https://www.reddit.com/r/VocRehab/comments/1i1lbmx/state_voc_rehab_vocational_rehabilitation/
created by ZestycloseMammoth360 on 15/01/2025 at 00:45 UTC
4 upvotes, 6 top-level comments (showing 6)
TLDR: My caseworker seems insistent that I will be penalized in the future if I close my case "unsuccessfully" by requesting withdrawal from services. I didn't get any help from them to obtain my current job, and I'm still not receiving any form of rehabilitative support from them despite having been approved.
// I applied for Vocational Rehabilitation several months ago to help obtain employment after losing my previous job. They requested my partner's pay verification to determine eligibility and that it would take up to 90 days to get approved. During that time, I did end up getting a job. I did not provide pay verification to them because of that, as I believed the application would be denied upon them not receiving all that was required.
My counselor called me recently, and I got a letter that I was approved. I explained that I was employed now and wasn't interested in services anymore (when I applied, I mainly needed assistance with gaining employment). Since I'm employed, though, she seems like she really doesn't want me to withdraw from services. She basically said that she'd have to close it as unsuccessful--which I do believe--and that doing so would mean that "run the risk of not being able to open [my case] in the future." The latter half of that is what is freaking me out. If I *do* end up needing services again someday, I don't want to be barred. However, I am not able to keep up with the services right now.
Comment by one_smallbeetle at 15/01/2025 at 01:44 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It may vary by state, but in mine, the case manager gets “penalized” for the unsuccessful closure but it doesn’t affect your future use of VR services.
Comment by Teezybadeezy at 15/01/2025 at 01:43 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Never heard of that. The only benefit of the doubt i can give her is that since you were able to obtain and and maintain employment without needing services, it may demonstrate services are not necessary for you to do so in the future. However if you can still show/describe how your disability creates barriers to employment that may require assistance/rehabilitation, then I would believe you'd be found eligible.
Comment by LittleBabyGoat2 at 15/01/2025 at 13:19 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
You could keep your case open and participate in counseling and guidance with your Voc Rehab Counselor. This just entails talking to your counselor about how your employment is going, discussing barriers/successes/challenges. Your conversations will be at least every 60 days while in service status and then every 30 days while in employed status (in my state). During this time, if you need accommodations or equipment or a change of job - your counselor can help you navigate the process and advocate for you.
Or you can request closure. In my district we don’t really turn anyone away for help with job search assistance. You just can’t have more than one case open in a fiscal year. Our fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30.
Comment by Kampground at 15/01/2025 at 02:15 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Agreed it would depend on your state. Many states are considered “Order of Selection” meaning there is a waitlist for services based on a number of factors. An unsuccessful closure could be a “mark against you” so to speak if you were to reapply.
Comment by OkLavishness3644 at 15/01/2025 at 05:04 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I work in state VR, and there is no penalty to clients for refusing services. Additionally, I think our timeline for eligibility is 60 days and we only need your wages prior to plan development. I’m not sure how other states do it, but that’s how my state does it.
Comment by ASniperIsTheSolution at 20/01/2025 at 16:24 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I saw a different post where a case worker mentioned the laws changing. I don't want tobquote wrong, but he did say that things were going to be getting stricter and requiring appealing to get approval to do VRE again.