Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals and Families

I am currently not part of the “fee-for-service environment,” do I have to transition?

Yes. All individuals with self-directing budgets must transition over to the fee-for-service model.


Do I need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if I choose the Agency with Choice model?

No. Under the Agency with Choice model, the fiscal intermediary uses its EIN for payroll purposes so you don’t have to.


Where can I find more information regarding Self-Direction and the process?

You should speak with your Support Coordinator (SC), and you can also visit the state website at:


Can I hire a family member to work for me under the Agency with Choice model?

Yes, parents, guardians, and spouses can be hired. Any family member(s) can be hired to work for you under the Agency with Choice model.

  • If you do not have a loved one that can support you in self-direction, you can use a friend or trusted person in your life.
  • There are also Support Brokerages that can assist with the self-direction process. Contact your support coordinator for more information.


Can I have a SDE cover for another SDE in the event of a call out?

Yes, BUT Self-Directed Employees can only work under the service or services that they are approved to perform. If one SDE calls out and another comes to work, the time would be recorded under the service the replacement SDE is authorized to work in. REMEMBER, SDEs can still only work the weekly authorized hours for their service, so keep that in mind when you are filling shift hours.


Can my SDEs work over 40 hours in a week?

Yes, currently DDD allows SDEs to work over 40 hours if it is written and approved in the plan. SDEs should only work the authorized hours/units that are in the plan

*Currently DDD is allowing SDEs to work more than 40 hours per week due to COVID, but the extra hours must be added to the plan by the Support Coordinator. *Overtime and overtime pay is being approved if it is written and approved by the family, SC and DDD.


Who is responsible for managing the SDE’s weekly hours and available units in the budget?

As the Managing Employer, it is your responsibility to manage your SDE’s weekly hours and available units in the budget.


What happens if my SDE works more than 40 hours in a week and it is not in the plan or approved?

They will NOT be paid overtime as it is not approved per the service description for a self-hire. Any hours worked by the SDE that exceed the weekly authorized hours becomes the responsibility of the Managing Employer to reimburse the SDE.

*Currently, DDD is allowing SDEs to work more than 40 hours per week due to COVID, but the extra hours must be added to the plan by the Support Coordinator. Your SDE will be compensated for working overtime.*


How many hours does an SDE have to work to get benefits?

Answer: Any SDE hired to work 30 hours a week or more, will be offered medical, dental and vision benefits.

*PTO is also accrued and based on the number of hours worked.

*A list of paid holidays can be found on our website.


How much will I need to budget for benefits?

When you hire an SDE you must budget for their hourly rate plus the employer-related taxes. If your SDE elects to participate in our benefits program, the Per-Member-Per-Month (PMPM) fee will cover that expense and will vary depending on the SDE’s “tier” rating (see next question for more information). You will need to work with you Support Coordinator to assess how much should be budgeted for benefits.


What is a Per-Member-Per-Month fee?

The Per Member Per Month (PMPM) fee is a monthly service cost for using the Agency with Choice model. SDEs are considered employees-of-record of Financial Management Services and are offered benefits per the Affordable Care Act. To assist each individual in making the service affordable, there are four tiers of the PMPM based on the number of SDEs working for them (if they elect for benefits). The staff at AwC will inform your Support Coordinator of which “PMPM tier” will need to be added to your plan.


Does my SDE need any special training or certifications?

Yes. There is mandatory training for all SDEs (parent/guardian included) that need to be completed within six months from hire. Please refer to the “Training Requirements” schedule on our website for more information.

*If your SDE is administering medication, they will need to complete all related trainings before they administer medication to the consumer.

*Please note that all training/s needs to be completed within 180 days of the start/hire date. If not, the SDE will face suspension until they are complete.

*CPR/First Aid has two parts: It requires an online portion and an in-person portion. You are not fully certified until both are complete.


Is there a cap on the hourly rate for a SDE?

The hourly rate must be “reasonable and customary” for the work that is being asked of the SDE. This will vary depending on the services provided.

*Currently that rate is $25.00 an hour unless otherwise approved by DDD.