Minnesota Administrative Rules

3325.0430 COMPARABLE SERVICES AND BENEFITS; VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION.

Subpart 1.

Scope.

Comparable services and benefits that would contribute toward and not interfere with an eligible individual's vocational rehabilitation must be used if available to an eligible individual or members of an eligible individual's family for all rehabilitation services identified in the eligible individual's IPE except:

A.

diagnostic assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs;

B.

vocational rehabilitation counseling including information and support services to assist an individual in exercising informed choice;

C.

referral services;

D.

rehabilitation technology;

E.

job-related services; or

F.

postemployment services consisting of the services identified in this subpart.

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

Subp. 2.

Eligible individual responsibilities.

An eligible individual must, with the assistance of the eligible individual's vocational rehabilitation counselor, participate in the search for and use of comparable services and benefits as follows:

A.

Before receiving physical and mental restoration services other than nonprescription low vision aids, an eligible individual must file a claim or application for coverage with the eligible individual's health insurer, if any. If the eligible individual has no health insurance or if the physical and mental restoration services provided are not covered by the eligible individual's health insurance, the eligible individual must apply to a local human services agency for medical assistance under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256B.

B.

Before receiving any rehabilitation service other than those identified in subpart 1, items A to F, an eligible individual must apply or provide evidence of having already applied for any state or federal assistance program for which the eligible individual's vocational rehabilitation counselor determines the eligible individual may be eligible.

C.

Before receiving vocational training services in an institution of higher learning, an eligible individual must apply for educational grants to cover the costs of tuition, supplies, and living expenses.

D.

If comparable services and benefits exist under any other program, but are not available to the eligible individual at the time needed to ensure the progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome in the individual's IPE, SSB must provide vocational rehabilitation services until those comparable services and benefits become available.

Subp. 3.

Relation to financial need eligibility.

The extent to which comparable services and benefits are available to an eligible individual must be determined before determining the degree of financial participation required of the eligible individual under part 3325.0440.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 248.07

History:

11 SR 1784; 36 SR 33

Published Electronically:

August 24, 2011