---
title: Generic Resource
description: "## Generic Resources - Regional centers are the **payer of last resort**. This means you must try other resources first. - These are called **generic resources**. - Your service coordinator must help you apply, fill out forms, and go to…"
url: "https://completeguidetosdp.org/docs/generic-resource/"
updated: "2025-09-10"
category: General Information
---

# Generic Resource

## Generic Resources

- Regional centers are the **payer of last resort**. This means you must try other resources first.
- These are called **generic resources**.
- Your service coordinator must help you apply, fill out forms, and go to meetings (In practice they often do not assist)
- If you get **denied**, give the denial letter to your regional center.
- Using generic resources helps you **save your Self-Determination Program (SDP) funds**.

###### Examples:

- In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) – staff help
- Medi-Cal, Medicare, or health insurance – doctors, therapy, dental
- SSI/SSA – money for food, rent, clothes
- Department of Mental Health – counseling, medicine
- Housing Authority/Section 8 – rent help
- Department of Rehabilitation – jobs and training
- WIC – food for women and kids
- California Children’s Services – therapy, equipment
- Public transportation (Access, Dial-a-Ride) – rides
- Schools – education, therapy, tutoring

###### Not generic resources:

- Organizations that are private or do not receive public funds (example: local non-profit that is giving away iPads to people with Autism)
- Your own bank account, trust, ABLE account
- Money from family or inheritance
- Money from a job

Regional centers cannot ask you to pay with your own money. Services are based on **need**, not income.

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## Legal Definition

###### Welfare and Institutions Code

WIC § 4644

(b) For purposes of this section, “generic agency” means any agency which has a legal responsibility to serve all members of the general public and which is receiving public funds for providing such services.