The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program Training for Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies January 2007 Module 6 Timely Progress Learning Objectives Define Timely Progress toward Self-Supporting Employment Understand the guidelines for determining Timely Progress Define active and inactive Ticket-holder status Describe the stage for which Timely Progress is reviewed and the results of failure Describe the conditions under which a beneficiary is given an extension period Timely Progress Toward Self-Supporting Employment Progression Through the Ticket Program Includes Four Periods Initial 24-month Progress Review Period First 12-month Progress Review Period Second 12-month Progress Review Period Third 12-month Progress Review Period Initial 24-Month Period The 24-months after a ticket has been assigned to an EN/State VR Generally used as a period for the beneficiary to receive any rehabilitative, vocational, employment or support services necessary to return to work Beneficiary is not expected to work, however he/she may work if it is included in the IWP/IPE Beneficiary is expected to "actively participate" in his/her IWP First 12-Month Progress Review Period Beneficiary is expected to work 3 of 12 months (consecutive or cumulatively) Achieve earnings at a specific level depending on the benefits the individual is receiving for the 3 working months Second 12-Month Progress Review Period Beneficiary is expected to work 6 of 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) Achieve earnings at a specific level depending on the benefits the individual is receiving for the 6 working months Third 12-Month Progress Review Period Beneficiary is expected to work 6 of 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) Achieve earnings at a specific level depending on the benefits the individual is receiving for the 6 working months Progress Reviews Each progress period ends with a Progress Review. The purpose of these reviews is to determine whether the beneficiary is making timely progress toward self-supporting employment and whether continued progress is expected All reviews are linked to the beneficiary's work record as well as earnings, except the 24-month Progress Review. 24-Month Progress Review MAXIMUS considers 3 questions in determining whether the beneficiary is making timely progress Is the beneficiary actively participating in the IWP? Does the IWP have a goal of at least 3 months of work during the next 12 months? Given current progress, can the beneficiary expect to reach the goal of 3 months of work in the next 12 months? If Timely Progress is not Made During the 24-Month Period MAXIMUS sends written notice to beneficiary giving him/her choice to resume participation or place Ticket in inactive status If beneficiary chooses to resume active participation, then he/she will be allowed three months to demonstrate active participation to MAXIMUS Annual Progress Reviews Two step process consisting of: Retrospective Review: Were work requirements in the last 12-month period completed? Anticipated Work Level: Do the beneficiary and the EN/State VR Agency expect that the beneficiary will work at the required level during the next 12-month work review period? If Timely Progress is Not Made During the 12-Month Period MAXIMUS sends written notice to beneficiary telling him/her that timely progress is not being made and so his/her Ticket is considered not "in-use" If beneficiary resumes participation, then he/she must complete requirements of the next progress period If beneficiary successfully completes the subsequent progress review period, then Ticket is reinstated to in-use status and next work review period begins Exception Guidelines While in inactive status, Ticket is not in use so months do not count toward time limitations for making timely progress toward self-supporting employment Beneficiary is subject to CDRs during inactive Ticket status Ticket can be placed in inactive status only during the initial 24-month period Exception to the Timely Progress Guidelines If beneficiary is unable to participate in the IWP during the initial 24-month period, then Ticket can be placed in inactive status Exception Guidelines While in inactive status, Ticket is not in use so months do not count toward time limitations for making timely progress toward self-supporting employment Beneficiary is subject to CDRs during inactive Ticket status Ticket can be placed in inactive status only during the initial 24-month period Exception Guidelines Beneficiary must submit request, with statement from EN to MAXIMUS to place Ticket in inactive status Inactive status begins on first day of first month after request received The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program Training for Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies January 2007