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 4 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 use these first before using your Self-Determination Program budget. Like in the traditional system, you will need a denial from them before adding a 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.
4. Is the service integrated in the community?
The service must follow the HCBS Final Rule, meaning it should take place in the community—not in an isolated or institutional setting—and support your choice, rights, and independence. This doesn’t mean services can’t happen at home or in programs for people with disabilities. If the service is out in the community and available to everyone, then you are good to go. If it is just for people with disabilities, you just need to check with your service coordinator to make sure they meet the rule.
Important:
The regional center does not approve your spending plan. The Self-Determination Program waiver gives participants budget and employer authority over their spending plan. They verify that your spending items answer the following questions.
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):
Complete Guide Training Video: Spending Plan
Complete Guide Training Video description.
Video coming soon.