Spectrum Arch, Inc.

Support Brokerage

Your First Months With a Support Broker: What to Expect

The start-up phase is when the most work happens. Here's the usual order of things, and what you'll be asked to do.

Last reviewed October 8, 2026

Before you start

Self-Direction start-up usually begins once the basics are in place: OPWDD eligibility, Medicaid, HCBS Waiver enrollment, and a Care Manager who has helped you request Self-Direction. If any of those are missing, a broker can help you understand where you are, but those steps come first. See the step-by-step guide.

What start-up usually involves

  1. Getting to know the person

    The broker meets the person and family, learns about routines, strengths, interests, and what a good week looks like, and reviews the Life Plan.

  2. Building the Circle of Support

    Together you decide who's in the Circle and hold a first meeting. Our post on building a Circle of Support has an agenda.

  3. Choosing a Fiscal Intermediary

    You pick an FI and sign its Memorandum of Understanding. See Fiscal Intermediaries.

  4. Designing the budget

    Goals become supports, and supports become budget lines within the Personal Resource Account. See the budget and PRA.

  5. Submitting for approval

    The broker prepares the budget on OPWDD's template and submits it for review, then follows up on questions.

  6. Hiring staff and starting services

    Once approved, you hire staff through the FI and services begin. See hiring your own staff.

How start-up brokerage is paid for

Brokerage during the start-up phase is funded separately, capped, and listed on a start-up budget. It doesn't come out of the person's Personal Resource Account. After start-up, ongoing brokerage becomes a line in the regular budget.

How long it takes

It varies with how quickly the Circle meets, how complex the budget is, and how long reviews and staff clearance take. A good broker gives you an honest estimate and keeps you updated rather than promising a date.

What you can do to keep it moving

  • Gather recent evaluations, the Life Plan, and contact details for the Circle early.
  • Start thinking about staff now, especially people you already know.
  • Answer questions from the broker and FI quickly; delays usually happen in the gaps.

Sources: OPWDD Self-Direction Guidance (March 2022); OPWDD, Self-Direction Support Broker Checklist.

Looking for a Support Broker in the Capital Region?

Spectrum Arch is in the process of offering Support Brokerage across Saratoga, Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and the surrounding counties. Join the waitlist and we will contact you as soon as we can begin.

More in Support Brokerage