Untangling the alphabet soup
SLS, ILS, IHSS, SDP, RDI, SSI, Medi-Cal, DOR — every program your Service Coordinator might mention, in plain language, with the funding ranges and which life goals each program is designed to support.
Funding is supposed to follow goals, not the other way around. Start with the life you want for your loved one — then come back here to see what funds it.
San Diego Regional Center / DDS
Funds in-home support staff, life coaching, and the help needed to live in your own home as an adult with a developmental disability.
Read the full Supported Living Services (SLS) guide →Supports these life goals
San Diego Regional Center / DDS
Lighter-touch coaching for adults who can live independently with periodic help (vs. SLS for higher-support needs).
Read the full Independent Living Services (ILS) guide →Supports these life goals
County of San Diego HHSA
California state program that pays caregivers (often family members) for personal care, household help, and protective supervision.
Read the full In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) guide →Supports these life goals
San Diego Regional Center / DDS
Lets families control their Regional Center budget directly — choose providers, design services, and have real say in how funds are used.
Read the full Self-Determination Program (SDP) guide →Supports these life goals
San Diego Regional Center
Traditional Regional Center services — case management, assessments, and access to vendored providers under the Lanterman Act.
Read the full Regional Center Direct Services (RDI) guide →Supports these life goals
Social Security Administration
Federal monthly cash benefit for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Often the financial floor for SLS clients.
Read the full Supplemental Security Income (SSI) guide →Supports these life goals
California Dept of Health Care Services
California's Medicaid program — covers medical, dental, mental health, and many disability-related services. Often the bedrock of healthcare for SLS clients.
Read the full Medi-Cal guide →Supports these life goals
California Dept of Rehabilitation
California Dept of Rehabilitation — funds job training, supported employment, and assistive tech for people with disabilities pursuing work.
Read the full Department of Rehabilitation (DOR/DVR) guide →Supports these life goals
First-offer SLS budgets are often low. SDRC isn't punishing anyone — they're starting the conversation. Document exactly what supports your loved one needs, get a vendor's professional opinion in writing, and request more. Most families who push back successfully get more hours.
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives you direct control of the Regional Center budget — choose providers, design services your way. If you're in traditional services and feel boxed in, ask your Service Coordinator about SDP orientation.