Self-Direction Services

What is Self-Direction?

Self-Direction gives you the freedom to design supports around your life—not the other way around.

Funded and overseen by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Self-Direction allows people to choose the services they receive, who provides them, and how their supports are delivered.

At Citizens Options Unlimited, we provide Support Brokers and Fiscal Intermediary (FI) services to help you put your Self-Direction plan into action.

Self-Direction is a flexible service option that puts you in control. With Self-Direction, you can:

• Choose the supports that fit your needs
• Decide who provides your services
• Set your own schedule and routines
• Build meaningful community connections
• Create a plan based on your personal goals

Who is eligible for Self-Directed Services?

Anyone who is eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver can choose to self-direct their services. Self-direction may be right for a person if they can make their own decisions (or have help to) and if they want more flexible supports and services.

How does Self-Direction work?

Self-Direction follows a process guided by OPWDD:

Step 1 — Get Started
Begin through the OPWDD “Front Door” process to determine eligibility

Step 2 — Determine Your Budget
Your needs are assessed to establish a personal budget (Personal Resource Allocation)

Step 3 — Build Your Plan
You develop a person-centered plan based on your goals, strengths, and needs

Step 4 — Work with a Support Broker and Fiscal Intermediary to put your plan into action and manage your services
At this stage, you decide how you want your Self-Direction to work:

• Agency-Supported Self-Direction
  An agency helps manage services and staff on your behalf
• Self-Direction with Budget and Employer Authority
  You take a more active role—managing your budget and hiring your own staff, with support from a Support Broker and Fiscal Intermediary (FI)

Self-Direction gives you the flexibility to choose the level of involvement that’s right for you.

A Support Broker helps you build and manage your plan, while the Fiscal Intermediary handles payroll, billing, and administrative requirements.

How We Support You

Once you are eligible for OPWDD services, Citizens Options Unlimited helps you navigate and manage your Self-Direction plan. We:

• Help you understand your options
• Support you in building your Self-Direction plan
• Provide ongoing guidance as your needs change
• Deliver Support Broker and Fiscal Intermediary services

Support Broker Services

Our Support Brokers work with you to design and manage your plan. We will:

• Help you build your Circle of Support
• Assist with developing and managing your budget
• Help you recruit, hire, and train staff
• Develop habilitation plans when needed
• Provide ongoing support and problem-solving

Fiscal Intermediary (FI) Services

A Fiscal Intermediary (FI) is an agency that supports the financial and administrative side of Self-Direction.

Through New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, FI services are part of the HCBS Waiver and are used when a person chooses to manage their own staff and budget. As your Fiscal Intermediary, Citizens Options Unlimited manages the financial and administrative side of your Self-Direction plan. We:

• Process payroll for your staff
• Manage billing and Medicaid compliance
• Track and report on your budget
• Provide administrative and financial support

A Fiscal Intermediary is required when you choose to manage your own staff and budget.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for Self-Direction if you:

• Are approved for services through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
• Are enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
• Want more flexibility and control over your supports

Why Choose Self-Direction?

Self-Direction allows you to:

• Hire people you trust
• Create a schedule that works for you
• Build meaningful relationships
• Participate more fully in your community
• Focus on your personal goals

Why Families Choose Citizens Options Unlimited

Families across Nassau and Suffolk County choose Citizens Options Unlimited because:

• We provide both Support Broker and FI services in one place
• We understand the OPWDD system and how to navigate it
• We offer responsive, local support on Long Island
• We focus on person-centered, individualized planning

Get Started with Self-Direction

Starting Self-Direction can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team supports individuals and families across Nassau and Suffolk County every step of the way.

📞 Call (516) 644-4810
or complete the form below to connect with our team.

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