The Family Reimbursement Grant is an OPWDD funded program that financially assists families to care for a family member with a developmental disability. Families are reimbursed for expenses they have paid out of pocket. Requests must be directly related to the needs of an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability.

The grant serves people with developmental disabilities of all ages who live with a family member. We serve individuals in the following counties; Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington. Individuals living independently, or in a certified setting are not eligible. To apply, individuals must be eligible for OPWDD services and provide their Letter of Eligibility.

The Committee schedule for 2024 is as follows:

• Completed applications received by 4pm on January 29th will be reviewed on February 1st. Notifications will be made by 3/7/2024.
• Completed applications received by 4pm on April 12th will be reviewed on April 18th. Notifications will be made by 5/24/2024.
• Completed applications received by 4pm on July 5th will be reviewed on July 11th. Notifications will be made by 8/16/2024.
• Completed applications received by 4pm on October 4th will be reviewed on October 10th Notifications will be made by 11/15/2024.

Please click Here to view a list of allowable and non-allowable Items.

All applicants must complete and submit the OPWDD FSS FAMILY REIMBURSEMENT APPLICATION.  We accept one application per quarter, per individual.  Care Managers should assist in the completion of applications, but it must be signed by the caregiver. Applications are available on our website as well.

The first review is done by the Director who checks the applications for completeness. A Reimbursement Review Committee composed of parents has been established to review all requests and determine awards to families. A final review is completed by OPWDD. 

OPWDD has set the following limit on Reimbursement:  A maximum of $3,000 can be reimbursed per year per person per year. The funds must be spent between January 1st and December 31st for the year you are awarded funds. 

Unfortunately, no, you must hire and make all arrangements for respite care yourself. If you are approved, you will be mailed a respite log to complete and return to Wildwood. *Respite staff need to be paid at least the NYS minimum wage, which is $15/hr,  but can not be paid more than $27.92. If this is not feasible, a justification must be submitted with your application.

Yes, as long as the family member does not live in the same household as the individual receiving services. Parents of individuals are also not allowed to be reimbursed for providing Respite care.

Yes, but the funds must be allocated to Wildwood in the Approved SD Budget under Contracted Services. Proof that the request can not be covered by IDGS or OTPS may be requested.  

No.  OPWDD requests that families utilize ONE agency for Family Reimbursement per Calendar Year. 

You can submit both receipts or Respite Verification Forms monthly or less frequently if you would like. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing.

Immediately have your Care Manager talk to the Program Director, we may be able to provide a Vendor Check. 

Please let the Program Director of the program know as soon as possible about any changes so that funds can be reallocated.