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Vermont Department for Children and Families Postsecondary Education Rules Economic Services Division

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disability; or

iv. When subsequent changes to the PSE degree completion requirement are made pursuant to rule 2419.

b. The schedule should reflect consideration of and address the individual’s existing circumstances and responsibilities that may reasonably affect their ability to maintain the completion requirement and eligibility.

c. Each month in which the participant receives PSE financial benefits or PSE support services shall be counted as part of the three-year or five-year completion requirements for PSE participation, regardless of whether the participant was taking one or more courses during that month.

1. This shall include any month during a leave of absence pursuant to rule 2420 for which the participant receives PSE financial benefits or PSE support services.

2406.2 Obtaining Approval of PSE Plan (08/01/2024, 23-34)

a. A case manager shall review each PSE plan with the applicant or participant. b. The applicant shall not be eligible for the PSE program when the PSE case manager makes a determination that the applicant can achieve entry into the proposed occupation, or into a substantially similar occupation, by completion of an education and/or training program, whose duration is 12 or fewer months. c. The PSE case manager, together with their supervisor, shall approve, disapprove, or make recommendations for modifications to the PSE plan and provide notice of the decision (rule 2413). 1. The applicant or participant shall receive a copy of the case manager's recommendations for modifications. 2. The PSE plan shall be deemed disapproved if, within 30 days of receiving the PSE case manager's recommendation for modification, the applicant or participant does not submit a modified PSE plan and does not appeal the request for modification. d. If the PSE case manager disapproves or recommends modifications to the PSE plan, the applicant or participant shall be notified of their appeal rights.

e. Each applicant or participant shall propose modifications to the PSE plan when necessary to respond to a recommendation for modification or to support a requested change, as specified in rule 2418. 2407 Pre-Participation Services (08/01/2024, 23-34)

a. Prior to the initiation of case management services, the Department may assist the PSE applicant with:

1. Completion of all aspects of the financial and non-financial eligibility; 2. Development of the initial PSE plan; 3. Determination of the amount of the PSE financial benefit; 4. Identification of majors or fields of study that are the most closely related to the applicant's