The Family Reimbursement Grant is a NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) funded program that financially assists families and provides reimbursement funding for goods and services, recreation opportunities and respite not otherwise funded through other sources or affordable to care for a family member with a developmental disability. Families are reimbursed for expenses they have paid out of pocket. Requests must be directly related to the needs of an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability.

The grant serves people with developmental disabilities of all ages who live with a family member. At Living Resources, we support individuals in the following counties; Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington. Individuals living independently, or in a certified setting are not eligible. To apply, individuals must be eligible for OPWDD services and provide their Letter of Eligibility.

The Family Reimbursement Grant is an OPWDD funded program that financially assists families to care for a family member with a developmental disability. Families are reimbursed for expenses they have paid out of pocket. Requests must be directly related to the needs of an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability.

The grant serves people with developmental disabilities of all ages who live with a family member. We serve individuals in the following counties; Albany, Fulton,
Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington. Individuals living independently, or in a certified setting are not eligible. To apply, individuals must be eligible for OPWDD services and prov ide their Letter of Eligibility.

Please click here for allowed items list.

All applicants must complete and submit an application. Care Managers can assist in the completion of applications, but it must be signed by the caregiver. Applications are available on our website as well. We accept one application per fiscal year per individual.

Applications are reviewed for completeness by Community Living Coordinator then presented to a Reimbursement Committee composed of family members of those who have developmental disabilities for determination. The committee meets quarterly after each deadline of when applications should be turned in.

We have a set limit on reimbursement. Our cap is $650 to ensure we are able to accommodate as many families as possible. All funds must be spent between January 1 st and December 31 st of the year your grant was approved.

Unfortunately, no, you must make all arrangements for respite care. If you are approved, you will be mailed a respite log to fill out and return. *Respite workers are to be paid at least NYS minimum wage. By utilizing respite reimbursement, families understand that Living Resources may check in with staff to ensure they were paid accordingly.

Yes, as long as the family member does not live in the same household as the individual receiving services. Parents of individuals are also not allowed to be reimbursed for providing Respite care.

No. OPWDD request s that families utilize ONE agency for Family Reimbursement per Calendar Year.

Please let the Community Living Coordinator know as soon as possible about any changes so that funds can be reallocated.

Attached is the link to the OPWDD Family Supportive Services administrative directive memorandum. https://opwdd.ny.gov/regulations-guidance/adm-2022-02-family-support-services-fss-reimbursement-guidelines

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Want to learn more? We’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can reach us …

Jacqueline Calder

Community Living Coordinator, QIDP

(518) 218-0000

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