[nfbmi-talk] Maintenance Policy from October 2008 commission policy manual

[laschuck at juno.com]

Hello friends.  Below is what I found about maintenance in the 2008 update policy manual.
G. Maintenance in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation service<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Maintenance is a supportive service of the agency that may be provided to cover the food, shelter or other subsistence expenses for an eligible individual or an individual undergoing a Trial Work Experience. It may be provided only to enable an individual to participate in specific rehabilitation services. Maintenance payments may not exceed the amount of increased expenses necessitated by participating in the services. It may not be provided to raise an individual’s standard of living. Only the following expenses will be considered when determining maintenance needs:
1. Rent/mortgage/dormitory fees (based on double occupancy)
2. Food (college plan or, if not appropriate, state rate)
3. Basic telephone charges
4. Utilities, not including cable or satellite television
5. Medical expenses not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance
6. Expenses related to guide dogs not covered by other organizations
7. Incidental expenses of $100 per month
If a student elects to live in a residence other than a dormitory, the maximum rate will be that of the room and board based on double occupancy in the dormitory at the specific school. The agency will not support the costs associated with maintaining two households for an Individual Plan for Employment where training lasts more than one year.
Through the Individual Plan for Employment, the counselor/teacher and the individual must develop a budget based on a list of actual expenses compared to income. It is important to consider all resources including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI) benefits when determining income.
Every student must participate financially in his or her education. College students are required to apply for SSI/SSDI or contribute the maximum amount according to the Social Security Administration Red Book for the current year. If the Social Security application is denied or awarded at less than the maximum level because of individual or family income and assets, the student will contribute the difference to the maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allowable amount for each semester or term attended.
The financial aid award letter must be submitted to MCB a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of any term or semester for which the student is seeking financial assistance. Failure to submit the award letter will result in non-sponsorship for that semester or term. However, letters received after this deadline may be considered for determining sponsorship for the following semester or term.
This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at its June 24, 2005, meeting.