Family Reimbursement Program

What is the Family Reimbursement Program?

The Family Reimbursement Program is one of Starbridge’s Family Support Services (FSS), funded through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Many families who have a family member with a developmental disability living at home have special expenses that the typical family does not have. Expenses covered by FSS Family Reimbursement may include goods and services, respite care, community involvement, and other items. This program is designed to assist the family with these increased costs. The maximum amount of FSS Family Reimbursement allowed by OPWDD for eligible individuals is $3,000 per calendar year. At Starbridge, we are able to process approved requests up to the individual max of $3,000.

How can Starbridge help you?

Starbridge offers Family Support Services Family Reimbursement for both the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Starbridge is accepting FRP applications for Finger Lakes and Western NY for 2023.

All FRP requests must be on the FRP application that became effective 7/1/22. You can download the current FRP application, respite log, and guidelines from the FSS Reimbursement Guidelines page.

Respite logs and receipts must be dated 2023. We will not accept any applications, respite logs, or receipts dated prior to 2023.

Per OPWDD rules, all families must choose a “HOME AGENCY” to submit their FRP applications. This HOME AGENCY must be listed in the individual’s Life Plan under Section V as well as referenced in the summary section 1.  Please work with your Care Coordinator to update your Life Plan and ensure you have the current forms.

To view allowable and non-allowable items, per OPWDD guidelines, please click here. 

Finger Lakes Family Reimbursement

  • For residents of Monroe, Chemung, Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, or Yates County
  • Family Reimbursement and Respite Reimbursement offered.
  • Finger Lakes FRP Review Meetings will be held the last Monday of every month, beginning February 2023.

Western NY Family Reimbursement

  • For residents of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, or Orleans County
  • Family Reimbursement and Respite Reimbursement offered.
  • Western NY FRP Review meetings will be held the last Friday of every month, beginning February 2023.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Families (biological, adoptive, or extended) are eligible if they have a family member with a developmental disability who lives at home, and eligibility has been determined by OPWDD.

Self-Direction

Individuals who self-direct and are applying for Family Support Services (FSS) Family Reimbursement must include Family Reimbursement in their Self-Direction budget. Any FSS Family Reimbursement is counted towards your total Personal Resource Account (PRA). If you have questions about your budget, your Broker or FI should be able to assist you.

How do you get started?

Review OPWDD’s FSS Family Reimbursement Guidelines

From the OPWDD website, download and complete the forms in the language you prefer.

Submit your application to Aracely Velazquez, FRP Assistant, by email or mail to:

Starbridge
Attn: FSS Family Reimbursement
1650 South Avenue, Ste 200
Rochester, NY 14620

For questions or additional information, contact:

Aracely Velazquez, FRP Assistant
Phone 585-867-1944
Email avelazquez@starbridgeinc.org

Kerri Noyes, Family Advocacy Report Manager
Phone 585-559-0846
Email knoyes@starbridgeinc.org