Minimum Wage Increase

Important: Please note that this only applies to services not a part of rate reform.

Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in California will increase to $16.50 per hour in 2025 for employers. Regional center service providers that are currently paying a wage below this amount may be entitled to an increase. Please review the information below to determine the steps necessary to apply for a rate adjustment. Any questions can be sent to the minwage@altaregional.org. 

For providers with rates included in rate reform, the increase in minimum wage will be included in the rate at full implementation effective January 1, 2025 and do not need to submit a request for a rate adjustment. The benchmark rates effective January 1, 2025 increased by updating the wages used in the rate models for direct care staff and supervisors to accommodate for wage growth due to the new minimum wage. The benchmark rates effective January 1, 2025, are available on the Benchmark Rates Information Page. If a provider’s existing rate is above the new benchmark, the provider will not receive an increase for minimum wage and the existing rate will be held harmless through June 30, 2026.

Department-Set Rate (Service Code 525-Social Recreation)

Social Recreations (service code 525) providers may submit a rate adjustment request to the Department. Please see the link below for more information. Minimum Wage – 2025 : CA Department of Developmental Services

Service Providers with a rate set through negotiation by regional centers

Providers with rates set by the regional center through a negotiation process and not a part of rate reform can click the link below titled “Worksheet for Negotiated Rate Providers” to download the Excel spreadsheet. For instructions on how to complete the spreadsheet please review the Vendor Worksheet Instructions found within the Excel document. Vendors must submit actual wage and mandated employer cost information for affected employees for the beginning and end date of a review period of 3 consecutive months from January through December 2024.

Worksheet for Negotiated Rate Providers

Providers may submit the completed spreadsheet to minwage@altaregional.org no later than March 1, 2025.