On this page
- Quick answer: can PDD funding be used with us?
- What is PDD?
- Who may qualify for PDD in Alberta?
- What assessments may PDD require?
- When should someone apply for PDD?
- How do you apply for PDD?
- What happens after someone is found eligible?
- What is a PDD Service Plan?
- What is an Individual Support Plan?
- What services may PDD provide?
- What does PDD not provide?
- How can someone access PDD services?
- What are agency-managed PDD services?
- Does PDD contact the agency?
- What is Family Managed Services?
- What are the FMS Administrator's responsibilities?
- Can an FMS Administrator hire an agency?
- Can someone use agency-managed PDD and FMS together?
- Agency-managed PDD versus Family Managed Services
- How does FMS payment and reimbursement work?
- Can Respite Edmonton invoice PDD directly?
- What should a PDD or FMS agency invoice include?
- What records should an FMS Administrator keep?
- When must FMS claims be submitted?
- Can unused PDD or FMS funding be carried forward?
- What happens when approved funding is exhausted?
- Can the service plan change?
- How do you change PDD service providers?
- How should families choose a PDD provider?
- How Respite Edmonton supports adults using PDD or FMS
- Areas served
- PDD and FMS planning checklist
- Ready to discuss PDD or FMS support?
- Official PDD resources
- Frequently asked questions
Alberta’s Persons with Developmental Disabilities program helps eligible adults with developmental disabilities plan, coordinate and access supports that help them live as independently as possible in their communities.
Families and adults often have questions about PDD eligibility, what services may be available, how to choose an agency, what Family Managed Services means and who is responsible for paying providers.
This guide explains how PDD services work in Alberta, the difference between agency-managed services and Family Managed Services, and how adults and families may access support through a qualified provider such as Respite Edmonton. Our overview of respite and support services shows what we offer, and the PDD funding page summarises how to get started with us.
Respite Edmonton is a qualified agency and Qualified Service Provider offering approved adult support services in Edmonton and surrounding communities.
Important
Quick answer: Can PDD funding be used with Respite Edmonton?
Yes. Eligible adults may receive approved PDD or Family Managed Services support through Respite Edmonton where the requested services fall within the person’s approved plan, funding arrangement and Respite Edmonton’s approved service scope.
How services are arranged depends on the service-management option.
Agency-managed PDD
The person’s PDD worker helps the individual and support team select an appropriate agency. The Ministry and provider establish the required service arrangement before the agency delivers funded services.
Family Managed Services
The individual, family member, guardian or close friend acting as the FMS Administrator may hire staff directly or obtain approved supports through an agency. Respite Edmonton may provide approved services and invoice the FMS Administrator according to the FMS agreement.
Before services begin, confirm:
- the approved service
- the approved number of hours or funding amount
- the agreement's effective dates
- whether services are agency-managed or family-managed
- who is responsible for payment
- the applicable invoice requirements
- required timesheets and supporting records
- whether Ministry authorization or a Service Agreement is required
- the approved service location and schedule
You can read more about adult PDD and Family Managed Services support in Edmonton.
What is PDD?
PDD stands for Persons with Developmental Disabilities.
The program helps eligible Alberta adults with developmental disabilities plan, coordinate and access services that support their personal needs and goals.
PDD is intended to help eligible adults participate in their homes and communities and live as independently as possible.
The program does not provide one standard package to everyone. A PDD worker gathers information about the person’s strengths, needs, goals and existing natural or community supports before planning services.
Who may qualify for PDD in Alberta?
To meet the general eligibility requirements, a person must:
- be at least 16 years old to apply
- be at least 18 when PDD services begin
- have a developmental disability
- live in Alberta
- plan to receive services in Alberta
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
The developmental disability must have originated before the person turned 18.
PDD considers how the disability affects areas such as:
- learning
- reasoning
- decision-making
- communication
- social skills
- personal hygiene
- household activities
- safety
- everyday functioning
- the person's ability to complete activities without support
A physical disability, medical condition or mental-health disorder alone is not necessarily considered a developmental disability for PDD eligibility.
The final eligibility decision is made by Alberta Disability Services after reviewing the application, assessments and supporting information.
What assessments may PDD require?
PDD may require an assessment completed by a registered psychologist.
Depending on the person’s history, this may be called:
- a Psychological Assessment Report
- a Psycho-Educational Assessment
- a Neuropsychological Assessment
The assessment may examine:
- thinking
- learning
- reasoning
- behaviour
- intellectual functioning
- adaptive functioning
- daily living abilities
PDD may also review documentation from:
- schools
- physicians
- specialists
- FSCD
- AISH
- ADAP
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living
- other involved programs
No diagnosis guarantees approval
When should someone apply for PDD?
A person may apply at age 16, but PDD-funded adult services do not begin until age 18.
Applying before the eighteenth birthday can provide time for:
- eligibility review
- gathering psychological assessments
- transition planning
- identifying adult goals
- discussing available service options
- preparing for the end of child-focused programs
- considering agency-managed services or FMS
- developing an adult support network
Families transitioning from FSCD should not assume that FSCD approval automatically creates PDD eligibility. The programs have separate eligibility criteria and planning processes. Our FSCD funding guide for Alberta families explains the child and youth program.
How do you apply for PDD?
A simplified application process is:
- Review the PDD eligibility requirements.
- Review the types of services PDD may provide.
- Complete the online PDD application.
- Create or use the required secure Alberta account.
- Submit requested identity and residency documents.
- Submit available psychological or developmental assessments.
- Provide additional information requested by the PDD worker.
- Participate in follow-up conversations or assessments.
- Receive an eligibility decision.
- Begin service planning if approved.
Documents may include:
- birth certificate
- record of birth
- passport
- Canadian citizenship card
- permanent resident documentation
- psychological assessment
- school records
- medical or specialist documentation
- records from related disability programs
Respite Edmonton does not determine PDD eligibility. Only Alberta Disability Services can approve an individual for the program.
What happens after someone is found eligible?
After eligibility is confirmed, a PDD worker connects with the person and the person’s support team.
The support team may include:
- family
- guardian
- close friends
- advocates
- service providers
- FMS Administrator
- other people chosen by the individual
The PDD worker gathers information about:
- strengths
- support needs
- personal goals
- existing family and community supports
- safety needs
- home life
- community participation
- employment goals
- daily living needs
- areas where formal services may be required
The information is used to help create the PDD Service Plan and determine which services may be appropriate.
What is a PDD Service Plan?
The PDD Service Plan is created by the PDD worker after the assessment-of-needs process.
It provides the foundation for more detailed planning and may identify:
- the person's needs
- goals
- approved types of service
- natural supports
- formal supports
- how services may be accessed
- areas requiring further planning
The individual shares the PDD Service Plan with selected service providers so they can help develop the more detailed Individual Support Plan.
What is an Individual Support Plan?
The Individual Support Plan explains how approved services will help the person work toward personal goals.
It is created with input from:
- the person receiving services
- the support team
- the service provider
- the FMS Administrator, where applicable
- the PDD worker
The plan should normally be finalized within three months after the person begins receiving services.
It may include:
- goals for the next year
- strategies for reaching those goals
- who will provide support
- how progress will be measured
- support schedules
- safety considerations
- communication needs
- daily living routines
- community participation
- what will happen if the plan needs to change
The adult receiving support should be meaningfully involved in decisions about their goals and services.
What services may PDD provide?
Depending on assessed needs and the individual’s plan, PDD may provide one or more of the following categories of support.
Home-living supports
Home-living supports may help a person live as independently as possible and complete everyday activities such as:
- meal preparation
- laundry
- household cleaning
- banking
- shopping
- personal routines
- organizing appointments
- maintaining a home
- learning daily living skills
Respite services
Respite may provide a temporary break to caregivers when the eligible adult lives with them full-time.
Respite services should be identified in the person’s approved plan. Eligibility for PDD does not mean respite is automatically included.
Community-access supports
Community-access support may help the person:
- participate in activities
- build social connections
- learn new skills
- attend recreation
- volunteer
- relax and have fun
- increase community involvement
- safely access community locations
Employment supports
Employment supports may help an individual:
- explore employment goals
- develop workplace skills
- find employment
- prepare for interviews
- maintain a paid job
- understand workplace expectations
Employment support is described here as a PDD service category. Respite Edmonton provides employment-related support only where it is included in our approved service scope.
Short-term caregiver support or training
PDD may provide short-term support or training when caregivers require additional assistance during difficult circumstances.
Specialized supports
Specialized supports may be available where the person has additional needs involving:
- mental illness
- behavioural concerns
- addiction
- involvement with the justice system
Respite Edmonton does not provide clinical or specialized professional services unless that service is within its approved scope and delivered by appropriately qualified personnel.
Wondering which supports we can provide?
Tell us about the adult’s goals and approved plan and we will explain what must be confirmed before services begin.
What does PDD not provide?
PDD does not provide:
- income benefits
- legal decision-making authority
- medical equipment
- childcare services
- professional services from psychologists
- occupational therapy
- speech-language pathology
- public transportation services
Other programs may be responsible for some of these needs.
A service being helpful does not automatically mean it is funded through PDD. General questions are answered in our frequently asked questions.
How can someone access PDD services?
There are two primary options:
- Agency-managed services
- Family Managed Services
An eligible person may use one option or a combination of both. It may also be possible to change options as needs and preferences change.
The person’s PDD worker helps the individual and support team consider which arrangement is most appropriate.
What are agency-managed PDD services?
Under the agency option, the PDD worker helps the person choose one or more agencies that can provide the approved services.
The agency works with:
- the person receiving support
- the PDD worker
- family or guardian
- the support team
The agency may help:
- review the PDD Service Plan
- develop the Individual Support Plan
- recruit and assign workers
- provide worker supervision
- coordinate schedules
- deliver approved services
- document service delivery
- monitor progress
- adjust services where authorized
- respond to concerns
- communicate with the PDD worker
Authorization comes first
Does PDD contact the agency for agency-managed services?
Generally, the PDD worker or regional Ministry team helps connect an eligible person with appropriate agencies.
For Respite Edmonton, the process may include:
- The person's needs and approved service are identified.
- The PDD worker discusses available agencies with the person and support team.
- The Ministry may issue a Service Request to qualified providers.
- Respite Edmonton reviews the requested services, location, hours and staffing requirements.
- Respite Edmonton confirms capacity or responds as required.
- The Ministry determines the service provider.
- The appropriate service agreement or authorization is completed.
- Services begin after authorization.
- Respite Edmonton invoices according to the Ministry arrangement.
Respite Edmonton may introduce its services and capacity to regional PDD teams, but the formal authorization for agency-managed services must come through the appropriate Ministry process.
What is Family Managed Services?
Family Managed Services, commonly called FMS, allows an eligible individual and support team to manage some or all approved PDD services.
The person receiving services, a family member, legal guardian or close friend signs the FMS Agreement with PDD.
The person who signs becomes the FMS Administrator.
The FMS Administrator is not paid for performing this administrative role.
FMS can allow greater control over:
- who provides support
- scheduling
- worker selection
- agency selection
- daily service arrangements
- how approved goals are supported
FMS also comes with significant financial, administrative and legal responsibilities.
What are the FMS Administrator’s responsibilities?
Responsibilities may include:
- participating in development of the Individual Support Plan
- arranging approved services
- hiring workers or agencies
- training and supervising directly hired staff
- following employment standards
- following applicable workplace and workers' compensation requirements
- paying approved service expenses
- submitting reimbursement claims
- maintaining invoices
- maintaining payroll records
- maintaining timesheets
- keeping proof of payment
- keeping business records for seven years
- participating in required safety training
- communicating with the PDD worker
- reporting changes in needs or circumstances
- ensuring spending stays within the FMS Agreement
The FMS Administrator should review the full agreement and current Alberta financial record-keeping guidance before hiring workers or agencies.
Can an FMS Administrator hire an agency?
Yes. An FMS Administrator may directly hire staff or obtain approved supports through a qualified service provider, subject to the FMS Agreement.
An agency such as Respite Edmonton may provide benefits including:
- worker recruitment
- screening
- reference checks
- credential verification
- matching
- worker supervision
- scheduling
- replacement coverage
- service coordination
- invoicing
- timesheets
- service records
- a central contact for concerns
Before hiring an agency, the FMS Administrator should confirm that:
- the service is included in the agreement
- the agency's service fits the approved category
- the hourly or service rate is permitted
- sufficient funding remains
- the service dates are covered
- required records can be provided
- additional Ministry approval is not required
Our screening and safety standards explain how we review and verify support workers.
Can someone use agency-managed PDD and FMS together?
Yes. A person may use one option or a combination of both.
For example, someone might receive:
- agency-managed home-living support
- family-managed community-access support
Or:
- agency-managed weekday services
- family-managed evening or weekend support
The exact combination depends on the individual’s assessed needs, approved plan and agreements.
Each provider and payment arrangement should be clearly documented so everyone understands:
- who provides each service
- who pays each provider
- how hours are tracked
- what records are required
- who supervises workers
- who handles concerns
Agency-managed PDD versus Family Managed Services
| Area | Agency-managed PDD | Family Managed Services |
|---|---|---|
| Provider selection | The person and support team choose from appropriate agencies with help from the PDD worker. | The individual and FMS Administrator have greater control over workers and agencies. |
| Worker recruitment | The agency generally recruits and manages workers. | The FMS Administrator may recruit directly or hire an agency. |
| Worker supervision | The agency is responsible for its workers. | The administrator supervises directly hired workers; an agency supervises its own workers. |
| Service coordination | The agency coordinates the approved service. | The FMS Administrator coordinates approved services. |
| Payment | The provider invoices according to the Ministry service arrangement. | The administrator pays approved expenses and submits claims according to the FMS Agreement. |
| Records | The agency maintains required service and billing records. | The administrator must maintain complete financial and service records. |
| Administrator workload | Lower direct employment and financial-administration responsibility for the family. | Greater control with greater administrative, employment and financial responsibility. |
Neither option is automatically better
How does FMS payment and reimbursement work?
The FMS Administrator generally pays approved service expenses and submits them for reimbursement according to the FMS Agreement.
A typical agency process may be:
- Respite Edmonton provides the approved service.
- Respite Edmonton issues an invoice and supporting service record.
- The FMS Administrator reviews the invoice.
- The administrator pays Respite Edmonton.
- The administrator keeps proof of payment.
- The administrator submits the approved expense through the Online Claims Reimbursement portal or local Disability Services office.
- PDD reviews the claim.
- Eligible expenses are reimbursed according to the FMS Agreement.
The official Alberta instructions currently require the FMS Administrator to submit expenses within 10 days after the end of the month.
No reimbursement guarantee
Can Respite Edmonton invoice PDD directly?
There are two different answers.
Agency-managed services
Where Respite Edmonton has been formally authorized to deliver agency-managed PDD services, it may invoice the Ministry according to the applicable Service Agreement or billing arrangement.
Family Managed Services
Under FMS, Respite Edmonton would generally invoice the FMS Administrator. The administrator pays the approved expense and submits the required claim according to the FMS Agreement.
FMS invoicing is not universal direct Ministry billing.
Confirm the payment route first
What should a PDD or FMS agency invoice include?
Exact requirements may vary by agreement and billing instructions.
A detailed agency invoice should generally include:
- agency legal name
- business contact information
- invoice number
- invoice date
- client or authorized identifier
- dates of service
- service category
- hours or units delivered
- hourly or unit rate
- subtotal
- applicable taxes, where required
- total amount
- payment status
- any agreement or authorization number required
- supporting service or timesheet records
This list does not replace official Ministry instructions.
What records should an FMS Administrator keep?
Records may include:
- FMS Agreement
- invoices
- receipts
- proof of payment
- bank records
- payroll records
- employment deductions
- timesheets
- agency service records
- worker contracts
- Workers' Compensation documentation
- expense claims
- reimbursement records
- Individual Support Plan
- relevant correspondence
- authorization for changes
- records explaining adjustments or cancelled services
Business records must generally be kept for seven years.
PDD may periodically review the administrator’s documentation.
When must FMS claims be submitted?
Alberta’s current public guidance says approved expenses should be submitted through the Online Claims Reimbursement portal or local Disability Services office within 10 days after month-end.
The FMS Administrator should:
- Review all monthly invoices.
- Confirm that services were delivered.
- Confirm spending fits the agreement.
- Pay the approved expense.
- Keep proof of payment.
- Submit the claim within the required period.
- Retain the full record.
Alberta does not publish a universal reimbursement-processing date for PDD FMS claims, so processing times should be confirmed with the PDD worker.
Can unused PDD or FMS funding be carried forward?
Unused funding does not automatically carry forward.
Funding is governed by the individual’s agreement, approved budget and program instructions.
The FMS Administrator should ask the PDD worker:
- whether funds are tied to a particular month or period
- whether underspending may be used later
- whether approval is required to move funds between categories
- whether unused amounts expire
- what happens at the end of the agreement term
Respite Edmonton does not advise a family to exceed monthly or annual limits without written confirmation.
What happens when approved hours or funding are exhausted?
Services outside the approved funding may not be reimbursed.
When available hours or funding are running low:
- review service records and invoices
- compare spending with the agreement
- adjust future scheduling where appropriate
- contact the PDD worker
- discuss changes in support needs
- request a review where circumstances have changed
- determine whether additional services would be privately paid
Respite Edmonton provides accurate service records, but the FMS Administrator remains responsible for monitoring the family-managed budget unless another arrangement states otherwise.
Can the service plan change?
Yes. PDD services can be reviewed when needs or circumstances change.
Reasons may include:
- increased or reduced support needs
- changes in health
- behavioural or safety concerns
- caregiver capacity
- housing changes
- employment changes
- community participation goals
- changes in natural supports
- a service provider change
- progress toward existing goals
- new annual goals
The person and support team should contact the PDD worker rather than assuming an unapproved service change will be funded.
How do you change PDD service providers?
A person receiving agency-managed services should discuss the change with:
- the PDD worker
- guardian, where applicable
- support team
- current provider
- proposed new provider
Before changing providers, confirm:
- notice requirements
- service-ending date
- transfer of relevant planning information
- new provider authorization
- continuity of support
- medication and safety information
- invoicing cutoff
- return of property or documents
- privacy and consent requirements
For FMS, the administrator should also review:
- agency contract terms
- employee termination obligations
- outstanding invoices
- payroll obligations
- remaining funding
- new provider rates
- approval requirements
Essential support should not end abruptly without an appropriate transition plan.
How should families choose a PDD provider?
Ask potential providers:
- Are you qualified to provide the requested service?
- Which PDD services do you offer?
- How are workers screened?
- How are workers matched?
- Will the same worker attend regularly?
- What happens when a worker cancels?
- Can support happen at home and in the community?
- What adult-support experience do workers have?
- How do you protect choice and dignity?
- How do you document progress?
- How do you respond to incidents?
- Can you provide invoices and timesheets?
- Do you work with FMS Administrators?
- How are complaints or rematching handled?
- What are your rates and cancellation policies?
Our companion guide on how to choose a respite care and support provider covers these questions in more detail.
How Respite Edmonton supports adults using PDD or FMS
Respite Edmonton is a qualified agency and Qualified Service Provider offering approved adult support services in Edmonton and surrounding communities.
Depending on the individual’s approved plan and Respite Edmonton’s authorized service scope, support may include:
- respite and caregiver relief
- community access
- community participation
- daily living support
- routine development
- life-skills development
- meal preparation
- household activities
- appointment support
- recreation
- companionship
- building independence
- personal care where authorized
- evening and weekend support
- other approved adult services
Our service process includes:
- Reviewing the requested service arrangement.
- Confirming whether services are agency-managed or FMS.
- Understanding the adult's goals, choices and support needs.
- Reviewing safety, communication and personal-care requirements.
- Matching an appropriate screened worker.
- Establishing the approved schedule.
- Providing support at home or in the community.
- Maintaining service records.
- Issuing invoices according to the authorized payment arrangement.
- Communicating with the adult and support team.
Services, billing and reimbursement depend on the individual’s approved plan and agreement. See how our intake, planning and matching process works.
Areas served
Respite Edmonton serves:
- Edmonton
- Sherwood Park
- St. Albert
- Spruce Grove
- Leduc
- Beaumont
Availability depends on the requested service, location, schedule, worker availability and approved arrangement. You can view all areas served.
PDD and FMS planning checklist
Before services begin, confirm:
- PDD eligibility has been approved.
- The requested service is included in the approved plan.
- The arrangement is agency-managed, FMS or a combination.
- The service provider is authorized for the requested service.
- The service start date is confirmed.
- The approved hours or funding amount is understood.
- The provider's rate is permitted.
- The person's goals are documented.
- The Individual Support Plan is being developed or updated.
- Worker-screening requirements are confirmed.
- The payment route is confirmed.
- Invoice requirements are confirmed.
- Timesheet and service-record requirements are confirmed.
- The person responsible for claims is identified.
- Cancellation and mileage policies are understood.
- Emergency and incident-reporting procedures are documented.
- The family knows who to contact when needs change.
Ready to discuss PDD or Family Managed Services support?
Respite Edmonton can review your adult-support needs, explain our intake process and help identify the information that must be confirmed before services begin.
Qualified agency • Screened workers • Personalized support • Detailed service records
Official PDD resources
Independent information notice: This guide was prepared by Respite Edmonton and is not an official Government of Alberta publication. PDD eligibility, service approval, funding, hours, rates, agreements and payment arrangements are determined by Alberta Disability Services and the individual’s current plans and agreements. Confirm individual circumstances with the assigned PDD worker.
Last reviewed: August 2026
The following Government of Alberta pages are provided for reference only and are not endorsements of Respite Edmonton:
- Alberta Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program overview
- PDD eligibility requirements
- PDD supports and services
- Apply for PDD
- How to get PDD services
- PDD resources and forms
- Disability Services office locations in Alberta
- Online Claims Reimbursement portal
- Family Managed Services administrator financial record-keeping guide
- PDD concerns, complaints and appeal information
- Alberta family resource centres
Frequently asked questions about PDD and FMS
Related resources
Published by Respite Edmonton — respite care and support services for families in Edmonton and surrounding communities. See all family resources and guides.