Section 121.188  Supportive Services

a)         Transitional Assistance recipients and individuals receiving food stamps are eligible to receive supportive service payments, in advance, to enable them to participate in the program.  Transitional Assistance recipients and individuals receiving food stamps may also be eligible for initial employment expenses.  Supportive service costs shall not include the cost of meals away from home.

b)         Food Stamp Employment and Training program participation will not be required if supportive services are needed for effective participation but unavailable from the Department or some other reasonably available source.  Food Stamp Employment and Training program participation will not be required in a component if the individual's monthly allowable supportive service expenses exceed the maximum amount allowed by Department policy.  Individuals may be required to participate in another component or a less costly activity of the same component to the extent it is consistent with the employability plan established during the individual's assessment.

c)         Eligible Services

1)         Transportation

A)        If required and necessary, expenses for transportation will be provided to enable individuals to attend assessment meetings and permit participation in activities.

B)        Transportation payments are made at the most economical rate.  If the individual's own automobile is used, the established rate per mile (15 per mile) will be approved, which includes all vehicle-related expenses.

2)         Job Search Expenses

A)        Individuals participating in Job Search and Earnfare will receive an amount, not to exceed $20 every 30 days, to assist in the payment of Job Search-Related Expenses.

B)        An allowance of $5 a month will be paid to individuals participating in the Work Experience and Job Readiness Components to assist in the payment of Job Search-Related Expenses.

3)         Mandatory Fees.  Payment may be provided for mandatory fees, such as application, registration, activities, laboratory, graduation and testing fees, including the fee for the GED test, are provided to individuals enrolled in approved education or training programs.  A maximum payment of $300 per 12-month period can be provided.  No payments are allowed for tuition.

4)         Books and Supplies.  Payment is allowed for books, supplies and equipment purchased in accordance with the facility's published list of required items for the particular program in which an individual is enrolled. A maximum payment of $300 per 12-month period can be provided.

5)         Physical Examinations.  Payment is permitted for individuals to obtain required physical examinations if the costs are not otherwise provided by sources such as the employer or the training program.

6)         Earnfare clothing allowance.  Necessary clothing is provided to enable participants to report to their Earnfare job site.  A maximum clothing allowance of $100 per 12-month period can be provided.

7)         Initial Employment Expenses

A)        Payment may be provided for employment expenses incurred when requested within 30 calendar days from the date employment begins for all components. These expenses are paid based on the individual's work days during a 30 calendar day period from the date employment begins.  The total amount of all Initial Employment Expenses provided shall not exceed $400 in a 12 consecutive month period.  Payment may be made to individuals employed at least 20 hours weekly on a job that is expected to last at least 30 calendar days, or employed less than 20 hours weekly on a job that is expected to last at least 30 calendar days and total hours of employment plus component activity equal at least 20 hours per week.

B)        These expenses include:

i)          Special clothing (maximum $200);

ii)         Required tools which are not provided by the employer (maximum $200);

iii)        Repairs of an automobile (maximum $300);

iv)        Auto license plate fees;

v)         Auto liability insurance at the cheapest rate but not to exceed $150 or three months coverage, whichever is less costly;

vi)        Transportation expenses at the most reasonable and economical rate.  If the mandatory registrant's own car is used, a gas allowance of $3 daily or a rate of 15 per mile, whichever is less, shall be authorized;

vii)       Child care up to DHS maximums;

viii)      Physical examination, prior to employment, if required and not provided by the employer;

ix)        Other required items related to a specific job (maximum $300); and

x)         Item or service purchased that will assist the individual in meeting Illinois Department of Children and Family Services' child care licensing requirements (maximum $300). Item and service may include but are not limited to the purchase of fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, first aid kits and installation of a telephone.

C)        Initial employment expenses will not be authorized to purchase firearms, pay bail bonds or traffic tickets, or pay relocation expenses so an individual can accept employment elsewhere.

D)        Also not permitted as an initial employment expense are expenses required for the self-employment of the individual except when expenses will assist the individual in becoming an Illinois Department of Children and Family Services licensed child care provider.

d)         These allowances are exempt from consideration in determining the Transitional Assistance grant amount.

e)         Earnfare clothing allowance.  Payments may be provided for clothing for an Earnfare client of up to $100 in a 12-month period.

(Source:  Amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 13530, effective September 3, 2002)