The NJCAT Assessment: What New Jersey Families Need to Know

For many families, applying for adult developmental disability services raises an important question: Will the available support reflect what my family member actually needs?

The New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool, known as the NJCAT, plays an important role in that process. Understanding the assessment—and preparing to describe everyday support needs accurately—can help families avoid misunderstandings that may affect service planning and funding.

What Is the NJCAT?

The NJCAT is the assessment used by New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to evaluate support needs in three broad areas: self-care, behavioral needs, and medical needs.

A trained facilitator asks the assessment questions during a meeting. The completed assessment is submitted electronically to Rutgers University’s Developmental Disabilities Planning Institute, where the responses are scored and a funding tier is established.

The tier helps determine the annual budget available for services through the applicable DDD waiver program. For certain services, it also affects provider reimbursement rates. That makes the accuracy of the information provided especially important.

Does the NJCAT Decide Which Services Someone Will Receive?

The NJCAT is an important part of the process, but it is not the entire process.

DDD eligibility, the funding tier, waiver enrollment, and the individual service plan are related but different decisions. The tier helps establish the available budget; it does not, by itself, approve every service a person may need or guarantee a residential placement.

The person’s needs must also be addressed through service planning, subject to the applicable program’s requirements. New Jersey’s Supports Program and Community Care Program have different eligibility and access rules, and the Community Care Program has a waiting list.

How Should Families Prepare?

The goal is not to obtain a particular score. The goal is to give a complete, truthful picture of the support the person needs.

Describe the Help Behind the Accomplishment

Families often become so accustomed to providing assistance that they stop noticing how much they do.

For example, saying that someone gets dressed independently may leave out the fact that a caregiver chooses appropriate clothing, gives repeated reminders, and stays nearby to help the person finish. Saying that someone takes medication may not explain who organizes it, provides reminders, and checks that it was taken correctly.

When answering questions, distinguish between what the person can do alone and what the person can do with prompting, supervision, preparation, or hands-on assistance. Ask the facilitator to explain any question or response option that is unclear.

Describe Patterns, Not Just One Good or Difficult Day

Needs can vary across settings and over time. Explain those differences rather than relying only on a best day, a worst day, or a single incident.

Concrete examples can be useful: what happened, how often it happens, what assistance was needed, and what the outcome was. Follow the assessment’s instructions about the time period each question covers.

Gather Records That Explain Current Needs

Useful preparation may include reviewing:

Medical reports and treatment recommendations.
Psychological and behavioral evaluations.
Behavior support plans and incident records.
School or adult-program records describing assistance and supervision.
A caregiver’s notes about recurring needs and the support provided.

Records should help explain the person’s functioning—not simply list diagnoses. Ask in advance how relevant documentation should be shared and who should participate in the assessment.

Include the Individual’s Perspective

Preparation should not focus only on limitations. Make room for the person’s strengths, communication preferences, choices, and goals. Explain the assistance needed to participate safely and meaningfully in daily life without overlooking what the person can do.

What Happens After the Assessment?

DDD states that it mails a tier letter within four weeks of the NJCAT meeting. Families can request a copy of the assessment questions and answers through the DDD Fee-for-Service Helpdesk or their support coordinator.

Reviewing the responses can help identify whether the assessment accurately captured the assistance the person needs. Look for missing information, misunderstood questions, and answers that describe independence without accounting for the support that makes an activity possible.

Keep copies of the assessment, tier letter, supporting records, and related correspondence.

Can You Request a Reassessment?

A reassessment may be appropriate when support needs change. DDD provides a Request for NJCAT Reassessment process that calls for reviewing the existing assessment, identifying changes, and submitting supporting documentation. Current DDD guidance also calls for an up-to-date Person-Centered Planning Tool and New Jersey Individualized Service Plan.

A reassessment does not guarantee an increase in funding. DDD explains that it may result in the same tier, a higher tier, or a lower tier. Before requesting one, review the current assessment and the evidence supporting the requested changes.

If you believe the original assessment contains errors, or you receive a notice affecting eligibility, funding, or services, ask promptly which review or appeal process applies. Do not assume that a reassessment request is the same as an appeal or preserves an appeal deadline.

When Should You Seek Help?

Consider seeking assistance when:

The assessment appears to understate daily assistance or supervision needs.
Responses do not match current medical, behavioral, or program records.
Needs have changed and you are considering a reassessment.
The available budget raises concerns about how necessary supports will be addressed.
You receive a denial, reduction, or other decision you do not understand.

Our firm helps individuals and families prepare for the NJCAT, review assessment information, organize supporting records, and evaluate options when results or service decisions do not appear to reflect the person’s needs.

Contact our office to discuss the NJCAT assessment and access to DDD services in New Jersey.

Helpful Resources

This article provides general information, not legal advice. Assessment procedures, program requirements, and funding policies may change. Options for review or appeal depend on the particular decision and notice received.