460 IAC 14.1-18-1 Postsecondary training services

Sec. 1. (a) A participant may receive postsecondary training services if the participant needs: (1) a certification; (2) a license; (3) a credential; (4) a degree; or (5) other educational qualifications; to have the minimum education or training required to achieve the employment outcome listed in their individualized plan for employment. (b) A participant may receive assistance with a graduate degree if a graduate degree is the minimum qualification required to achieve the employment outcome listed in the participant's individualized plan for employment. (c) To receive postsecondary training services, a participant must submit the following to their vocational rehabilitation counselor: (1) Proof of enrollment at a postsecondary institution and a copy of the requirements for their academic degree or postsecondary training program. (2) If a participant is in default of a student loan, documentation that the loan was either resolved, deferred, or forgiven. (3) If attending an institution eligible to participate in federal financial aid, after filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the priority filing deadline set by the Indiana Commission on Higher Education, a copy of their student aid report and written authorization to the VR program to communicate with the institution's financial aid office. (d) To remain eligible for postsecondary training services, a participant must meet the following requirements: (1) Provide the following documentation to their vocational rehabilitation counselor after each academic term: (A) Their final grade report that includes the semester and cumulative grade point average. (B) Next academic term's class schedule. (C) Disciplinary or adverse actions, if applicable. (2) Meet the academic requirements set forth in this rule. (3) Resolve any defaulted student loan or provide documentation from the lender that the defaulted student loan has been deferred or forgiven. (4) File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the priority filing deadline and provide a copy of the student aid report and written authorization to the VR program to communicate with the institution's financial aid office to verify any comparable benefits, including scholarships, grants, and other financial aid awards offered. (5) Meet the full-time enrollment requirements of the postsecondary training institution attended, and finish training within three (3) years for an associate degree and five (5) years for a bachelor's degree, except when full-time attendance or completion is precluded by the participant's: (A) disability or health; (B) responsibilities as a caregiver to dependent minors or other family members; (C) scheduling conflicts with the required courses offered; or (D) employment because their work schedule conflicts with the courses required for their degree. (e) A participant must submit the documentation required by this section not later than one (1) month before the first day of classes in the upcoming academic term, unless they notify the VR program of circumstances beyond their control that would prevent them from providing the documentation. A participant who does not provide documentation or notify the VR program why the information cannot be provided will not receive postsecondary training services for the upcoming academic term. (f) A participant shall not receive financial assistance for postsecondary training services at a postsecondary training institution that is not eligible to participate in federal financial aid due to loss of accreditation under 34 CFR 600.7.