DHS COVID-19 PROVIDER GUIDANCE // ODP
ODP Announcement 20-039:
Response to Requests for Provider
Retainer Payments
Audience
All Stakeholders
Purpose
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has received a high volume of requests
for provider retainer payments for providers of Supported Employment, In-Home and
Community, Companion and Transportation services.
Discussion
ODP is committed to the objectives of Employment First and recognizes that the
economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting Supported
Employment providers especially hard as unemployment rates have skyrocketed and
stay-at-home policies have resulted in significant job loss or temporary suspensions of
work for the people receiving supported employment services. ODP also recognizes
that many individuals and families are wary of, and in many cases are not allowing,
service provision by non-relatives during the stay-at-home order which has left some
In-Home and Community Supports and Companion providers with dramatic reduction
in service provision.
ODP is currently conducting an analysis of the need for retainer payments and will
provide status updates in the future.
While retainers are under consideration by ODP, providers should note that Congress
has appropriated significant funds to make up for lost provider revenue. We strongly
encourage providers to examine the various resources that are available for
businesses impacted by COVID-19. Governor Wolf recently announced disaster
assistance that is available through the U.S. Small Business Administration
https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/, as well as through a new program under the
Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority’s (PIDA’s) Small Business First Fund, the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA). Information on these opportunities
and other business resources can be found by going to the Pennsylvania Department of
Community and Economic Development’s website at https://dced.pa.gov/ and clicking
on the “Resources for Businesses affected by COVID-19” link.