~ May 2012 ~
It appears that Sacramento will sunset the current 4.25% rate cut on June 30th, then establish a 1.25% cut on July 1st. DDS still has to save 200 million dollars from its 2012-2013 budget, but as of mid-May further cuts to respite services were not indicated. Should this continue to be correct, there shouldn't be a need for pay cuts to respite workers. More information will be provided should it become available.
Reminder: for those people who fax in timesheets, please don't wait until the last few minutes before the noon deadline on the Monday before a payday. This avoids a last minute crunch and a busy signal when trying to fax. Sending/faxing timesheets as soon after the last date of service (up to midnight the Friday before payday) ensures timely receipt and payment.
A new, more secure drop box has been installed near the front door of the office for those able to hand-deliver forms and timesheets . This can be used any time the office is closed.
We're now in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011-2012. Please remember that if you've used more hours than provided in your respite authorization per month the available balance is reduced more quickly. Some families have already run out of hours through June 30th. So please keep in mind that if your authorization is for 20 hours per month, but you submit for the maximum of 30 per month for a total of 90 in a quarter, you've used ten additional hours each month, depleting hours that would have been available toward the end of the authorization. And for those who still have a balance of greater than 90 hours starting April 1st, those additional hours don't carry over. This is why we encourage everyone to use the number of hours allotted each month and that timesheets be turned in within 30 days of service. Contact us if you have questions about usage or balances.
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Please call or email us any time - messages can be left 24 hours a day - about the program. We are dedicated to providing our families with the service they need and strive to keep respite as stress-free as possible.
