Self-Direction
Broker Services

Self-Direction is a program offered by OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities) in New York. It empowers individuals with ID/DD and their families to design a personalized plan for services and supports, utilizing a Medicaid-funded budget.

Rather than depending on an agency for decisions, you have the freedom to choose:

The services you need like support staff, classes, activities, or transportation
Your providers including trusted individuals you can hire)
When and where your services take place
How to utilize your budget

Self-direction offers flexibility and independence, ensuring that your plan accommodates your life, rather than the other way around.

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Steps to Self-Direction

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility for OPWDD Services
Ensure the individual meets OPWDD criteria for services by submitting medical, psychological, and educational documentation demonstrating a qualifying developmental disability.

OPWDD Eligibility Review Process

Step 2: Contact the OPWDD Front Door
Reach out to the regional OPWDD office to initiate services. The representative will explain available services, rights, and the Self-Direction option.

OPWDD Front Door

Step 3: Attend a Front Door Information Session
Participate in an information session, in-person or virtual, to understand Self-Direction services, options, and accountabilities. Retain your Self-Direction Info Session Certificate or email confirmation. This will be needed when you submit your start-up budget to your FI.

Step 4: Obtain a Medicaid Waiver
Enroll in Medicaid to access Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). A Care Manager can assist with this application.

HCBS 1915(c) Waiver and Requests for Service Authorization

Step 5: Choose a Care Coordination Organization (CCO)
Select a Care Manager who will help develop a Life Plan, coordinate services, and guide you through the Self-Direction process.

Step 6: Request Updated Evaluations (if needed)
Provide updated psychological, functional, or clinical evaluations to ensure OPWDD has current information for service planning

Step 7: Indicate Interest in Self-Direction
Inform your Care Manager and Front Door contact that you want to pursue Self-Direction services to officially begin the process.

Step 8: Choose a Fiscal Intermediary (FI)
Select a non-profit agency to manage payroll, reimbursements, and budget oversight. The FI ensures compliance, tracks spending, and handles staff employment matters.

Step 9: Choose a Support Broker
Hire a Support Broker to guide you through start-up and support budget creation, service selection, and procedural requirements for implementing a Self-Direction plan . Together with your Care Manager, the Broker helps implement a plan tailored to individual goals.

Step 10: Self Direction Budget is Approved

Once the start-up budget is approved, work with your Broker to build out the complete budget. When this is approved, the Self-Direction participant can hire staff, set schedules, and allocate the budget toward services like Community Habilitation, Respite, job coaching, or transportation reimbursements.

Your Support Broker will continue to assist you with

As Your Self-Direction Broker, I will...

be an advocate, a team player, and help solve problems.

I will ensure that my client's voice is always heard, their goals are considered, and their needs are met.

Provide Guidance throughout the Self-Direction Process

From the initial stages of understanding the program, to initiating a start-up budget and managing your budget effectively.

Assist with Personalized Plan Creation

By conducting a comprehensive needs assessment and assisting with short and long-term goal setting, I will help develop a personalized plan.

Assist with Budget Development

Help to create and manage a

Self-Direction budget that aligns with your needs and goals.

Find & Hire Staff

Help you connect with classes, respite providers, Com Hab programs, activities, and memberships that match your unique needs and interests.

Provide Ongoing
Support & Monitoring:

Adjust your budget and services as your needs change and assist with submitting invoices for reimbursement.

FAQ:

How Long Does It Take to Get my

Budget Approved?

Obtaining OPWDD budget approval can vary based on individual circumstances and complexity of the case.

It will take at least 3 - 6 months to move through all steps.

Self-Direction Broker Services