OAR 461-190-0215: Case Plan Activities and Standards for Support Services Payments; REF, REP

In the Refugee Assistance (REF) and Refugee Employment Program (REP) programs, notwithstanding any other administrative rule in chapter 461 and subject to the availability of state and federal funding, the following special provisions apply: (1) Support services (see OAR 461-001-0027 ) payments are available to individuals who are eligible (see OAR 461-130-0310 ) to engage in a case plan (see OAR 461-001-0027 ). (2) Pursuant to the reasonable cost requirements in 45 CFR 75.404, in approving support services payments, the Department (see OAR 461-001-0000) must consider lower cost alternatives. This rule is not intended to supplant Departmen t funding with other funding that is available in the community. The expectation of the Department is that Department staff and individuals work collaboratively to seek resources that are reasonably available to the individual in order to participate in activities. (3) Payment for support services are provided when: (a) Necessary to participate in an approved activity (see OAR 461-001-0027 ) specified in the individual’s case plan ; (b) Authorized in advance; and (c) All other provisions of this rule are met. (4) The Department may provide payments for support services for individuals eligible for REP engaged in an approved activity specified in the individual’s case plan . Support services are subject to the following limitations: (a) Transportation. The Department may provide payments to an individual when transportation costs is for travel to and from an approved REP activity . Payments are only for the cost of public transportation or fuel costs. For fuel costs the individual providing the transportation must report having a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance. (b) Other Payments. When the need is identified and no other sources are available, the Department may provide other payments needed – (A) To accept a job offer. (B) For books and supplies to complete an approved educational activity. (c) All other payments are not allowed. (5) The Department may require an individual to provide verification of a need for, or costs associated with, support services prior to approval and issuance of payments if verification is reasonably available. (6) The Department may reduce, close, or deny in whole or in part a request for support services payments in the following circumstances: (a) The purpose for the payments is not related to the individual's case plan . (b) The individual is failing to comply with the case plan or is disqualified unless the payments in question are necessary for the individual to demonstrate cooperation with the individual’s case plan . (c) The individual disagrees with support services payments offered or made by the Department as outlined in the individual's case plan .