Comparable Benefits and Services

(1) Comparable benefits and services are those appropriate services or financial assistance from a source other than the Commission that will meet, in whole or in part, the cost of vocational rehabilitation services to be provided under an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). (2) Individuals are required to apply for any comparable benefits or services for which it appears they may be eligible. When and to the extent that, comparable benefits are available to the individual the Commission shall require such services to be used before the Commission provides funds to meet, in whole or in part, the cost of vocational rehabilitation services except when: (a) it will result in an interruption or delay in achieving the employment outcome identified in the IPE; or (b) an immediate job placement would be lost; or (c) in the provision of services to an individual who is at extreme medical risk. Extreme medical risk means a risk of death or substantially increasing functional impairments if immediate medical services are not provided. A determination of extreme medical risk must be based on medical evidence provided by an appropriate licensed medical professional. (3) Comparable benefits and services are: (a) provided or paid for in whole or in part to the individual, by other public agencies, health insurance, or employee benefits; (b) when needed to assure progress toward achievement of the employment outcome specified in the IPE of the individual; and (c) similar in scope and quality to services provided by the Commission; but (d) do not include awards and scholarships based on merit. (4) Comparable benefits and services do not have to be considered when providing: (a) counseling and guidance; (b) information and referral: and (c) placement services. (5) Comparable benefits and services shall be used before the Commission provides funds for the following services: (a) physical and mental restoration services; (b) maintenance and transportation services; (c) services to members of an eligible individual’s family; (d) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (e) vocational training services including books, tools, and other training materials; (f) personal assistance and auxiliary aids and services including interpreter services for the deaf, reader services, note taker, personal care attendant; and rehabilitation teaching services; (g) employment services including supported employment and post employment services that are necessary to maintain, regain or advance in employment; (h) rehabilitation technology, adaptive housing, motor vehicle modification, telecommunications, sensory and other technological aids and devices; (i) transition services; (j) other goods and services not listed.