Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Financial Management Services, or FMS?
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) requires participants to use a Financial Management Service (FMS), which plays a vital role in helping participants and their families manage budgets, pay vendor bills, and process payroll for hired support workers. As a Financial Management Service, we are here to support all of your financial needs related to the Self-Determination Program.
2. What are the Models of FMS?
Bill Payer
The Bill Payer model is designed for Participants that choose not to employ Direct Care Professionals and works with us for the administrative needs in the supports and services included in their individual Program Plan (IPP).- Processing payments for the supports and services listed in the Participant’s IPP
- Maintaining complete records related to your services
- Communicating with your Care Manager and others to assist you as your needs change
- Supporting compliance with State and Federal rules and regulations
Sole-Employer
The Sole-Employer model provides the Participant with the most control. The Participant is the direct employer of Direct Care Professionals and has full responsibility and liability for their Direct Care Professional. We will help the Participant follow applicable employment laws, verify qualifications, obtain background checks, pay bills and process payroll.- Coordinating enrollment paperwork for all Direct Care Professionals and Participants
- Processing background checks for Direct Care Professionals
- Tracking time, processing timesheets and administering payments
- Providing electronic timesheet submission
- Withholding and filing applicable payroll taxes for you and your Direct Care Professional(s)
- Reporting and filing taxes
- Providing access to payroll reports through our web portal
- Processing payments for the supports and services listed in the Participant’s IPP
- Maintaining complete records related to your services
- Communicating with your Service Coordinator and others to assist you as your needs change
- Supporting compliance with State and Federal rules and regulations
Co-Employer
A participant may choose this model if they want to share some of the employer roles and responsibilities with us. While we provider in this model is the employer of record, the participant maintains the ability to hire and terminate employees with input from us. We provider maintains the primary employer liability and required insurances. We also assists by verifying provider qualifications and processing payroll.3. How do I start?
The steps are outlined under “Our Process” on our homepage, but the easiest way to get started is to give us a call at (310) 597-5782.