[nfbmi-talk] Maintenance Policy from October 2008 commission policymanual

[Fred Wurtzel]

Well, the new policy is much better than this version.  I do think we could
steal some of the language in this one for the new one from the beginning of
the new one.  I may take a whack at it, tonight.

Thank you Lydia, this is helpful.  Again the new one is much better.

Warmest Regards,

Fred

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of laschuck at juno.com
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 9:01 PM
To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Maintenance Policy from October 2008 commission
policymanual

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.
 
_______________________________________________
nfbmi-talk mailing list
nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nfbmi-talk:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/f.wurtzel%40comc
ast.net