Accura FMS & SDP Learning

06/09/2026

Did you know SDP can fund swim lessons, AAC devices, sensory equipment, and even transportation — not just personal assistance? 🙌

Our new guide breaks down all six service categories California SDP families can use in 2026, plus what's *not* covered so you can plan with confidence.

https://www.accurafms.com/post/what-services-can-california-sdp-families-receive-in-2026

Find out what services California's Self-Determination Program families can receive in 2026 — from personal assistance to technology, and what's not covered.

06/01/2026

Ever wondered exactly what happens after your SDP provider submits an invoice? 💸

We just mapped out the full 6-step financial workflow — from service delivery to provider payment — in plain English. If your vendors keep asking "when do I get paid?" this is why.

https://www.accurafms.com/post/the-sdp-financial-workflow-from-service-delivery-to-provider-payment

How does California's SDP financial workflow work? From timesheet to provider payment, here's every step — and how a digital FMS makes each one faster.

05/25/2026

If your family is navigating SDP through San Andreas Regional Center, knowing the difference between SARC's role and your FMS's role will save you a lot of confusion. 🏡

New guide for Bay Area families: how SDP enrollment actually works at SARC, where families typically stall, and what to look for in an FMS provider.

https://www.accurafms.com/post/sdp-at-san-andreas-regional-center-2026-guide-for-bay-area-families

If your family lives in Santa Clara or San Mateo County and is exploring California's Self-Determination Program (SDP), San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) is your starting point. SARC is one of California's 21 Regional Centers, serving individuals with developmental disabilities across the Bay Area'...

05/18/2026

New post: Why does SDP feel so hard to manage — and what actually helps? 📋

Families on paper-based FMS in California typically use only 60–70% of their approved budget each year. A digital FMS changes that. We break down exactly why SDP is complex and what shifts when you have the right tools.

Read it here →

California's Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives families something rare: real choice, real control, and the freedom to design supports around the person who matters most. That's the promise. Here's the reality — most families who enter SDP spend their first several months feeling genuinely ove...

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...