DSP Training Stipend Program

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in the DSP Training Stipend Program is voluntary for the DSP. To be eligible for the training stipend, DSPs, including some frontline supervisors and clinical staff, must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Work as a paid DSP an average of 10 hours or more per week;
• Perform direct support tasks like skills development, guidance, and personal assistance to individuals served by a regional center as a regular part of their job duties;
• Spend at least 50% of work hours doing direct support tasks; and
• Are employed by a regional center vendor, or by a participant in the Self-Determination Program.

For the purpose of this training stipend program, the following are not eligible even if a portion of their work involves providing direct support:

• Staff paid through a funding source other than the regional center, such as Medi-Cal, health insurance or a school district; with the exception of DSPs working in ICF/DD, ICF/DD-H, and ICF/DD-N, and ICF/DD-CN.
• Those who only provide intermittent service such as home modification, and/or meal delivery services;
• Staff hired through temporary personnel agency;
• Contract or 1099 workers;
• On-call or PRN workers;
• Volunteers; and
• Administrative or supervisory staff, unless they spend 50% or more of their time doing direct support work.

If you are eligible to participate in the DSP Training Stipend Program and wish to participate, please scan here:

DSP Training Stipend Program Fact Sheet: English | Spanish

DSP Training Stipend Program FAQs: English | Spanish

DSP Training Stipend Payment Inquiries

Workforce Development and Training: Direct Service Professional Training Stipend Program: English | Spanish

Workforce Development and Training: Direct Service Professional Training Stipend Program – Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF): English | Spanish

Workforce Development and Training – Direct Service Professional Training Stipend Program: English | Spanish

• Enclosure A – DSP Training Stipend Program Fact Sheet
• Enclosure B – DSP Training Stipend Program FAQs
• Enclosure C – DSP Training Stipend Agreement

• See Welfare and Institution Code section 4699.2