Funding & Eligibility
Information for DD Services
Everyone supported by Duet must have a Developmental Disability (DD) diagnosis. The state requires everyone receiving services to also receive Medicaid. This permits the state to put those in service on a Medicaid waiver and be reimbursed for
a percentage of the cost of funding. You, or if you are applying on behalf of your loved one, must qualify for a HCBS waiver.
Duet is not able to fill out applications on behalf of people seeking services. We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions about services we provide and scheduling tours to learn more about the types of services we provide that includes touring residential options. To learn more, contact us at 402-444-6500.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines can be found on their website, www.dhhs.ne.gov. As you search their website and begin to inquire into eligibility, the following might be useful.
DD Eligibility
- Have a developmental disability, as defined in Neb. Rev. Stat. §83-1205
- Have a developmental disability diagnosed by a licensed psychologist or a medical doctor AND substantial limitations in each of the 3 areas:
- Conceptual skills, such as language, reading, money, time, number concepts and self-direction;
- Social skills, such as interpersonal skills, social responsibility, self-esteem, gullibility, wariness, social problem solving, and the ability to follow laws and rules and to avoid being victimized; and
- Practical skills, such as activities of daily living, personal care, job skills, healthcare, mobility, and the capacity for independent living.
Applying for DD Waiver Services
An application for DD services is different from an application for Medicaid, Social Security, economic assistance or behavioral health services. Those are separate applications, which you may need to also complete.
ACCESSNebraska is the best way to apply for DD Waiver Services.
There are multiple options to apply and assistance can be provided at your local DHHS office. All information, including the application and step by step guide can be found on their website, www.dhhs.ne.gov/pages/accessnebraska.aspx. To request an application be mailed to you, call (877) 667-6266. Applications can be submitted via fax to (402) 742-8384, email at DHHS.
DEligibility@nebraska.gov or mail to:
- DD Eligibility
- PO Box 98947
- Lincoln NE 68509-8947
DD Eligibility Determination and Level of Care
The Process and Needed Documents
You should get a call a few days after submitting your application. The Division of Developmental Disabilities will collect needed documents, which may include:
- Assessments completed by a licensed psychologist. Information on these documents is available on the DHHS website.
- Diagnosis of disability given before age 22, which affects your ability to complete activities of daily living skills.
- School reports:
- All Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) reports
- Most recent Individual Education Plan (IEP)
When an application and documents are received, a decision is usually made within 30 days. Please note:
- Being eligible does not mean you will receive services right away. There is limited funding available and therefore a wait list.
- Eligibility is reviewed at ages 9 and 18.
- If Social Security determines that you are not disabled, developmental disabilities eligibility will be reviewed.
Level of Care Determination
Once eligible, a level of care assessment is completed.
- DD Level of Care is based on the level of care needed to live in an Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD).
- The Developmental Index is the assessment tool currently used to determine Level of Care.
DD Wait List
When you meet the level of care requirement, if you have Medicaid or are a Medicaid-eligible child, you are placed on the
state wait list. For more information on the DD wait list, see the Funding section on the main DHHS page for participants.
