SERVICES
All services purchased with Support Services dollars are what is known as a "social benefit". A social benefit is a service "solely intended to assist an individual with disabilities to function in society on a level comparable to that of an individual...who does not have a disability." Every expenditure must meet all 9 of these criteria to be considered for the use of Support Service funds:
- The service must be directly related to a specific goal on the individual's plan and may never exceed the amount in the authorized Individual Support Plan.
- The service must be required to maintain or increase independence and/or community participation and/or productivity
- The service must be required solely because of the direct effects of a developmental disability
- The service does not replace an existing support system or resource
- The service does not replace other governmental benefits (OVRS, Department of Ed., SSI, OHP...)
- The service does not provide for basic needs or food, shelter or clothing
- The service is a cost-effective use of public resources
- The service is never a direct payment to a beneficiary
- The service is never for activities that are purely diversional
Service Element listing
For a list of all service elements, their descriptions, some examples and some non-allowable expenses, click here. Remember that no service can be accessed until it is in your plan and your Personal Agent has confirmed that your provider is qualified and ready to start.