Spending Plan
The spending plan is where your self-determination program comes alive! It is how you use your budget in SDP. It lists all services, supports, and costs to help you reach your goals and stay safe. It must include the only vendored service you are required to use, your Financial Management Service. If you decide you want your pre-enrollment support (or independent facilitator to assist you once you are in the program you can add them. Employee wages, taxes, and benefits are also included. The total must stay within your budget and will be added to your IPP.
What can go on your spending plan?
The Self-determination Program is paid for through a combination of federal and state funds. There are rules on what you can pay for. You have much more freedom and authority but with that comes responsibility.
Spending Plan Checklist:
If you answered “Yes” to all 3 questions, the support can be included!
1. Is the service covered by the SDP waiver?
That means it is federally reimbursable. This is a complicated way of saying that it is listed in the service code definitions.
To see what’s included, check the service code definitions:
For more on what can or can’t be in your spending plan:
2. Have you tried generic resources first?
A generic resource is a public service like Medi-Cal, the Department of Rehabilitation, or the school district. You must try to access these first before using your Self-Determination Program budget. Like in the traditional system, you will need a denial from them before being able to add that service to your spending plan.
3. Is the service tied to my disability and a goal in my IPP?
Everything in your spending plan must relate to your disability and be related to a goal in your IPP.
Important:
The regional center certifies your spending plan to make sure it follows these three rules*. In the Self-Determination Program, you develop your spending plan. If your plan follows the rules, the regional center should not control your choices. They can’t make you list service provider names (only a service description is required) or tell you to use the same services or hours you had in your budget.
* These rules have been updated based on the 2025 Trailer Bill Language that goes into effect July 1, 2025.
What does a Spending Plan look like?
There’s no standard spending plan. Some regional centers or FMS providers have their own format. You don’t need exact costs or provider names—just describe the service. The spending plan should create a roadmap of how you intend to spend the budget over the next year. It cannot exceed the budget amount agreed to with your IPP team.
Simple Spending Plan Template:
Spending Plan Spreadsheet Template (English):
Spending Plan Spreadsheet Template (English & Spanish): (coming soon)
Complete Guide Training Video: Spending Plan
To get the slides with the links in the video: