential staff).
• The assessment will take approximately 30-40 minutes to complete and all question must be answered.
• Important Note: Once you submit the assessment, you cannot go back and make changes.

How do I complete the NJ CAT assessment?

• The assessment is usually completed online; however, the assessment can be done over the phone.
• A letter along with a link to the assessment will be mailed and/or emailed to all participants.
• If you do not receive access to the assessment by mail or e-mail, contact your county DDD office. All county office numbers are located on the Department of Human Services website: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd/individuals/applyservices/assessment/
• Once the assessment is complete, there is nothing that you need to do until you are contacted via mail with your determination of eligibility.

What are the main areas assessed?

• Cognitive Abilities
• Self-care and independent living skills
• Verbal communication
• Mobility and physical capabilities
• Social-Emotional functioning
• Special behaviors
• Medical issues
• Other areas included: demographics, caregiver characteristics, adaptive aids, employment.

What will the results of the NJ CAT assessment indicate?

• The individual’s results will be assigned into a tier based on their assessed level of need.
• The tier assignment will impact:
  • The rate that providers are reimbursed for the provision of Individual Supports in a licensed setting.
  • The rate that providers are reimbursed for provision of Day Habilitation services
  • The individual’s budget amounts.