Status: Archived
Approved Date: May 01, 2017
- Is purchase necessary to achieve goal
- No other options available to address the need
- Select least costly option
- Search for available comparable benefits & services
- Determine ability of client to maintain, repair and replace purchased goods
- Refer for comparable benefits
- Discuss appropriateness of loan referral
- Request copies of any denial or confirmation of comparable benefits or loans
- Request exception in a Task Notes using Task title "Exception Request"
- Document rationale for exception request using the information from critical case questions
- Notify either the Office Director or the appropriate Program Director of the exception request
- Office Director or Program Director documents the decision and the reason for support or denial in QE 2 Task Notes using Task title “Exception Decision”
- VR Specialist notifies client of the decision
- VR Specialist notifies Office Director if client disagrees with decision
- Letter containing rationale for denial and client appeal rights sent by Office Director if client disagrees
- Are the goods and/or services being requested necessary for the client to achieve his/her vocational objective?
- Have we determined there are no other options to addressing the client’s needs? For example, rather than purchasing a piece of adaptive equipment so the client can perform a particular task independently, is it reasonable and feasible for a family member to do the task; or would it be more cost effective to hire a particular task done?
- If there are several options to addressing the client’s need have we ensured the selected goods and/or services are the least cost options?
- Have we completed a thorough search for comparable services and benefits to offset a part or all of the costs? For example, if the client is a Social Security beneficiary and/or recipient, have we explored whether an Impairment Related Work Expense [IRWE] or Plan for Achieving Self Support [PASS] might be possible to offset a part or all of the costs? Applicants for and recipients of services must apply for and accept any existing comparable services or benefits.
- Has the client sought out and are they using all financing available from grants, loans, personal or family resources, and other resources, to offset a part or all of the costs for necessary goods and/or services?
- Can the client afford to maintain, repair, and replace the goods being requested?
- Is able to secure funds from other resources and/or is eligible for and accepts a loan for part of the costs that exceed the Fee Schedules the VR Specialist will request in writing an exception to the Fee Schedule for the remaining amount.
- Still has costs that exceed the Fee Schedules because the client is unable to secure financial assistance from other resources or is unwilling to apply for or accept a loan, the VR Specialist will request in writing an exception to the Fee Schedules. If the client says they are ineligible for a loan he/she should provide a loan refusal letter to verify denial of the loan and the reasons for the denial. The fact a client is not willing to apply for or accept a loan will be considered as part of the rationale used to either grant or deny an exception.
- Agrees to make an exception to the Fee Schedules the VR Specialist will proceed to secure the necessary services, goods and/or supports.
- Does not agree to make an exception the VR Specialist will inform the client of the decision and the rationale for making it.
Exception Authority - Only an Office Director or the appropriate Program Director can make a decision to exceed the Fee Schedules. Comparable services and benefits will be considered when an exception is requested.
Undue Delay – The requirement to determine the availability of comparable services and benefits, seeking out all other available resources, and applying for a loan[s] does not apply if this would interrupt or delay:
INACTIVE FORM: Fee Schedule Exception Guide |