361.41—Processing referrals and applications.
(a) Referrals.
The designated State unit must establish and implement standards for the prompt and equitable handling of referrals of individuals for vocational rehabilitation services, including referrals of individuals made through the One-Stop service delivery systems established under section 121 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The standards must include timelines for making good faith efforts to inform these individuals of application requirements and to gather information necessary to initiate an assessment for determining eligibility and priority for services.
(b) Applications.
(1)
Once an individual has submitted an application for vocational rehabilitation services, including applications made through common intake procedures in One-Stop centers established under section 121 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, an eligibility determination must be made within 60 days, unless—
(i)
Exceptional and unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the designated State unit preclude making an eligibility determination within 60 days and the designated State unit and the individual agree to a specific extension of time; or
(ii)
An exploration of the individual's abilities, capabilities, and capacity to perform in work situations is carried out in accordance with § 361.42(e) or, if appropriate, an extended evaluation is carried out in accordance with § 361.42(f).
(2)
An individual is considered to have submitted an application when the individual or the individual's representative, as appropriate—
(B)
Has completed a common intake application form in a One-Stop center requesting vocational rehabilitation services; or
(ii)
Has provided to the designated State unit information necessary to initiate an assessment to determine eligibility and priority for services; and
(3)
The designated State unit must ensure that its application forms are widely available throughout the State, particularly in the One-Stop centers established under section 121 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1820-0500)