| Nick Roetto
How Spending Plans Work in the Self-Determination Program
Every participant in California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) begins with one important document — the Spending Plan. This plan outlines how an individual’s annual budget will be used to support their goals, services, and supports identified in their Individual Program Plan (IPP).
At Sentinel Four, the Spending Plan is our roadmap for managing your approved budget and ensuring all payments made on your behalf are compliant with Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Regional Center guidelines.
What a Spending Plan Includes
Your Spending Plan lists the types of services you intend to use — not necessarily the specific providers or vendors. Each service type is assigned a Service Code and a corresponding dollar amount that represents your approved budget for that service.
- Example: Service Code 310 – Independent Living Skills Training ($12,000 annually)
- Example: Service Code 465 – Community Integration Supports ($8,500 annually)
These allocations give you the flexibility to choose how and when to use your funds, as long as spending stays within your approved plan.
How the FMS Uses the Spending Plan
Sentinel Four reviews every payment request — whether for payroll or a vendor invoice — against your approved Spending Plan. This ensures that all disbursements are authorized, correctly coded, and within budget.
Our process includes:
- Verifying that the service matches an approved Service Code on your plan.
- Checking that sufficient funds remain in that category before issuing payment.
- Tracking year-to-date spending and reporting usage to your Regional Center.
By following this process, we maintain compliance while helping participants avoid overspending or interruptions in service.
Making Changes to a Spending Plan
If your needs or services change during the year, your Spending Plan can be revised. Updates are made through your Regional Center, typically with input from your Independent Facilitator and Service Coordinator. Once approved, Sentinel Four updates your budget in our system so payments reflect the new allocations.
Common Misunderstanding
A common misconception is that the Spending Plan must list each specific provider or conference by name. In reality, DDS only requires that the plan identifies the type of service and the budgeted amount. This flexibility allows participants to choose or change providers as long as the service remains within the approved category.
In Summary
The Spending Plan is more than a form — it’s the foundation of your Self-Determination budget. It provides both flexibility and accountability, ensuring that funds are used to meet your goals while maintaining transparency with your Regional Center. Sentinel Four’s role is to make sure every transaction aligns with that plan so you can focus on progress, not paperwork.