California
How do I hire long-term services for myself or a loved one?
With self-determination, you have the right to live the life you choose. Everyone’s situation is different. For some, self-determination means the ability to receive services and support from a loved one. For others, it’s supporting parents so that they can care for children with disabilities. No matter your situation, self-determination helps you choose the long-term care and support that’s right for you.
People choose to self-direct their care for many reasons. GT Independence is here to support your decision. You make all the important choices—like who to hire, when to schedule support, how to manage your care, and even who to fire if things aren’t working out. We take care of the paperwork and are here to answer questions you may have.
You deserve to live the life you choose. GT is here to make that easier.
How GT Independence Can Help You
GT Independence is a financial management service (FMS) company that helps you live a life of your choosing. You decide what kind of support you want; we handle the details. For example, you hire providers you know and trust. We support you by taking care of all the necessary paperwork, such as timesheets, paychecks, payroll taxes, and help with liability and worker’s comp insurance.
At GT, we believe everyone should be able to decide where to live and who provides their care. Each person has a unique situation and personalized needs. GT is here to help you learn about how self-determination works in California, so you have the information to decide what is best for you.
Want to Know How to Get Started?
Understand Your Long-Term Care Options
Why choose GT?
“Finding the right care for my sister had always been challenging with the low pay rates to the caregivers. With the Self-Determination Program, I have increased the pay rate to allow for more skilled staff and improved quality of life for my sister. Additionally, we get to tailor the program to her particular needs versus sending her to a day program where she was not always happy to participate.”
Family Member
California Participant
Find a Program
Self-Determination Program
Starting June 2021, you may be able to self-direct care and support services. To do so, you or a loved one must be eligible for services under the California Self-Determination Program (SDP) Waiver for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. SDP gives you full control over hiring and firing your providers. You can choose who gives support, from transportation to personal care. And, you are the manager of your budget.
Participant-Directed Services Program
If you are eligible for the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver for Californians with Developmental Disabilities, the Participant-Directed Program may be right for you. This program gives you the right to hire, fire, schedule, and train your own care providers.
Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
The California Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps people age 55 or older who require nursing home level of care but can live safely in the community at the time of enrollment and who reside in the service area of a PACE organization. With PACE, you control your services and make the important choices.
Paid Internship Program
California’s Paid Internship Program (PIP) is available to job seekers served by the regional centers. PIP exists to help people with disabilities (18 years and older) improve their job skills. The goal of the paid internship is that by the end of the program, the participant will be ready to pursue long-term employment.
Three Steps to Get Started
Contact your California regional center or PACE program.
Work with your regional center to determine eligibility and find a program that best suits your needs.
Choose GT Independence as your financial management services (FMS) provider and begin self-determination.
*Your eligibility does not depend on immigration status. Contact your regional center or GT for more information. Undocumented residents can get benefits.
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Your GT Support Team in California
California Customer Support
Call: 877.659.4500
Email: customerservice@gtsd.org