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

2400

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i. This term includes individuals who have entered into civil unions. ii. This term does not include a pregnant person or caretaker relatives.

13. “PSE Household” means a family with a PSE participant.

14. "PSE Participant" means a parent who is receiving financial assistance, case management or support services through the PSE program in a PSE household. 15. "Postsecondary education (PSE)" means courses taken at an approved college by a matriculated or matriculating student.

16. "Satisfactory Academic Standing" means achieving the requirements determined by the academic policies of the college the PSE participant is attending. 2402 Eligibility Process (08/01/2024, 23-34)

a. The eligibility process for PSE consists of the following steps an applicant takes to request benefits and the Department follows to determine eligibility and payments:

1. An application is needed to determine whether the applicant meets the financial and non- financial eligibility requirements for the PSE program, which includes:

i. Verification of necessary information related to eligibility conditions; and

ii. An interview to clarify information provided on the application, review of the rights and responsibilities of PSE participants and the Department, and an explanation of available case management services. 2. Agreement by all applicants to certain non-financial eligibility requirements that are specific to the PSE program;

3. Pre-PSE participation services may be provided to the PSE applicant, which include consultation with a case manager, assistance with the application and development of the PSE plan (rule 2406). 4. Department approval of the PSE plan;

5. Determination of initial or continuing financial and case management eligibility and the amount of PSE benefits; 6. Written notice to applicants and participants of eligibility decisions; 7. Authorization and payment of benefits for which applicants and participants are found eligible; and 8. Case manager assignment by the Department. 2403 Application (08/01/2024, 23-34)

a. A signed PSE application is required to request PSE financial assistance and services.