Section 121.188  Supportive Services

a)         Individuals receiving SNAP are eligible to receive supportive service payments, in advance, to enable them to participate in the program.  Individuals receiving SNAP may also be eligible for initial employment expenses.  Supportive service costs shall not include the cost of meals away from home. All participant reimbursements shall cover reasonable and necessary actual costs.

b)         Eligible Services

1)         Transportation

A)        Expenses for transportation will be provided to enable individuals to attend assessment meetings and permit participation in activities.

B)        Transportation payments are made to support E&T activities.  If the individual's own automobile is used, the Department will reimburse the individual at the established Internal Revenue Service rate per mile.  That rate shall include all vehicle-related expenses.

2)         Mandatory Fees.  Payment may be provided for mandatory fees, such as application, registration, activities, laboratory, graduation and testing fees, including the fee for the GED test, are provided to individuals enrolled in approved education or training programs. 

3)         Books and Supplies.  Payment is allowed for books, supplies and equipment purchased in accordance with the facility's published list of required items for the particular program in which an individual is enrolled.

4)         Physical Examinations.  Payment is permitted for individuals to obtain required physical examinations if the costs are not otherwise provided by sources such as the employer or the training program.

5)         Earnfare clothing allowance.  Necessary clothing is provided to enable participants to report to their Earnfare job site.

6)         Initial Employment Expenses

A)        Payment may be provided for employment expenses incurred when requested within 90 calendar days from the date employment begins for all components. These expenses are paid based on the individual's work days during a 90 calendar day period from the date employment begins.

B)        These expenses include:

i)          Special clothing;

ii)         Required tools which are not provided by the employer;

iii)        Non-maintenance related repairs of an automobile;

iv)        Auto license plate fees;

v)         Auto liability insurance at the cheapest rate;

vi)        Transportation expenses;

vii)       Child care;

viii)      Physical examination, prior to employment, if required and not provided by the employer;

ix)        Other required items related to a specific job.

C)        Initial employment expenses shall not be used to purchase firearms, pay bail bonds or traffic tickets, pay outstanding debts, or pay relocation expenses so an individual can accept employment elsewhere.

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 5348, effective March 11, 2020)