Division of Developmental Disabilities Supported Employment Program (DDD SEP) FY25 Revalidation Guidelines

Division of Developmental Disabilities Supported Employment Program (DDD SEP)
FY25 Revalidation Guidelines

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is committed to expanding and enhancing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to sustain Competitive integrated Employment (CIE). The Division's commitment in this area includes periodic auditing and data collection efforts through the Revalidation of the DDD's Supported Employment Program (DDD SEP) authorizations. The following is guidance on the process and procedure for FY25 DDD SEP Revalidation.

Background:

Annual Revalidation of all active DDD SEP authorizations began in FY22. DDD SEP Revalidation is built upon a foundation of data collection, informed decision making, administrative oversight and continuous improvement. DDD SEP Revalidation is cited in both the DDD SEP Information Bulletin and the DDD DRS Memorandum of Understanding. (PDF)

Scope:

FY25 DDD SEP Revalidation applies to current DDD SEP authorizations that are the result of either:

1) Carry over DDD SEP authorization from FY24 DDD SEP Revalidation; or

2) New/Initial DDD SEP authorization from the period of July 1st, 2024, to March 31st, 2025.

New / Initial DDD SEP authorizations approved on or after April 1st, 2025, do not require FY25 Revalidation and will remain active into FY26.

The following service and billing codes are subject to FY25 Revalidation.

  • DDD SEP Individual (36U)
  • DDD SEP Group (36G & 33G)
  • DDD SEP SODC Individual (34U)
  • DDD SEP SODC Group (34G & 32G)

Current Impact:

DDD SEP Provider agencies must submit DDD SEP Revalidation requests on behalf of all individuals who have an active DDD SEP authorization and who require supportive services to sustain currently active Competitive Integrated Employment.

FY25 DDD SEP Revalidation requests will be accepted from April 1st, 2025, through end of business May 2nd, 2025.

To be considered for FY25 DDD SEP Revalidation, an individual must:

  • Have an active authorization for one or more DDD SEP service and billing codes; and
  • Be currently employed in an integrated setting at competitive wages; and
  • Require supportive services to sustain current employment
  • Meet DDD SEP eligibility requirements

Potential Outcomes:

Revalidation of DDD SEP - Carry over to FY26

* Fully complete and accurate DDD SEP Revalidation requests which are submitted within the FY25 DDD SEP Revalidation window, and which meet all criteria of DDD SEP, will result in the continued authorization of applicable DDD SEP service and billing codes into FY26.

Deactivation of DDD SEP

  • Requests that include documents which are not fully completed and/or contain erroneous information will be Rejected as Incomplete and will not be Revalidated.
  • DDD SEP Revalidation requests which are received after the May 2nd, 2025, deadline and / or those which do not meet DDD SEP criteria will result in the applicable DDD SEP service and billing code(s) being deactivated effective June 30th, 2025.
    • In the event of deactivation, a New/Initial Request for DDD SEP may be made, should the individual obtain employment and all other eligibility criteria are met. Please refer to the DDD SEP Information Bulletin for further details, including eligibility criteria.

Revalidation Request Documentation:

Submission of complete and accurate versions of the following documents are required for Revalidation of each DDD SEP award.

A separate SEQ must be submitted for each job in which DDD SEP services and supports are provided

Revalidation Request Process:

  1. DDD SEP Provider
    1. Complete ADPRs and SEQs for all persons associated with the agency who have a current DDD SEP authorization and who continue to need DDD SEP to sustain employment
    2. Transmit ADPRs and SEQs to the respective Independent Service Coordination (ISC) entity
  2. ISC entity
    1. Review the request
    2. Ensure the support need is identified in the Career and Income Section of the Personal Plan
    3. Sign and Date the ADPR
    4. Submit to DDD via Birdseye
      1. The Birdseye E-Packet's "Day Program Requested" field must be flagged as "DDD SEP"
      2. Assigning the DDD Supported Employment Administrator as the Region Personnel

Upon receipt of complete and accurate ADPRs and SEQs, DDD SEP Unit Personnel will:

  • Review and document the submission; and
  • Verify eligibility and determine Revalidation status; and
  • Work with staff from the DDD SEP provider agency, DDD Regions and ISC to address any processing concern/s; and
  • Communicate the outcome of Revalidation to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Rates Unit and DDD SEP Providers.

Inquiries:

Questions on the status of DDD SEP authorizations may be directed to the DDD Supported Employment Administrator: casey.burke@illinois.gov. However, all agencies that provide DDD SEP were given a full list of all DDD SEP authorizations from FY24 Revalidation and have been notified directly of all New/Initial authorizations. These notifications should be kept on file at the provider agency so there is no confusion related to who is authorized.

Notes:

  • Revalidation will not result in issuance of an updated rate sheet.
  • New DDD SEP Group programs and locations must be confirmed as compliant with HCBS Settings requirements.
  • DDD SEP Provider organizations must ensure each location at which DDD SEP is supported has a unique Site ID.
  • The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.

Effective Date:

3/26/25