Ill. Admin. Code tit. 89, § 567.20 - Definition of Comparable Benefits

a) A comparable benefit is a service that is available at the time the service is needed by a customer and is used to achieve an employment outcome specified in the customer's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) (see 89 Ill. Adm. Code 572) that, when provided to DHS-DRS customers by a public or private agency or agencies other than DHS-DRS, offset costs that would otherwise be paid by DHS-DRS.

b) When a customer is requesting DHS-DRS to cover training related services, except for those services that are exempt from financial participation (see 89 Ill. Adm. Code 562.30 ) in an institution of higher education, the customer shall make formal application for federal assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provide proof (or denial) of financial award and the amount of the award before the customer's IPE can be implemented. An IPE for services to prepare and assist the customer in applying for comparable benefits may be developed at any time. Failure of the customer to apply for comparable benefits shall result in the denial of services (see 89 Ill. Adm. Code 567.100 ).

c) Customers requesting medical services or physical restoration services shall make formal application for Medicaid benefits and complete the process to determine Medicaid eligibility. Eligibility, or ineligibility, for Medicaid benefits shall not, in any way, affect the eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation services from DHS-DRS.

d) Monetary awards, contributions and gifts that are specific or restricted as to use shall be used as intended (e.g., scholarships earmarked for use for college tuition costs or general college expenses) and are an available comparable benefit or service that reduces the customer's need for those services from DHS-DRS. Unrestricted scholarships and awards based on merit do not constitute comparable benefits.

e) While a customer will not be discouraged from applying for loans (i.e., student loans) to assist in the completion of his/her rehabilitation program, he/she shall not be required to accept such loans. Such loans are not comparable benefits.

Notes

Ill. Admin. Code tit. 89, § 567.20

Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 19025, effective November 22, 2010