N.J. Admin. Code § 12:45-1.3 - Processing applications and referrals

(a) Each individual seeking vocational rehabilitation services shall complete an application which can be obtained from any local Division office. If the individual is a referral, the person or agency making the referral may complete the application on behalf of the individual. If the individual is incapable of completing an application, the individual's parent, guardian or representative may complete the application. The Division shall make a good faith effort to advise all applicants through appropriate modes of communication of the Division's application and eligibility requirements.

(b) Each individual or representative shall submit the application and any available medical or psychiatric records relating to disability to the nearest Division office.

(c) Upon reviewing the application, a Division counselor shall arrange an appointment for the individual at the nearest local Division office. If the individual cannot travel, the counselor may visit the individual.

(d) Each individual seeking or referred for vocational rehabilitation services shall be scheduled for an intake interview as soon as possible, but no longer than 14 days after contacting the agency.

(e) If the information received from an individual or his or her representative indicates legal blindness (N.J.S.A. 30:6-18(a)), visual impairment (N.J.S.A. 30:6-18(c)) or demonstrates other indications of possible eligibility for services provided by the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as outlined in the Agreement of Cooperation between the Division and the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, that individual shall be referred to the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired for vocational rehabilitation and other services.

(f) The counselor shall determine eligibility within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days after the individual has submitted an application to receive services, unless the counselor notifies the individual that exceptional and unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Division preclude it from completing the determination within the prescribed time, and:

1. The individual agrees that an extension of time is warranted; or

2. The Division is exploring the individual's abilities, capabilities and capacity to perform in work situations or, if appropriate, an extended evaluation is carried out under N.J.A.C. 12:45-1.7(b).

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 12:45-1.3

Amended by R.1994 d.52, effective 2/7/1994.
See: 25 New Jersey Register 5130(b), 26 New Jersey Register 813(a).
Amended by R.1997 d.466, effective 11/3/1997.
See: 29 New Jersey Register 3696(a), 29 New Jersey Register 4695(a).
In (a), added the fourth sentence; and in (d), added requirement that intake interview be scheduled within 14 days after contacting the agency.
Amended by R.1999 d.284, effective 8/16/1999.
See: 31 New Jersey Register 1144(a), 31 New Jersey Register 2387(a).
Rewrote (f)2.
Amended by R.2002 d.47, effective 2/4/2002.
See: 33 New Jersey Register 3883(b), 33 New Jersey Register 4309(a), 34 New Jersey Register 774(a).
In (f)2, inserted "or, if appropriate, an extended evaluation is carried out" following "situations".