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Home Divisions Developmental Disabilities Intake and Eligibility Eligibility Determination

Eligibility Determination

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who meet the definition of developmental disability in accordance with New Mexico Administrative Code NMAC 8.290.4 are eligible for the DD Waiver. In general, to match the definition of a developmental disability the individual must:

  • Have an Intellectual Disability, onset by age 18 or
  • A specific related condition (Cerebral Palsy, Autistic Disorder, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, etc.) and
  • Have significant limitations in at least 3 areas of major life activity that began prior to age 22.

Every 5 years, New Mexico submits a renewal application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to continue providing DDW services and supports. The approved application contains the definition of eligibility DDSD must use when processing cases.

Please see the DDW Eligibility Definition 2020 document for the current, approved definition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the DDW?

Image The first step in the process is to complete the HCBS Registration Form. You may register by phone with an Eligibility Worker or submit the form by mail, by fax or in person. The date the registration form is received by DDSD is your Central Registry registration date. The registration date is important because if you are found eligible for DD Waiver services, you will receive an offer based on that registration date.

After the regional DDSD office receives the registration form, an Eligibility Worker will mail you a packet of information containing a Letter of Interest with the Eligibility Worker’s contact information, an application and releases of information. All individuals applying for DDW have 60 days, in total, to return the application packet and supporting documentation. If the packet has not been returned within the first 30 days, or the Eligibility Worker has not been contacted, a Closure Warning Letter is sent. This letter is notification that your registration will be closed in 30 days if the completed application form has still not been returned or if the Eligibility Worker has not been contacted within that timeframe.

Who determines eligibility?

An eligibility worker reviews information you, your guardian, and/or your authorized representative submit to DDSD.  Then they determine eligibility for DD Waiver programs. This documentation may include:

  • Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
  • Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED)
  • Multidisciplinary Evaluation Reports
  • Neuropsychological Evaluation
  • Psychological Evaluation
  • Medical Records
  • Therapy Notes

Please provide us copies of your paperwork and keep the originals for your records.

All documentation is accepted and reviewed based on the current definition of eligibility. Individuals who have certain conditions or mental health diagnoses, in addition to ID and/or a related condition, receive a second level review by a licensed practitioner to make sure the individual matches the DD criteria.

If you are eligible, you will receive a “Yes Match” letter indicating your name is on the wait list for services based on your registration date. There is an extensive wait list, so it could be several years before you receive DD Waiver services.

What services are available while I am on the wait list?

While you are on the wait list, there may be other services available. These services may include State General Funds (SGF), Centennial Care Community Benefits, and other community resources.

What if I receive a letter saying I am not eligible?

If you receive a “No Match” letter stating you are not eligible and your name will not be placed on the wait list, you may:

  • Contact your Eligibility Worker for additional information;
  • Request, in writing or by phone, an agency review conference. This is an opportunity to have a more in-depth conversation with the Central Registry Unit Manager about the denial;
  • Request a Fair Hearing. This is an evidentiary hearing before an impartial Administrative Law Judge. You have 90 days from the date of the letter stating you are not eligible to ask for a hearing.

Contact Information

Visit the Regional Offices section of our website to find contact information for your area.

Metro

  • Kathryn Lesarlley, LBSW (A – D) 505-372-8022
  • Moses Martinez (E – K) 505-362-8613
  • Myles Winter (L – Q) 505-372-8020
  • Denise Herrera (N-R & Supports Waiver) 505-389-3664
  • Micky Cariño (R – Z) 505-372-8021

Northeast

  • Renee Valerio (A-R) 505-372-8024
  • Cynthia Amador (S-Z) 505-423-4113

Northwest

  • Cheryle Anderson (A-N) 505-372-8018
  • Cynthia Amador (O-Z) 505-423-4113

Southeast

  • Elizabeth Duran (A - K) 505-372-8015
  • Laria Conde (L- Z) 505-372-8019

Southwest

  • Bernice Rivera (A – K) 505-372-8023
  • Nicole Hernandez (L – Z) 505-372-8017