FAQ

DDD stands for the Division of Developmental Disabilities, part of Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES). It helps people with certain developmental disabilities live safely, learn skills, and be more independent.

DDD provides services like:

• In-home caregivers (help with bathing, dressing, etc.)

• Respite care (breaks for family caregivers)

• Habilitation (teaching life skills like cooking or communication)

• Employment and job coaching

• Transportation to services

To qualify, a person must:

• Have a diagnosis of autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, an intellectual disability, or down syndrome

• Have had the disability before age 18

• Show that it limits their ability to function independently in daily life

ALTCS stands for the Arizona Long Term Care System (pronounced “ALL-techs”). It’s part of the state’s Medicaid program and helps people who need long-term care due to a physical or developmental disability, chronic illness, or aging.

ALTCS helps pay for:

• In-home caregivers

• Skilled nursing care or assisted living

• Therapies and medical equipment

• Home modifications

• Hospice care

• Transportation to medical appointments

To qualify for ALTCS, your loved one must:

• Need help with daily activities (like bathing, mobility, or supervision)

• Meet financial eligibility (limited income and resources)

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and an Arizona resident

Start the ALTCS application here:

ALTCS Application – AHCCCS website

You can also call the ALTCS office to begin the application by phone: 1-888-621-6880

It can definitely be confusing at first, but here’s the simple breakdown:

In Arizona, DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) is the agency that coordinates and manages services for people with developmental disabilities—things like caregivers, habilitation (life skills training), respite, and more.

But DDD doesn’t pay for most of those services directly.

That’s where ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) comes in. ALTCS is part of Medicaid and is the funding source that pays for the services DDD sets up.

Thus, to receive services through DDD, a person must also qualify for ALTCS. It’s a two-part process:

1. DDD decides if the person has a qualifying developmental disability.

2. ALTCS decides if the person has a medical need and meets financial requirements.

When someone is approved for both, they can start receiving the full range of long-term care services through DDD—with Medicaid (ALTCS) covering the cost.

If someone is approved for DDD but not ALTCS, they won’t be eligible for many key services—like in-home care, respite, or habilitation—because those are funded through ALTCS.

Start with DDD.

In most cases, it’s best to apply for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) first, especially if your loved one is under age 18 or newly diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Why?

• DDD determines if your loved one qualifies for disability services (based on diagnosis, age of onset, and how the disability affects daily life).

• Once approved, DDD will coordinate services like respite, habilitation, and caregiving support.

• But those services need funding—which is where ALTCS comes in.

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Then apply for ALTCS.

After (or while) your DDD application is being processed, begin the ALTCS application. You don’t have to wait for full DDD approval to start, but it helps to have that determination underway.

ALTCS will evaluate:

• Medical need – whether your loved one needs help with daily living

• Financial eligibility – income and assets must be below certain limits

When someone is approved for both DDD and ALTCS, they can receive fully funded, long-term support services through Medicaid.

1. Download the application here:

DDD Application Form – English & Spanish

2. Complete the application:

Fill out all sections about the applicant’s medical history, diagnosis, and daily needs. If available, attach any relevant documentation, such as:

• Medical or psychological evaluations

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

• School or therapy records

3. Submit the application one of three ways:

Email: DDDApps@azdes.gov

Fax: (602) 542-6870

Mail:

Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities Intake Unit, 1789 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

4. Wait for contact from DDD:

A DDD intake specialist will reach out to schedule an interview and request additional documentation if needed.

In most cases, it’s best to apply for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) first, especially if your loved one is under age 18 or newly diagnosed with a developmental disability.

ALTCS Process:

1. 1. Download the application:

   DDD Application Form – English & Spanish

   2. Complete the application:

   Fill out all sections about the applicant’s medical history, diagnosis, and daily needs. If available, attach any relevant documentation, such as:

   • Medical or psychological evaluations

   • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

   • School or therapy records

   3. Submit the application one of three ways:

   • Email: DDDApps@azdes.gov

   • Fax: (602) 542-6870

   • Mail:

   Department of Economic Security

   Division of Developmental Disabilities

   Intake Unit, 1789 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

   4. Wait for contact from DDD:

   A DDD intake specialist will reach out to schedule an interview and request additional documentation if needed.

It’s important to know that a denial—whether for DDD or ALTCS—is not the end of the road! These programs have strict criteria, and unfortunately, even individuals with significant needs are sometimes denied due to missing documentation, unclear records, or misunderstanding of their situation.

We’ve worked with families who came to us after being denied multiple times, some had been turned down three to five times, before reaching out for help. Once we stepped in, we:

• Reviewed prior applications and denial letters to understand the exact issues

• Strengthen medical, psychological, or functional limitations documentation

• Clarifying how the disability impacts daily life

• Guided families through the appeal or reapplication process with confidence

In many of these cases, the same individuals who were denied over and over were eventually approved—once the right information was presented.

If this sounds like your situation, know that you’re not alone. We specialize in helping families navigate these complex systems and give your loved one the best possible chance at getting the services they need.