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Resources » State Policies » Maine

Maine Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation ‘POLICY MANUAL’-

http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/12/152/152c001.doc

See Page 24:
9. Self Employment: DVR will assist the person, as needed, in the development of a business plan and in the process of securing loans and other financial resources for the development of a business of which the individual will operates and owns at least 51%. Persons with a self- employment objective are expected to pursue resources to finance the start-up of their business. The DVR expenditure limit is $7,500 for self-sufficient business that will generate income for the individual at a sufficient level that the individual needs no supplemental income from any public source, such as SSI, SSDI, TANF, etc, and $2,500 for self-employment with income projected at a lesser level that will allow the continuance of public benefits. Exceptions to the financial limit for self-employment are allowable if individual client’s disability related needs cannot be addressed within the specified financial limit.

Every VR client that intends to pursue self-employment is required to attend self- employment orientation, and complete a comprehensive business plan, utilizing technical assistance as needed and as defined in guidance.

VR Counselor will base support of the plan based on the careful review of considerations of the VR approved business consultant’s appraisal of viability and recommendations, which is a requirement for all self-sufficiency plans.

Cost incurred in training of the client or in the development and review of the business plan should not be included in the maximum expenditure limit. Before VR funds are expended on implementing the business plan, individuals will be expected to contribute to their self-employment venture in the form of cash, loans, grants, materials, or in-kind labor. The DVR Counselor and/or business consultant will assist individuals in exploring and applying for these additional resources.

For plans that are expected to provide self sufficient, consumers must have a good record of credit, or exhibit a pattern of managing existing debt.

Maine DVR retains the right to reclaim occupational tools and equipment purchased by the agency in instances when the individual's IPE is not completed, the vocational goal is changed resulting in purchased tools and equipment not being needed and/or the case is closed “Not Rehabilitated”