The State of California has determined some circumstances for
which families may be required to pay a fee or share of the cost
for services received through the regional centers.
As of June 1, 2022, family fees are waived through the end of
2024.
Family Cost Participation Program
The Family Cost Participation Program (FCPP) is established for
the purpose of assessing a cost participation to parents of
children who receive three specific regional center services: day
care, respite, and/or camping.
The California Department of Developmental Services Family Cost
Participation Program 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.
Families with a income verified to be below 400% of
Federal Poverty Line are exempt from FCPP.
If you have more than one minor child served by the regional
center and affected by FCPP, your family will receive a reduction
in your rate of cost participation for each child.
After your percentage of cost participation is assessed (on a
sliding scale based upon your family income), the regional center
will make arrangements with the service provider for the portion
of services for which the regional center is responsible under
the state formula. Families will make arrangements and payments
for your share of services directly with your service provider.
More Resources
Annual Family Program Fee
In July of 2011, legislators added section (WIC 4785) to the
Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act, establishing the Annual
Family Program Fee (AFPF) for families of minor children living
at home.
Who Must Pay an Annual Fee?
The California Department of Developmental Services Annual Family
Program Fee applies to families who meet the following
criteria: if your son or daughter is under 18 years of
age and living at home, is an active client of the regional
center AND receives a purchased service through the regional
center other than assessment, respite, or daycare, you may be
assessed a $200 annual family program fee.
Families with a income verified to be below 400% of
Federal Poverty Line are exempt from AFPF
- The law requires the annual family program fee to be assessed
each year on the anniversary date of the initial fee assessment.
- Each year when the family is assessed to determine
eligibility for the fee, the family will have the opportunity to
request an adjustment or exemption.
- Fees are paid to the state Department of Developmental
Services (DDS) by check or money order. The regional center does
not receive your fee payment.
Read More: Family Guide to the Annual Family Program Fee;
Parental Fee Program for minor children who live outside the
family home
The State of California requires that parents of children under
the age of 18 who live outside of the family home (in a licensed
home funded by the regional center) and whose family meets the
program income requirements shall be assessed for a monthly
parental fee. Parents with annual income at or above 201% of the
Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will be assessed a monthly fee
calculated as a percentage of their annual gross income. Parents
with annual income at or below 200% of the FPL will be assessed
no fee. The fee schedule is periodically updated and has been
updated as of July 2016.
Read More: Department
of Developmental Services Parental Fee Program webpage
Transparency