Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about DVR and its
services. If you don't see an answer to your question please
contact us .
Some services, like counseling and guidance, are provided at no cost.
Other services are offered based on your financial status.
If you receive SSI, SSDI or DSHS public assistance, you are not asked to
pay for DVR services.
As part of the planning process, your DVR Counselor works with you to
look for resources, such as financial aid or other public programs, to
pay for DVR services. Your Counselor explains the financial information
you need to provide to DVR to verify your income and resources and,
depending on your income and resources, you may need to pay a portion of
the service costs.
Top of Page
Each public high school in the state has a
DVR Counselor liaison
designated. You may contact this VR Counselor to ask questions about DVR
services, to discuss applying for DVR services, to request the VR Counselor
participate in IEP meetings, or other questions related to the transition from
high school to work or post-secondary education.
Top of Page
By law, DVR is required to determine whether an applicant is eligible within 60
days from the date the application is signed. In the majority of cases, DVR is
able to get the information needed to make an eligibility determination within
this time frame. If there is going to be a delay in eligibility because
information about your disability is not readily available, DVR will contact
you to explain the delay and get your approval to extend the eligibility period.
Top of Page
DVR will not share information in your file with any other program or with a
party outside DVR without your written consent. DVR only releases information
without your consent to law enforcement or other authorities, or if there is a
threat to your health or safety, or to the health and safety of others.
Top of Page
You can ask to see your DVR file or request a copy of all or any part of your
file at any time. If there is anything in your file that DVR determines could
be harmful for you to have, DVR will make arrangements for the information to
be shared with you by a health care professional, an advocate or family member
that you choose.
Top of Page
There is no citizenship requirement; however, DVR is a work program so you must
provide documentation to verify your identity and that you can legally work in
the United States.
Top of Page
Some services, like counseling and guidance, are provided at no cost. Other
services such as training or education are provided based on financial need. If
you receive SSI, SSDI or DSHS public assistance, or if you meet DVR financial
need criteria, you are not asked to pay for DVR services. Before finalizing a
plan, DVR will ask for information to verify your income and works with you to
look for other resources, such as financial aid or other public programs, to
pay for DVR services.
Top of Page
Many individuals do attend training programs or college as a part of their plan for
employment. With your Counselor, you review information about your strengths,
interests and abilities, the labor market, your needs and resources. Then,
using that information to guide your decision, you select a job goal. Once you
choose a goal, DVR helps you develop a step-by-step plan to achieve it. If
college is a part of that plan, DVR will help you explore resources for paying
for educational expenses. DVR does not, however, pay for your basic living
expenses, such as food, rent and other related expenses as you complete school.
Top of Page
If DVR is paying for college costs as part of a plan for employment, it pays
only up to the cost of a program at a Washington State-funded college. You can choose a
private or out-of-state school; however, if there is a state-funded school that
would offer a comparable degree, you will be responsible for any costs in
excess of a state-funded program.
Top of Page
DVR does not pay for basic living expenses, such as housing. DVR can provide
you with information and referral to housing services and programs available in
your area.
Top of Page
Working with your VR Counselor, you will agree on the services needed to reach
the job goal you have selected. DVR provides services that are needed and that
directly relate to achieving your job goal.
Top of Page
The timeline for each person's plan is determined based on the job goal selected
and the steps needed to achieve the goal. There is no time limit for receiving
services or completing a plan; however, you are expected to make progress and
complete the steps that you have agreed to in your plan.
Top of Page
DVR's goal is to help you earn enough to become self-sufficient and free of
public benefits; however, we will help you achieve the level of employment that
best meets your overall needs. A DVR Benefit Planner is available to help you
understand how much you need to earn to meet your needs and the impact of
earning wages on the benefits you receive. Using this information, you can
make an informed decision about working.
Top of Page
DVR closes a case for several reasons. Your case is closed when you achieve a
successful employment outcome, keep the job for at least 90 days and you are
doing well on your job. DVR also closes a case if you decide to discontinue
receiving services, if we have lost contact and cannot reach you, if you are
not able to make progress due to your disability, or any other circumstances
that prevent you from participating with DVR.
Top of Page
Your progress and satisfaction are important to us and DVR has several ways to
help if you experience concerns or problems that get in the way of meeting your
goals. The VR Supervisor in the office where you receive services is your
first resource. You may also call a Customer Service Representative in our
State Office in Olympia. Another resource is the
Client Assistance Program,
described below.
Top of Page
The
Client Assistance Program (CAP) is an advocacy program that can answer
questions and provide information about your rights and responsibilities as a
DVR client. CAP also provides assistance to clients to help mediate and solve
concerns that arise in the rehabilitation process. You may contact CAP at
1-800-544-2121 Voice/TTY.
Top of Page
"
Ticket to Work” is a voluntary program of the Social Security Administration
for people who receive SSI or SSDI and want assistance to go to work or earn
more money. You can use your Ticket with a service provider to receive
employment-related services to help you go to work or earn more money.
Top of Page
