This handbook provides process information on California's Deferred Maintenance Program, including a description of the administering body of law. Chapters discuss the program's process on the topics of basic/additional apportionment, fund release (basic/additional and critical hardship), the Deferred Maintenance Five-Year Plan, district deposit, project expenditures, critical hardship apportionment, multiple critical hardship apportionments, and funding priority for critical hardship projects. Appendices provide the life expectancy of school facilities components, and a review of the most commonly asked questions. (GR)