SDP Spending-Plan Changes

SPENDING-PLAN CHANGES

One of the advantages of the SDP is that participants have the flexibility to add new services or reallocate funds throughout the SDP budget year, accommodating emerging service needs and changes in life circumstances.

Please be advised that each Regional Center has its own policies and processing timeframes for implementing spending plan changes, which may result in a processing period of several months. FMS Pay does not have oversight or control over the policies and procedures of your local Regional Center.

Overview of spending-plan changes:

During the participant’s SDP budget year, there may be a need to explore new services or reallocate funds between service categories. FMS Pay is authorized to administer only the approved spending plan on record. To add new services or transfer funds between service codes, a formal spending plan change must be processed through your local Regional Center. Given the complexity of these adjustments, many participants find it beneficial to seek the assistance of an Independent Facilitator to ensure a smooth and accurate transition.

While movements of funds of 10% or less do not require prior Regional Center "approval", it is still necessary to inform the Regional Center to ensure the adjustment is accurately reflected in their accounting system. Any transfer of funds between service codes necessitates a revised spending plan and corresponding authorization. This process may take several months for the Regional Center to update within their fiscal system. The Regional Center is responsible for providing the updated authorizations to the FMS and updating the budget in the eBilling web application to facilitate FMS access to the funds.

Timeframe of changes:

Please note that changes to the spending plan may require advance planning, as these modifications are not processed instantly. The approval and implementation process by the Regional Center can take several months. It is essential to schedule your service adjustments accordingly and to notify your Regional Center promptly if you wish to request a change to your spending plan.

Requesting a spending-plan change:

Participants are required to collaborate with their Regional Center case manager to add new services and transfer funds between service codes as necessary. Due to the complexity and the need for careful attention to detail involved in this process, many participants are supported by their Independent Facilitator to ensure successful implementation of these changes.

Please be advised that FMS Pay will be unable to process your new spending plan until the updated spending plan and corresponding authorization have been received. It is common for invoices to be rejected when submitted prior to the finalization of these changes. To ensure smooth processing, participants are encouraged to confirm with their Regional Center case manager that both the finalized spending plan and the new authorization have been forwarded to FMS prior to submitting invoices for the newly approved services.

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