Building Your SDP Spending Plan: What Details Should You Include?

If you're participating in California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP), you’ve probably heard a lot about the importance of a spending plan. But what exactly goes into building one? How detailed does it need to be? And where should you start?

We’ll walk you through the basics of an SDP spending plan, what to include (and what to leave out), how it differs from your SDP budget, and offer some helpful tips to get you going.

What Is an SDP Spending Plan?

A Self-Determination Program (SDP) spending plan is a document that outlines how a participant’s individual budget will be used to support their goals, services, and supports. It reflects the choices you or your loved one makes about how to use allocated funds within the program.

Unlike a generic budget, an SDP spending plan is highly personalized. It must align with the goals in your PCP and comply with guidelines from your regional center and Financial Management Service (FMS), which helps track and disburse the funds. 

Spending Plan vs. Budget: What’s the Difference?

An SDP budget outlines the funds allocated to pay for services allowed by the program. Your spending plan is more specific and goal-driven. It focuses on how the money will be spent to meet the goals outlined in the person-centered plan (PCP) or Individual Program Plan (IPP). Think of the spending plan as a roadmap that puts your budget into action.

Here’s a quick review of the key differences between your spending plan vs. budget:

Both the budget and spending plan are essential steps in the SDP enrollment process, and while they can be time-consuming and tedious, they help offer a level of freedom and choice you won’t find with traditional services. 

What to Include in an SDP Spending Plan

A well-structured SDP spending plan template usually includes the following sections:

• Individual Budget: Start by listing the total amount approved by the regional center for the year. This is your total pool of funds.

• Service Categories: Break down spending by service categories, such as employment supports, independent life skills training, and transportation. Each category should tie directly to outcomes in your PCP.

• Vendor or Provider Details: List the service providers or vendors you plan to work with. Include each provider’s name, type of service, rate (hourly/monthly/flat fee, etc.), estimated hours per month, and the total annual cost. Your Self-Determination Program fiscal agent will use this information to help manage payments and reporting.

• FMS Fees: Be sure to include the monthly or annual cost of your fiscal agent, as their services can be paid for using your SDP budget.

• One-Time Costs (if applicable): If you plan to make one-time purchases, such as specialized equipment or vehicle upgrades, include those in a separate section with clear justifications.

What Not to Include

To stay within SDP guidelines, avoid including any unapproved or non-disability-related expenses in your spending plan. SDP funds can’t be used to pay for services already covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare, or other insurance providers. They also can’t be used to cover expenses that fall outside your PCP goals. 

Because specificity is key in drafting a spending plan, avoid making vague entries like “miscellaneous” or “extra support.” Every item in the spending plan should be relevant, justifiable, and detailed. 

How Detailed Should a Spending Plan Be?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but in general, more detail means fewer delays. Aim to break down costs monthly or quarterly, match expenses directly to PCP goals, and be sure to use precise provider rates and hours. It helps to label services clearly and avoid generalized terms. 

Try to be as specific as possible. Too little detail could result in funding delays or questions from your regional center. However, there’s no need to over-complicate things. Overall, clarity is the goal.

Learn More About SDP with NeuroNav

Building a solid SDP spending plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support and tools in place, you can create a clear roadmap that turns your goals into action.

Need help on the road to self-determination? NeuroNav offers guidance from experienced facilitators who understand how to navigate the Self-Determination Program with confidence. Take advantage of our independent facilitation services and schedule a free consultation today to discover what’s possible with NeuroNav on your side.