17.3 Transportation

Transportation services cover travel and travel-related expenses for transporting applicants and eligible individuals (and his/her attendants or escorts) to enable them to participate in other vocational rehabilitation services being provided. Transportation shall not be provided by itself or in conjunction with only maintenance payments, services to family members, and/or personal assistance services. Transportation services include payment for the transit of individuals and/or escorts to and from specific locations as planned for on the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), emergency automobile repair, payment of parking fees, etc. Transportation is a need-tested service assessed through the Financial Need Analysis and shall only be provided in conjunction with the provision of a core service(s).

(Procedure code 31000-01)

Whenever available, public transportation is the primary option for participating in DVR services unless the individual’s impairment-related limitations prevent use of public transportation. Or, if the individual chooses to use his/her own vehicle when public transportation is available and accessible, DVR may provide mileage reimbursement at a rate not to exceed the cost of public transportation.

(Procedure code 31000-15)

DVR may reimburse participants for use of a personal vehicle at a rate not to exceed the cost of available public transportation unless the individual’s impairment-related limitations prevent the use of public transportation. The cost of available public transportation is determined through review of local transit provider fares, taking into consideration potential eligibility for reduced fares for individuals with disabilities. A DVR Vehicle Mileage Log shall be completed to determine if the reimbursement will be at the equivalent rate of a bus pass or based on actual miles (whichever is less).

Any reimbursement is in accordance with State Fiscal Rule 5-1, State Controller’s Policy under the Prevailing Mileage Rate. A higher mileage reimbursement rate for four-wheel drive vehicles is allowable only when necessary because of road, terrain, or adverse weather conditions. If the 4WD mileage reimbursement rate is requested, documentation substantiating the circumstance must be attached to the DVR Mileage Reimbursement Log.

NOTE: Mileage reimbursement is compensation for fuel as well as normal automobile maintenance on vehicle(s), incidental repairs, and insurance.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license

• Current vehicle insurance

• Use of a registered vehicle

• Copies of these documents with the DVR Rehabilitation Counselor

• Monthly submission of DVR Vehicle Mileage Log

(Procedure code 31000-02)

Requirements

• Individual cannot utilize any other available mode of transportation and vehicle cannot be operated safely

• Vehicle to be repaired is appropriately licensed and registered to the individual or the individual’s spouse

• Payment to auto mechanic or repair shop will be at the lowest available usual and customary rates, as determined through obtainment of three informal quotes

• DVR staff has consulted a supervisor, and the DVR Service Delivery Policy Manual for additional considerations related to automobile repair.

NOTE: Automobile maintenance is the routinely scheduled services, inspections, part replacements, and insurance. Maintenance is covered through mileage reimbursement and is therefore not otherwise provided as a separate DVR service.

(Procedure code 31000-05)

Cab fare may be paid only when the individual cannot utilize any other less expensive form of transportation, including public transportation.

Payment Rate

• Lowest available usual and customary rates, not to exceed fees charged to other individuals or entities under comparable circumstances.

• An additional fee, negotiated with the cab company, if the individual requires door-to- door pick-up and delivery assistance due to disability.

(31000-16, 31000-17, 31304-09, 31304-10)

Curb-to-curb transportation is service due to disability unless the individual requires door-to-door pick-up and drop-off assistance due to disability. Curb-to-curb transportation services may be used only if the individual's circumstances preclude the utilization of other, less expensive means of transportation to a vocationally necessary service. Other considerations prior to authorizing curb-to-curb transportation services may include meeting at a less-distant location from the individual, a service provider traveling to the individual, and alternative meeting formats such as teleconferencing. The payment rate is for the distance that the individual is transported only and does not include the distance that the transportation service travels to and from the individual.

Payment Rate

• Base rate $17.91 per one-way trip

• Add $2.07 per mile to base rate

• Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off assistance due to disability must be negotiated

• With provider in advance

(Procedure code 35000-01)

Maintenance is monetary support that may be provided to an individual to cover expenses that are in excess of (or over and above) normal expenses an individual may incur for participation in assessment used to determine eligibility or services under an IPE.

• Comparable benefits search

• Eligible individuals complete Financial Needs Analysis, as applicable

• Not to be provided to replace previous sources of income that are no longer available due to the individual's participation in the vocational rehabilitation program

• Not to be provided by itself or in conjunction with only transportation, services to family members, or personal assistance services.

Payment Rate

• Limited to actual increased costs for food, shelter, and clothing minus the amount the individual is required to pay normally.

• Standardized comparative values have been created in order to compare the cost of living between two communities. The tool to calculate maintenance payments is located online: http://livingwage.mit.edu/