New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 95 - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Subchapter 15 - TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Section 10:95-15.1 - General purpose and scope

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 10:95-15.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) Transportation is a supportive service which contributes to the eligible individual's ability to participate in or receive the benefits of vocational rehabilitation services. Transportation services consist of necessary travel and related expenses, including subsistence during travel, in connection with transporting individuals and their escorts (if necessary) for the purpose of providing vocational rehabilitation services. Transportation includes:

1. Travel costs associated with using public or private transportation;

2. Subsistence while in travel;

3. Payment for the services of escorts, other than family members, for severely disabled persons and the escorts' travel costs;

4. Relocation and moving expenses; and

5. Other transportation related expenses such as tolls.

(b) The Commission shall apply its needs test as set forth at N.J.A.C. 10:91-3 to the provision of all transportation services except when an individual is an applicant for Commission services or during assessment, work adjustment training or basic skills training at a community based organization. The Commission and the client shall explore all alternative sources before the Commission will provide any transportation services in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10:91-3.

(c) The type of transportation provided is based on the limitations of the client and the obstacles in his or her environment rather than convenience. The factors to be considered in determining the most appropriate mode of transportation include:

1. The circumstances of the individual client;

2. The availability and appropriateness of the transportation system;

3. The current cost of the transportation; and

4. The evaluation and availability of other public transportation systems, such as Access Link and Para Transit.

(d) A client must have an orientation and mobility evaluation stating that the client cannot travel by public transportation, or that the commute is too lengthy or difficult prior to an authorization for private transportation such as a private automobile or a van.

(e) Subsistence is a temporary type of maintenance which is limited to the cost of food and lodging only while a client is in transit.

(f) The Commission may pay for the services of an escort in transit only for the multi-disabled severely impaired client. In order to receive an authorization for a paid escort, the client must be unable to travel without assistance. The Commission shall apply the following standards when an escort must accompany a client during transit:

1. A family member may be paid as an escort only in instances where acting as an escort causes undue financial hardship to the family member;

2. The Commission shall pay an additional fee for assistance during travel only when a paid attendant is normally unavailable to the client; and

3. The Commission may furnish the escort's travel costs, including food or lodging.

(g) The Commission may provide financial assistance for any expense in transit when permanent relocation is necessary for the client to accept an offer of employment. Such expenses include, but are not limited to, the cost of a moving van and meals and lodging on route. The Commission shall provide transportation assistance to family members when such services are necessary to the rehabilitation or adjustment of the client, and the family members meet all of the criteria for Commission services to family members as set forth at 10:95-14.1. The Commission shall deny transportation assistance to family member(s) when the transportation is for the purpose of a permanent relocation and the client is not involved in the move.

(h) The Commission may provide transportation services to enable an individual to participate in post-employment services. The Commission shall not pay for a client's transportation to and from work after the client has been rehabilitated.

(i) The Commission shall provide transportation at the client's request to permit an individual to attend a fair hearing or administrative review.

(j) The Commission shall provide transportation service pursuant to 10:95-15.1(b).

(k) Other rates shall be set as follows:

1. For transportation by private individuals, reimbursement for mileage, tolls and parking is the current rate paid to New Jersey State employees. The Commission disallows reimbursement to family members providing transportation to the client unless it would cause undue financial hardship as demonstrated by the Commission's financial needs standard test (see N.J.A.C. 10:91-3 );

2. Reimbursement for meals and lodging will be commensurate with the current rate paid to New Jersey State employees; and

3. Escorts will be paid the hourly minimum wage plus allowable travel expenses incurred.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.