Accura FMS & SDP Learning

10/25/2024

Independent Facilitators play a vital role in helping individuals navigate the Self-Determination Program effectively. By understanding who they are and how their services are funded, families can make informed decisions that enhance their SDP experience.

Navigating the complexities of California's Self-Determination Program (SDP) can be challenging for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. To ease this transition, many families choose to work with an Independent Facilitator (IF). But who exactly are these facilitators, and....

10/18/2024

What is the eligibility criteria to participate in Self-determination Program?
To qualify for the Self-Determination Program (SDP), you or your family member must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility: You must have a developmental disability and currently receive services from a California regional center, or be a new client of a regional center.

Age Requirement: You must be over the age of three. If under three, eligibility for services must be established through the Lanterman Act.

Living Situation: You must reside in the community and have the freedom to make choices about your life. Individuals living in licensed long-term healthcare facilities are generally not eligible unless they are using the SDP as part of their transition out of such a facility.

Once enrolled, you can continue participating in the SDP even if you move to a different regional center. Should you choose to exit the program voluntarily, you may return to the traditional regional center services; however, re-enrollment in the SDP will not be allowed for at least twelve months.

To learn more:

Learn about California's Self Determination Program (SDP) via animated videos, blogs, and newsletters. How do you enroll in SDP, build a spending plan, evaluate FMS, and Latest news on DDS, SDP, and more.

10/10/2024

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise control over their services and supports. A crucial aspect of this program is the management of individual budgets and spending plans, which are essential for ensuring that participants can effectively meet their needs. Learn how your budgets are determined and how you can move funds across categories.

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise control over their services and supports. A crucial aspect of this program is the management of individual budgets and spending plans, which are essential for ensuring that participants can effectiv...

10/05/2024

Have you decided on your FMS Model? Do you understand various insurance requirements for each model?

When choosing between the Co-Employer and Sole Employer models in California's Self-Determination Program (SDP), insurance requirements differ. In the Co-Employer model, the FMS handles all insurance, including Workers’ Compensation, Employer Liability, General Liability, and Professional Liability. As a participant, you don’t need to worry about insurance.
In the Sole Employer model, you are the employer of record, responsible for securing insurance like Workers’ Compensation and Employer Liability, while General and Professional Liability are optional but important. Choosing the right model impacts the complexity and cost of managing these insurances.
Read more here:https://www.accurafms.com/learning?questionId=982a3c38-ddcf-4906-874e-5d2b6a430844&appDefId=14c92d28-031e-7910-c9a8-a670011e062d

10/03/2024

What is Employer Burden and why does it matter?
Employer burden refers to the various responsibilities and costs that participants assume when they become employers of their service providers or care workers. For instance, employer burden covers expenses like payroll taxes (e.g., Social Security and Medicare), unemployment insurance, and contributions to workers' compensation insurance.

Typically FMS companies charge anywhere between 18-25% for employer burden. These costs are deducted from the participant’s overall budget, which could otherwise be used for direct services or other vital resources. For example, in a budget with $100,000 payroll and 25% employer burden, this means spending $25k on just employer taxes and insurances. So, remember to ask your FMS their employer burden and make an informed decision.

To learn more, visit:

Learn about California's Self Determination Program (SDP) via animated videos, blogs, and newsletters. How do you enroll in SDP, build a spending plan, evaluate FMS, and Latest news on DDS, SDP, and more.

09/30/2024

🌟 How does a technology-driven FMS make life easier for Self-Determination Program (SDP) participants? 🌟

Tired of waiting on hold, chasing down payments, and dealing with paper-heavy processes? It’s time to say goodbye to outdated FMS providers. Accura FMS delivers faster onboarding, personalized support, and real-time digital dashboards that let you track and manage your budget with ease. No more endless phone calls or piles of paperwork—just smooth, tech-enabled services that keep you in control.

💡 Ready for an FMS that works for you? Visit Accura FMS and book your free consultation today!

Accura FMS is a premier Financial Management Services (FMS) company catering to California's Self Determination Program (SDP) participants. We provide Dedicated case managers, Fund management dashboards, Flexible payment options and more...

09/18/2024

How do you pick the right FMS Model for Self-determination Program?

The three primary FMS models available under California's SDP are:

Bill Payer Model
Co-Employer Model
Sole Employer Model

Bill Payer Model
This model is the simplest of the three. If you are not planning to hire employees, this is the ideal choice. In the Bill Payer model:
You do not hire employees directly. You can select vendors or services that aren’t listed by your local regional center.
This is perfect for participants who only need services without having to manage staff.

Co-Employer Model
In the Co-Employer model, both you (the participant) and the FMS play roles in managing employees. Here's how it works:
The FMS is the official employer of record.

The FMS takes care of payroll, tax filings, and other employer responsibilities. You, as the participant, retain the power to hire and fire employees and decide who will work with you

Sole Employer Model
In the Sole Employer model, you (or someone you designate) become the employer of record. This model offers the most control and flexibility, but it also comes with additional responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know:

You handle most aspects of being an employer, including deciding whether to conduct background checks if your employee isn’t providing personal care services.

As an employer of record, you need to primarily have a business either as LLC or a Corporation. You will need to register your business get a Federal EIN number. As an employer, you are also responsible for all you year end accounting and tax filings.

For more detailed information on various FMS models, Insurances and other factors read here:

Understanding Various FMS Models, Employer burden & types of Insurances in Self-Determination Program (SDP).

09/13/2024

What is Employer Burden and why does it matter?

Employer burden refers to the various responsibilities and costs that participants assume when they become employers of their service providers or care workers. For instance, employer burden covers expenses like payroll taxes (e.g., Social Security and Medicare), unemployment insurance, and contributions to workers' compensation insurance.

Typically FMS companies charge anywhere between 18-25% for employer burden. These costs are deducted from the participant’s overall budget, which could otherwise be used for direct services or other vital resources. For example, in a budget with $100,000 payroll and 25% employer burden, this means spending $25k on just employer taxes and insurances. So, remember to ask your FMS on the employer burden and make an informed decision.

Learn more about SDP:

Learn about California's Self Determination Program (SDP) via animated videos, blogs, and newsletters. How do you enroll in SDP, build a spending plan, evaluate FMS, and Latest news on DDS, SDP, and more.

09/10/2024

In California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP), participants have the flexibility to choose from different Financial Management Services (FMS) models to manage their individual budgets. These models differ in terms of employer responsibilities, financial oversight, and the level of control participants have over their services. Understanding these models is crucial, particularly when it comes to handling payments, liability and health insurance coverage for staff and services.

Understanding Various FMS Models, Employer burden & types of Insurances in Self-Determination Program (SDP).

08/28/2024

Million $$ Question - How is my Self-determination Program (SDP) budget determined?

If you already receive services from a regional center:

Budget Calculation: Your budget is based on what was spent on your services over the past 12 months. This amount is updated every year using the most recent data.

Adjustments: Your budget can be changed if:

Your needs or situation have changed.
There were services or needs not covered before that should have been.
Examples might include a change in where you live, services you no longer need, or missed services due to illness or a lack of available providers.

Certification: The regional center must confirm that the spending, including any changes to your budget, would have happened even if you were not in the SDP.

If you are new to regional center services or don’t have a full year of purchase history:

Budget Calculation: Your budget is based on the estimated annual cost for the services and supports you need. This is calculated using average costs for each service and how often you need them. The budget may be adjusted if you have special needs that affect the cost, like language support or specific medical needs.

Certification: The regional center must confirm that the budget would have been spent regardless of your participation in the SDP.

To learn more about SDP, visit us at

Learn about California's Self Determination Program (SDP) via animated videos, blogs, and newsletters. How do you enroll in SDP, build a spending plan, evaluate FMS, and Latest news on DDS, SDP, and more.

08/27/2024

California's Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a life changer for the person and a game changer for the system. In this video, we specifically cover the various services offered with real-life examples. Accura Learning is a one-stop place to learn everything about SDP.

California's Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a life changer for the person and a game changer for the system. In this video, we specifically cover the va...

08/22/2024

This is the transformative promise of California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP). By putting individuals in control of their services and supports, SDP empowers them to design their own futures, breaking away from the limitations of traditional systems.

California's Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a life changer for the person and a game changer for the system. At its core is the revolutionary idea that ...