What is DDD?

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

Apply for DDD here: DDD Application Form (English & Spanish)

What is ALTCS (pronounced “ALL-techs”)?

ALTCS stands for the Arizona Long Term Care System. 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 OR call the ALTCS office by phone: 1-888-621-6880

Why do individuals need to be approved for both DDD and ALTCS to get services?

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.

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.

What is the application process like?

Each program has its own steps:

DDD Process:

1. Submit the application (online, mail, or in-person)

2. Submit medical or psychological records (if available)

3. DDD will schedule an intake interview

4. They’ll review the documents and determine eligibility

ALTCS Process:

1. Submit the application or call to start the process

2. A nurse will visit to do a medical assessment

3. A financial eligibility review is done separately

4. The full process can take 45–60 days