1. (a)

   1. (1) The role of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is not to act as the primary funding source for training programs.
   2. (2) All clients pursuing training programs are required to explore, and when appropriate, apply for funding from sources other than Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.
   3. (3) Federal VR funds cannot be used to pay training costs in institutions of higher education unless every effort has been made to secure financial assistance, in whole or in part, from other funding sources.
   4. (4) In all training cases, the record of services must include evidence that applications were made and the individual will or will not receive assistance.

   5. (5)

      1. (A) Evidence of approval of receipt of financial assistance may be documented through a financial aid award letter.
      2. (B) This letter originates at the training institution and lists the type/amount received by semester (quarter).
      3. (C) Federal law requires students to accept/reject awards by signing this letter.

2. (b)

   1. (1)

      1. (A) The counselor will provide general information regarding various alternative financing sources.
      2. (B) However, the individual is responsible for securing financial aid.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Documentation must be presented to the counselor prior to the school’s established payment deadline.
      2. (B) This documentation can include:

3. (i) College award letter;

   1. (ii) Student financial aid grant response letter;

      1. (iii) Online student financial aid grant printouts; or

         1. (iv) Copies of student financial aid grant application forms.
         2. (c)
   2. (1) If the student has defaulted on a guaranteed student loan, the student will be denied a Pell Grant and other forms of financial aid.

   3. (2) Before spending Arkansas Rehabilitation Services funds for training, the consumer must:

      1. (A) Arrange to repay the defaulted loan; and

      2. (B) Provide supporting documentation of progress throughout the plan year.

         1. (d)
   4. (1) The counselor will utilize the basic cost of education reported from the school that the individual attends.

   5. (2) The applicable student financial aid categories are:

      1. (A) Dependent;
      2. (B) On campus;
      3. (C) Dependent off campus; and
      4. (D) Independent.

   6. (3) The basic cost may include:

      1. (A) Tuition;
      2. (B) Books;
      3. (C) Fees;
      4. (D) Room and board (maintenance);
      5. (E) Supplies; and
      6. (F) Transportation.

4. (e)

   1. (1) Please see the policy guidance on maintenance and transportation for information on the application of these separate policies to training cases.

   2. (2) Maintenance may only be considered for those expenses incurred that are:

      1. (A) Directly related to attending college; and
      2. (B) In excess of normal living expenses.
   3. (3) Expenses such as housing may be considered at a rate of seventy percent (70%) of the lowest double occupancy dorm room cost per term.

5. (f)

   1. (1) Arkansas Rehabilitation Services will finance Arkansas state tuition costs as an Arkansas resident for all training programs found within the State of Arkansas.
   2. (2) This includes programs that have the same exit degree, diploma, or certificate awarded.
   3. (3) The individual will be responsible for all fees in excess of the cost of the in-state fees.
6. (g) Arkansas Rehabilitation Services will only sponsor individuals at institutions that are fully accredited by the appropriate accrediting authority.

7. (h)

   1. (1) Every effort will be made to secure training nearest where the individual’s primary residence is located.

   2. (2) Individuals who choose to attend a school outside of the commuting distance (fifty-mile radius) will incur the additional costs associated with that choice.

      1. (i) The individual will indicate choice of school and course of study in accordance with informed choice by signing the IPE.
8. (j) Note. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services will not be bound to any agreement or contract the individual entered into prior to signing the IPE.

9. (k) A threshold of five thousand dollars ($5,000) has been established per twelve-month period, beginning with initiation date of the IPE, for:

   1. (1) Tuition;
   2. (2) Required textbooks;
   3. (3) Academic fees;
   4. (4) Maintenance; and
   5. (5) Transportation.

Codification Notes: “IPE” means individualized plan for employment.