​​Services > Self-Directed Service Model >​ FMCS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Financial Management and Counseling Service (FMCS) agencies support individuals who choose to self-direct. With the help of a Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) and other team members, participants choose an FMCS agency. The FMCS agency assists participants with employer and budget related hiring, accounting, and payroll activities. For example, FMCS agencies:​

• Help check that employees/vendors meet requirements to work
• Remind participants and their teams when employee and vendor certifications are due
• Pay employees/vendors and purchase goods and services at the request of participants
• Provide reports and monthly statements to help participants keep track of spending of their budget

• Complete tax reporting for the participants, their employees, and vendors
  

Historically, the DDA offered two fiscal management service agencies.  In June 2022, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) announced the selection of three FMCS agencies: GT Independence, Public Partnerships LLC, and The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. 

FMCS are required to provide services outlined by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). FMCS may offer different tools and additional support for participants and their team.  FMCS have monthly fees that will be paid from the participants' self-directed budget.  Each FMCS has a different monthly fee. 

​​​FMCS Employer Tax Rate

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​GT Independence: 14%
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Public Partnerships, LLC: 14%​​​​​​​​​​​​
• The Arc Central Chesapeake Region: 14%