218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-50-00-1.14

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 218-RICR-50-00-1.14 - COMPARABLE BENEFITS AND SERVICES

A. Comparable services and benefits are services and benefits, including accommodations and auxiliary aids and services, which are:

1. Provided or paid for in whole or in part by other Federal, State, or local public agencies, by health insurance, or by employee benefits;

2. Commensurate with the services that the individual would otherwise receive from the vocational rehabilitation agency.

B. Comparable services and benefits do not include awards or scholarships based on merit.

C. Determination of comparable services and benefits is required unless:

1. The determination would significantly interrupt or delay the progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome identified in the Individualized Plan for Employment;

2. The determination would interrupt or delay the provision of services to any individual at extreme medical risk (extreme medical risk means the substantial increase of functional impairment or risk of death if medical services are not provided expeditiously) based on medical evidence provided by an appropriate qualified medical professional; or

3. The determination would interrupt or delay the loss of an immediate job placement.

D. Eligible individuals are required to apply for and accept those comparable services and benefits to which they are entitled when the services are needed to assure progress toward the achievement of their vocational goal.

1. ORS cannot utilize vocational rehabilitation funds for services subjected to Comparable Services and Benefit Review if the individual:

a. Refuses to apply for services or benefits for which he/she may be eligible (i.e., an individual seeking higher education must apply for the Pell Grant);

b. Refuses to accept a comparable service or benefit which is available and adequate to meet the intermediate rehabilitation objective of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

2. The determination of comparable services and benefits is not attached to financial eligibility/determination of economic need. An individual may be financially eligible and still will be expected to utilize whatever comparable services and benefits available to them to meet the cost of vocational rehabilitation services.

E. Services Subject to the Comparable Benefits Requirements:

1. Physical and Mental Restoration Services;

2. Maintenance;

3. Vocational Training Services;

4. Occupational licenses, tools, equipment and initial stock and supplies;

5. Transportation Services;

6. Vocational Rehabilitation Services to Eligible Individual's Family Members;

7. Transition Services; and

8. Other Goods and Services, not listed above.

F. Services not Subject to the Comparable Benefits Requirements:

1. Assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs;

2. Counseling and Guidance;

3. Information and Referrals;

4. Job-related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, follow-up services and follow-along services;

5. Rehabilitation Technology devices and services including telecommunications, sensory and other technological aid and devices; and

6. Post-Employment Services consisting of the previously listed exceptions.

G. The determination of Comparable Services and Benefits is an ongoing process through the individual's vocational rehabilitation process. At a minimum information must be updated annually at the time of the client's IPE review.

218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-50-00-1.14

Amended effective 6/4/2023