Self-Directed Services/Self-Direction

2025 Fiscal Intermediary Transition (PPL to Acumen)

What does it mean to self-direct your services?

Self-Directed Services/Self-Direction is an approach to accessing home and community-based services (HCBS) that offers increased choice and authority over how, and from whom, an individual receives their waiver program services. The self-directed services delivery model is an alternative to traditional provider-managed services. 

In New Jersey, many individuals choose to self-direct some or all of their DDD-funded services. This means that, within the parameters of your individual budget, you can choose to self-direct by hiring your own caregiver - known as a self-directed employee - to provide needed services. You can also choose to self-direct by participating in a program or taking a class in the community that is available to the public. 

How do DDD self-directed services work?

For DDD-funded services, there are two Self-Directed Employee (SDE) Service Models to choose from. Depending on the model selected, you may have an employer relationship with your SDE. You will also have the responsibility of recruiting staff, securing coverage when staff call out of work, and approving timesheets.

SDE Service models are made possible through a financial management services agency, known as the fiscal intermediary, which conducts some employer-related tasks such as payroll processing and tax withholding. The fiscal intermediary processes self-directed employee timesheets and vendor invoices, and issues payments.

The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development developed a helpful guide about self-directing services for individuals and families, Deciding to Self-Direct: Making Choices, Becoming Empowered.

Self-Directed Services available through a self-directed employee:

  • Community Based Supports
  • Individual Supports-Hourly (15-minute unit increments)
  • Interpreter Services
  • Respite
  • Supports Brokerage
  • Transportation - Self-Directed Employee

Self-Directed Services available through a community vendor:

  • Assistive Technology
  • Environmental Modification
  • Goods and Services
  • Natural Supports Training
  • Transportation – Single Passenger
  • Vehicle Modification

All Medicaid waiver providers—including self-directed employees (SDEs) in the DDD Self-Directed Employee service models (Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent model through Acumen Fiscal Agent, or Fee-for-Service Agency with Choice through Easterseals NJ) are required to maintain documentation to support Medicaid reimbursement. Documentation of services provides the evidence that the provider (1) delivered the services, and (2) delivered the services in accordance with the individual’s needs.

Please see the following documents for guidance and more information:

If you have reviewed available information and have chosen to use a self-directed employee (SDE), you need to select which SDE Service Model is best for you.  There are two available models to choose from:

  • Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA)
  • Agency with Choice (AWC)

For each model, there is a financial management services agent - also called a fiscal intermediary or fiscal agent - that is responsible for processing payments and handling tax and labor law filings. In the VF/EA model, you, or someone you designate, acts as the employer of record; in the AWC model, you, or someone you designate, acts as a co-managing employer.

At this time, Easterseals NJ is the fiscal intermediary for the DDD Agency with Choice model. As of May 2025, we are in the process of transitioning the VF/EA model from Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), as the fiscal intermediary, to Acumen Fiscal Agent. This transition is expected to be completed by the end of the 2025 calendar year.

For more information, talk with your Support Coordinator or email the DDD Fee-for-Service Helpdesk: DDD.FeeForService@dhs.nj.gov. 

Effective May 1, 2025, there is an increase to the per-member-per-month rates to participate in the Agency with Choice Self-Directed Employee Model. For details, please see the notice, FY2025 Agency with Choice Per-Member, Per-Month Rate Increases. These increases are reflected in the PMPM Cost Table below.

Visit the Easterseals Agency with Choice website for more information.

Webinar: Vendor/Fiscal/Employer Agent Overview

Beginning in May 2025, the DDD VF/EA model of self-directed services is transitioning from Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) as the fiscal intermediary, to Acumen Fiscal Agent. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of the 2025 calendar year. 

For information about the transition, please talk with your Support Coordinator and/or visit the Acumen NJ website and the DDD 2025 Fiscal Intermediary Transition (PPL to Acumen) web page.

Individuals who choose to self-direct their services may feel that they need more assistance for it to work for them.  Supports Brokerage can offer practical skills training to enable families and participants to independently direct and manage program services, or assist more regularly.  Please visit the Supports Brokerage website for more information.

 

The Division recognizes that understanding Self-Directed Services/Self-Direction is important.  Generally, your assigned Support Coordinator will be able to assist you.  If they are unable to assist you and need help, or you have questions, please feel free to contact our Office of Education on Self-Directed Services.  The Office stands ready to provide education and training on this important topic so that informed choices can be made.