The Self-Determination Program (SDP) in California provides individuals with developmental disabilities greater flexibility and control in choosing the services that best meet their needs. One of the most important—and sometimes confusing—parts of getting started in the program is creating your budget. Once you’ve completed SDP person-centered planning, the next step is creating and certifying a budget for your services.
In a recent webinar, the NeuroNav team discussed key details regarding budget creation, certification, appeals, and more. We’ll share some of the important information we went over in the webinar, along with some helpful budget tips, so you can feel prepared for your next steps in SDP enrollment.
Understanding the SDP Budget
The individual budget is the foundation of your Self-Determination Program. It sets the dollar amount you can spend each year on the services and supports outlined in your Individual Program Plan (IPP). These might include things like job coaching, respite care, assistive technology, or community-based classes.
Your Financial Management Service (FMS) provider will help manage the funds and make sure your spending stays within the approved limits. But first, your budget needs to be created, certified, and tied to a detailed spending plan.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your Initial SDP Budget
While creating and certifying the budget is only one step in the SDP enrollment process, there are several things that need to happen before you can move ahead. Let’s break it down.
1. Establish the Budget Amount
The process starts by looking at your previous 12 months of services through the regional center. Your budget will reflect the actual cost of the services you used, not just what was authorized. This means it’s critical to review your spending records and gather documentation (invoices, service logs, etc.) that shows what was provided.
If there are discrepancies or gaps in the records, ask your service coordinator for help reconciling them. Check the math and don’t be afraid to push for clarification. It’s your right to know how your budget is being calculated.
2. Certification by the Regional Center
Once a draft of your budget is put together, your regional center must “certify” it. This confirms that the amount is correct and aligned with your historical spending. It can help to double-check the rates provided by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for your regional center, as these may change year to year.
If you believe your budget does not accurately reflect the services and supports you need, an appeal process is available. You can appeal your budget and request changes even after it has been certified.
3. Work with an Independent Facilitator
An independent facilitator can help guide you through the budget and planning process. They can advocate on your behalf, help create your Person-Centered Plan (PCP), and assist with developing the spending plan that outlines how your funds will be used.
Facilitators are not required, but they can be an invaluable resource, especially if you’re new to the program.
4. Submit Your Spending Plan
The spending plan breaks your certified budget into categories like community integration, employment, and health and safety. Once completed, it’s submitted to the regional center and your FMS. Only after this step can you begin using your funds.
Revising Your Budget for Future Years
When you’re preparing to renew your budget for the upcoming year, there are a few questions you should consider:
- Were there any services you used in the last year that were for a one-time or temporary need? This can include things like vehicle modifications, temporary changes in caretaking responsibilities, or other one-off expenses.
- Are any of your services paid through a group contract?
- Did you use all of the services you had last year? Were they meeting your needs?
- Has anything changed since last year, or are you anticipating a life change?
- What are your goals for the next year, and what supports will you need to meet them?
- What “generic resources” do you have, and are there others you might be able to use?
In this context, the term “generic resources” refers to resources that might otherwise be able to pay for services, such as health insurance, school programs, or other sources of financial support. An SDP budget can only be used to pay for services not otherwise covered by accessible resources.
Answering the above questions will help you prepare for a conversation about your budget and provide an idea of what you need to request, add, or modify.
Get the Answers to All Your SDP Questions with NeuroNav
Creating and managing your SDP budget may feel overwhelming at first, but there are tools, people, and organizations ready to help. Use your support team, ask questions, and take your time building a plan that works for you or your loved one.
The SDP budget is just a means to an end: a more meaningful, individualized life filled with the supports and opportunities that matter most to you. Let us help you get the services you need to thrive. Our independent facilitation services are here to simplify the process and provide you with the support, advocacy, and guidance you need to make the most of SDP. Schedule a free consultation today to get started!
