739              WORK:  SUPPORTIVE SERVICE PAYMENTS

Supportive Service Payments often make the difference between continued unemployment and the participant's ability to gain employment.  The need must be specific, identified in the Plan, directly related to an approved activity or employment opportunity, or an activity that is needed by the client prior to beginning work search and becoming self sufficient.

 

Example:

A client is not working and/or completing work search due to their need for physical therapy in order to return to work. This is a supportive service activity needed by the client prior to beginning work search and/or employment.

Supportive services are to be used to support client engagement in activities identified on the FSSP Family Self-Sufficiency Plan. This includes those clients who are voluntarily participating in family self-sufficiency planning. See chapter 719  for information on parents eligible to voluntarily participate in family self-sufficiency planning.

Supportive service payments are not automatic or an entitlement.  Each request must be examined to determine if the participant truly has a need for the service and it will assist the family in achieving self sufficiency.

Office managers will set local procedures for authorization of supportive services, including special consideration for local resources and partner agencies that may provide services without charge.  Based on the availability of funds, the Division may contract with qualified vendors to deliver some supportive services.  The participant's personal resources, such as Permanent Fund Dividends, also must be considered prior to authorization of a service.

If needed, supportive services pay for:

• Tuition Payments;
   

• Transportation;
   

• Vehicle repair;
   

• Driver's license;
   

• Interview clothing;
   

• Grooming;
   

• Professional license;
   

• Relocation;
   

• Remedial medical;
   

• Start-up expenses;
   

• Special tools, clothing, and equipment;
   

• Child Care;
   

• Car insurance;
   

• Emergency shelter; and
   

• Youth enrichment activities.

Note:

Families participating in Families First may be provided supportive services to support all activities identified on their FSSP Family Self-Sufficiency Plan  by the Family Support Team.  See section 732-4  for rules on providing supportive services to Families First clients who are engaged in activities that are not countable work activities.