Family Fee Programs
There is no charge for assessment services or for service coordination provided to those served by the regional center. There is also no charge for most of the other services and supports individuals and families receive. However, certain services are subject to Family Cost Participation, which is a sliding scale based on a family’s ability to pay. Also, parents of children under 18 whose adjusted gross family income is at or above 400% of the federal poverty level, are assessed an Annual Family Program Fee of $150 or $200, depending on their income.
Annual Family Program Fee
In 2011, there was a change in state law (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 4785) that establishes an annual family fee for certain families whose children are residing in the family home and receiving services from the regional center.
To find out if your family is impacted by this fee and for the required forms, please visit the Department of Developmental Services page on the Annual Family Program Fee.
Family Cost Participation Program
The Family Cost Participation Program (FCPP) was established in 2005 for the purpose of assessing cost participation to parents of children who receive three specific regional center services: daycare, respite, and/or camping.
The Family Cost Participation Program is being implemented by the 21 regional centers statewide and applies to families who meet the following criteria:
- The child has a developmental disability or is eligible for services under the California Early Intervention Services Act.
- The child is zero through 17 years of age.
- The child lives in the parents’ home.
- The child is not eligible for Medi-Cal.
- Family income is at or above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines based upon family size.
The Regional Center will pay a portion of the total cost for the service to the service provider and the family will pay the FCPP amount directly to the service provider. The Respite, Day Care, or Camping service providers cannot charge the family a higher rate for the service than the rate paid by the Regional Center.
- Family Cost Participation Program Guide – Chinese
- Family Cost Participation Program Guide – Russian
- Family Cost Participation Program Guide – Tagalog
- Family Cost Participation Program Guide – Vietnamese
- Family Cost Participation Program Guide – Spanish
- Family Cost Participation Program Guide – English
For more information about the regulations, frequently asked questions, and an estimation calculator of costs, please visit the Department of Developmental Services page on the Family Fee Programs.
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