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VA DRS Comparable Benefits Policy

Comparable benefits means services and benefits that are provided or paid for, in whole or in part, by other federal, state, or local public agencies, by health insurance, or by employee benefits; available to the individual at the time needed under the Employment Plan; and commensurate to the services that the individual would otherwise receive from the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS).

Counselors may, but are not required to, seek comparable benefits from private, non-profit organizations not covered in the definition above (per agency policy).

In order to conserve Vocational Rehabilitation program funds, the counselor will not pay the cost, or portion of the cost, of vocational rehabilitation services, including services to family members, that otherwise could be paid for in whole or in part by comparable benefits. This includes services provided under an Employment Plan.

The following services are exempt from a determination of the availability of comparable benefits. However, if an exempted service, such as rehabilitation technology, is known to be readily available from another alternative source at the time the service is needed under the Employment Plan, it is prudent for the counselor to use those funds in order to conserve Vocational Rehabilitation program funds

·             Diagnostic, evaluation, and assessment services needed to determine eligibility (and assign priority category if DRS is on an order of selection) or vocational rehabilitation needs.

·             Vocational rehabilitation counseling, guidance, and referral services, including information and support services to assist the individual in exercising informed choice.

·             Work-related placement services provided by DRS staff (including job search assistance, placement assistance, and job retention services, follow-up services, and follow-along services).

·             Rehabilitation technology (including rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services).

NOTE: There are other exceptions, as when a search for comparable benefits would delay a job placement or implementation of an Individualized Employment Plan (IEP). See: Chapter 14.2 Comparable Benefits in the DRS Policy and Procedure Manual at: http://www.vadrs.org/FRS/FRSmanuals/.

See Also:

Eligibility for Services

Employment Services

WWRC Services

Community Based Services

Nursing Home Outreach

DRS Financial Participation in Cost of Services

Department of Rehabilitative Services Overview

Back to:

Virginia Benefit Information System Welcome and Introduction

Source:

Chapter 14.2 Comparable Benefits in the DRS Policy and Procedure Manual at: http://www.vadrs.org/FRS/FRSmanuals/.

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