Narrative: d. 2. M. i. II.

Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services implemented an Order of Selection in 1993, setting forth who will be served first when the program cannot serve all eligible individuals. Determination of eligibility and qualification for service is based on the applicable Minnesota administrative rule and the Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Policy and Procedure Manual.

Annual State and Federal resources allocated for Minnesota’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services program continue to not be sufficient to serve all Minnesotans who are eligible for services. Conclusions regarding capacity of the Minnesota vocational rehabilitation program in any given year are based on:

1) An analysis of resources available for annual operation of the vocational rehabilitation program,

2) expenditures required to implement employment plans approved prior to commencement of the fiscal year,

3) the anticipated costs for determining eligibility and qualification for service of new applicants during the fiscal year,

4) the anticipated costs of implementing approved vocational rehabilitation plans for new applicants during the fiscal year, and

5) reasonable and necessary costs related to administration of the vocational rehabilitation services program.

Program expenditures were exceeding annual program resources, requiring the agency to use carryover funds from the previous year to meet all financial obligations. The budget forecast for FFY 2014 indicated a continuing trend in deficit spending. This fiscal situation required the agency to implement several budget reduction measures, including the closing of Priority Categories Two and Three on October 14, 2013. Priority Category Four (individuals who have a disability that makes them eligible for service but do not have a serious limitation in a functional area) has been closed since 1993.

The State Rehabilitation Council received monthly updates on the budget situation, including the impact of sequestration, and was actively involved in the process to determine if and when to close Priority Categories Two and Three.

As of March 15, 2016, there were 830 individuals on the waiting list: 7 on Priority Category Four, 270 on Priority Category Three, and 553 on Priority Category Two. Individuals on the waiting list are provided information and referral to other programs that may meet the person’s needs. Although the above categories remain closed, VRS used RSA reallocation dollars to take everyone off of the Category 2 and 3 waiting lists who had been found eligible for services prior to October 15, 2014.