A Paid Internship Program (PIP) is available to job seekers served by Tri-Counties Regional Center who want to work full or part-time, become self-employed, start a small business or develop skills as an apprentice. Students may be eligible if they are age 18 or over. The program may last for up to one year, or up to 1040 hours, whichever occurs first. While interning, the participant is paid a competitive wage and employer costs are covered. The intent of the program is to increase opportunities for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE).
Many of our service providers offer the PIP but any person served by the Regional Center age 18 or greater is eligible for the program regardless of whether they are receiving other employment services.
This program was implemented by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and is outlined in Chapter 14 (WIC 4870(a)) of the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.
Paid Internship Program
As of July 1, 2021, the Paid Internship Program (PIP) has incentive payments tied to it. This means if you support an individual in securing a PIP, and they continue to participate, you are eligible for an incentive payment after an individual remains in the paid internship for 30 days and after 60 days. Incentive payments are as follows:
- 30-days -$750 (subcode PIP30)
- 60-days – $1,000 (subcode PIP60)
There is no need to provide supporting documentation for PIP incentives to be paid.
To streamline the PIP and incentive payment authorization process, please use the link on the Employment Services Landing Page to access the updated PIP Planning form when establishing a new Paid Internship.
Please DO NOT remove Andrew Verity’s name from the signing order.
If you have an internship that was established after July 1, 2021 and there are no incentive authorizations in place, please contact the assigned Service Coordinator.
PIP Minimum Wage Adjustments
If you are supporting an individual who has experienced a wage increase due to the most recent minimum wage adjustment, there is no need to complete a new PIP PBS form. Please email the name of the individual and their new wage to Diva Johnson and Zari Foosherian (djohnson@tri-counties.org and zarif@tri-counties.org). Wage adjustments will be addressed internally by Zari.