RULE GOVERNING THE
COMPETITIVE SKILLS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Table of Contents
Section 1: Definitions... .. . .. . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ..........
. .......................................................... 1
Section 2: Eligibility... . ... .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......
. ........................................................ .2
Criteria................................ ..... ...
. ......................................................... 2
Determining Financial Eligibility. . . . . . ...
. ......................................................... 2
Verification..................................
......................................................... .4
Period of eligibility.........................
. ........................................................ .4
Termination from CSSP. . . .. . .. . . . . .. . . . ..
. ........................................................ .4
Section 3: Application and Decision. . . .. . . . . . . ..
. ........................................................ .4
Section 4: High Compensation Occupations
with Demand for Skilled Labor................. ...
. ......................................................... 5
Section 5: No Supplantation; Maximizing use
of Other Resources..................................
. ......................................................... 6
No supplantation........ ........... ...
Identifying Non-CSSP Supports......
Section 6: Inclividual Service Strategy......... ...
. ......................................................... 6
. ..........................................................8.+
. ..........................................................8.+
Informed Career Planning; Individual
Service Strategy ...........................................................................................8.+
I
Timing.......................................
. ......................................................... 8+
Assessment..................................
. ......................................................... 8
Rev. 10-9-201306-11-13 W-il9-W
Selecting an occupational and education
or training goal ." ...............................................................................................2&
Selection of education or training
progtam. .. . .. . .. . . . .. . . . . .. ... .... .. . . .. . ....
.. ................. , ............. '''' .................. 10&
Duration of Education or Training.......
.. ....................................................119
Documentation in ISS.....................
. .....................................................1lW
CSSP Education, Training and Support
Services......................................
.. .................................................... 12W
Provisions applicable to all
CSSP services ............. ,........
. ......... , ........................................... J2W
Student Aid ... ...... ...............
. ...................................................... l~W
Tuition and fees... .. .... .. ... . .. ...
.. .......................................... , ......... 13:[-!-
Support services ......... .........
.. .................................................... l3.H
Stipend .............. , ............ ,..
. .. , ............ , ..................................... 1614
Other Documentation in ISS.....
.. .................................................... .11M
ISS Review ............................ ,....
.. ......... , .......................................... 17M
Satisfactory Progtess.......................
.. .................................................... .1114
Section 7: Appeals .. ,........... . . . ... . .. ..... ... ....
. ..................................................... 1Tl~
Section 8: Gender Equity...... , ............................................................................. 181~
Section 9: Limit on Administration and Career
Counseling costs ................................. ,..
Rev.1Q::9-13 ..,;'G9-W
.. ....... '" . , .........................................lJH~
PURPOSE
This rule implements the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) enacted pursuant to PL 2007
e£:h. 352 aud codified at 26 I\1RSA ehapter 25, subchapter 5. CSSP is intended to provide individuals
with access tD educatioll, training and support leading to skilled, well-compensated jobs with anticipated
high employment demand, to improve the economic well-being oHhe participants in the program and to
provide employers with a skill~d labor torce~ _ __
SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS.
I. Bureau is the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Services.
2. Department is the Maine Department of Labor.
3. Commuting area means the 50-mile radius, by road, from the participant's place ofresidence.
4. Dependent child means a child under 12& or.under 24 ifafull time stu<,lent. residing with the
applicant nIme than balrthe year or is disabled an!! did not proVide more than 50% of the.!r OWI1
1illJ.2PJ?I!·
5. High compensation means median wages that are at or above the median wage for all occupations in
Maine.
6. Occnpation in significant demand means an occupation widl a projected growth rate that is equal to
or greater than the average growth rate for all occupations
inMaine~
8f aH eeeapation fur ,,\4Ii8h til ere
_.;&() or mero~-yeftf.
7. Household or family means the applicant or participant and all persons residing in his or her
residence that are related by blood, marriage, domestic partner registration or decree of court, and are
his or her spouse, registered domestic partner, guardian, parent or a dependent child. However, the
following individuals are oonsidered a separate household of one: a) a person who is living widl
his/her family, who is not married, who is eighteen (18) years or older and who is receiving less than
50% maintenance from the family and is not one of the parents of tho family; b) person fonrteen (14)
years or older who is not married and not living with his/her family, and c) a disabled individual
fonrteen (J 4) years of age or older. (NOTE: if an applicant with a disability is eligible based on
income and family size if he/she is not treated as a separate household, he/she need not be treated as a
separate household.)
8. Individual Service Strategy (1SS) means, for the purpose of this rule, the individual career plan that
is developed by the participant and the case manager. The ISS inclndes all funding sources planned
to meet the participant's needs, including CSSP resources and resources other than CSSP. This rule
applies to any ISS that includes CSSP funding.
9. Marketable postsecondary degree means an indnstrv ,,::cognized credentiill, vocational certificate or
license, associate's degree. b,,;,:i}elor's de.2.r~e or a gradQ~te level certificationiadvllJ1Cedge.m.e that
qualifies the i!Q!Jlicant iRaividuaJ to work in a positive l1et growth ocyupation higlrw(,ge 8eGHpatien-in
5igIlificaat aemaad, aa associate degree, or a baeheler degree i1). Maine. A ~ondat)· degree is
considered marketable when Hfl!ess (a) the "pplican..tiooivitlua! can show that the credential prepared
them for a specific occupation that they are no longer able to perform due to physical or mental health
limitations or (b) the "pplicant tnffividttal can show that the credential was received over 20 years ago
1
Rev. 10-9 J 303 09 10
and was intended to prepare the individual for a specific occupation which they have not worked in
for the last 15 years.
10. Written Or writing means writing on paper or in electronic format such as email. Email may only be
used by the Department to deliver notices affecting an applicant or panicipant's oostomer-'fi rights or
responsibilities (for example, au eligibility decision or an ISS) if the notice is also delivered in hand
or by mail.
11. Applicant means an individual who has applied for CSSP where eligibility mayor may not have
been determined.
12. An applicant becomes enrolled as a participant once the ISS is approved and signed by the
CSSP applicant and by the CareerCenter manager.
13. Participant means an eligible individual enrolled in the program .
.~ 14._J~abor Marj(et Area means a ge9graphic area in Meine wher<c) the CSS!, applicam or participant
canresid" andJind emplQY!l1ent w.ithin commuting di@!!!pce oI1:hroJlE,/ueIQcatioll.
SECTION 2: ELIGmIlJTY
I. Criteria. Within the limits of available program resources (taking into account ongoing
commitments to current participants), an applicanLiRdi'iicit!!~l will be~ligible enrolled for..ffi CSSP
if the lll'.l'.ljcantioofvi<:ffial applying for t:,:SSP me",!§_ the follgwing enrollfRcnt:
B. Is at least 18 years of age;
C. Is legally eligible to work in the United States;
D. Does not have a marketable postsecondary degree;
E. Has income of less than 200% of the poverty level for the household size as calculated in
paragraph 2 of this section;
F. Is seeking edueation or training for an occupatiou approved according to Section 4;
G. Has the ability to undertake and complete the education or training program. An applicant's
ability is determined pursuant to Section 6.3.
2. Determining Financial Eligibility. An applieant is financially eligible for CSSP when the
applieant's household income, other than excluded income, is below 200% of the federal poverty
guidelines. When determining the income of the applicant's household:
A. Housebold. The income and the size ofthe household are detennined by the members of the
household at the time of application
B. Household income. The case manager calculates the snm of the last four weeks of income,
excluding income that is no longer received, of each household member (except dependent
children) and excluding and including sources of income as provided in this section. If the
last four weeks of income does not accurately reflect the income anticipated in the future, the
case manager will use documentation and other information provided by the "PPlieallt
~idaaI to make a best estimate of income for the following four weeks.
2
Rev.
lO-9-13~W
(1) Included income. Unless specifically excluded, include all income of all household
members, except ehildren, including the following:
Wages and Salaries before Deductions
Net Non-farm Self-Employment
Net Fann Self-Employment
Regular Payments from Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Raih'oad Retirement
Strike Benefits from Unions
Workers' Compensation
Training Stipends (but not CSSP training stipends)
Wages Subsidized by on Contracts
Alimony
Military Family Allotmeuts/Other Regular Support
Pensions Private
Government/Military Retirement
Regular Insurance!A1muity Payments
Dividends/Interest
Net Rental Income/Net Royalties
Periodic Receipts from Estates or Trusts
"fet Gambling or Lottery Winnings
Vocational Rehabilitation Payments
(2) Excluded Income. The following income is excluded in determining household
Income:
Uuemployment Compensation
Child Support Payments
AmeriCorps Living Allowances
Social Security Old Age Survivors Insnrance (OASI) & Survivor's Benefit
Payments
TANI"* Refugee Assistance' General Assistance
Capital Gains
Foster Care Child Payments
Assets Withdrawn from a Bank
Sale ofPropertyiHouse!Car
Tax Refunds
Earned Income Tax Credit
Field Placements
Gifts
Loans
Lump-Sum Inheritances
One-fune Insurance Payments
Student Loans
One-time Compensation Payments for Injuries
Non-Cash Benefits, including, but not limited to:
Employer Paid Fringe Benefits
FoodJHousing Received in Lieu of Wages
Medicare
3
Medicaid
Food Stamps*
School Meals
Housing Assist.ance
Supplemental Security Income
TAAITRA Payments
All tederal and state need-based financial aid resourcc'S granted through the
[mandai aid award process
IncDme of dependent children
Income earned while the veteran was on active military duty and certain
other veterans' benefits, i.e" compensation for service-connected disability,
compensation for service connected death, vocational rehabilitation, and
education assistance,
Any income that the household no longer receives.
* Households receiving TAN'F, Food Stamps or Refugee Assistance are
categorically deemed to meet the fmaneial eligibility criteria of CS SP
C. Verification. Verification of facts relevant to CSSP eligibility criteria is accomplished using
the same procedures as is required in Maine by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), except
that the previous four weeks of included income must be verified with documentation (for
example, wage stubs or an employer's statement or other documentation).
3. Period of eligibility. Once an applicant is fully eligible for and enrolleD in CSSP they remain
eligible until the completion of his 9r~her education and trainingJ2rojl;!:am pursuantt9 Se£liQ!1 6,
earlier of: a detemtinatiefi4bllt their income exeeed9 250% of the f",*r~~
fflonths following the tiffle they have mel their educatiaa and training-geal-!*Hlstablished in the
ISS, ORe 'nOBih after they begin~fu!l time eml'lO)'meHf after reseiving the;r credo!!I;,,!, or the
pmticioant J*l6Sfi is terminated from the program after notice oftermination and the opportunity
to appeal or the paltieipant J*l6Sfi has voluntarily withdrawn from CSSP. T-h"wsemaoagcr shall
."view whether tlte persoa's hOlisohold ;n",o,no cl!€eeds 25(l%··efthe poverty le';ol at lelist
aDRHally.
4. Termination from CSSP, A lllitt~ shall-fflflY be tenninated from CSSP if the
jlli!tic.mantJ3efOOfl has failed to make satisfactory progress pursuant to Section 6; the P!!!1i"ipant
peroon YQilln!1!Iily withdraws from C.S.SP."fuiIH{) provide documentatiQI}, ot~lltlsfactorv progress,
falsifies or misn;presents CSSP eligibility. training or support services needed. or has misused
fnnds or refused to cooperate pursuant to Section 6,; the penon's he:lsehold inooHlo ""ceeds
259% onhe J30verty level or the person has 'iol"ruarily withdra'NR from GSSP. Participants
terminated from CSSpYD<:Ier Section 2.4 are not eligible to reapply to CSSP. No case manager
may send a notice of termination from CSSP before his or her supervisor bas reviewed the matter
and approved.
SECTION 3. APPLICATION AND DECISION.
1,
Application. Eaek CareerCeHt-er-will-mal"" &',·ailable to customers a "'flitter; eApplication;; foF
fficltldffig CSSP, '/,hick the eu,;tolll.8fmey w!u..Q<;..made available to
indiv:iduals at the CareerCenter and on the CareerCenter website as funding alld training
oou<lat~ees,
4
Q12)2orturutiesare availa,!:>]e, Origil)ai signed "p)2lication,s must be submitted to the CareerCenter.
Applications submitted more than six months in advance of the '\P.plicant's,eam~ intended
start of their education or training program will not weu.ltl be considered for Wll" but·net CSSP,
fff eligible for WIA, WIA may provide intensive cace tn''''logcment and other Wb'\ servicos, then
taJ.e..thtHffiiilimler's application for eslSP when they are within sill mooths eftha,r intendedcstert
<lato,) }'or~ eligiilility to b<H!elermieo<l,an flj3pIi00~~son inEfGiring at 0 CareerGeater
aBOut education Of training soryices must attend attend an appointment Of gr_p meeting where
they 'liill,~isted in coelp!"~J'l!ll*ation (or in l'CYiewing their 3Pfllication if they haTe
~dy coxl1pletedolle..j--;', meetillg time or flj3j3ointmem will be selled"l.d "Athin 31l MYS of the
apfll4ootieft..ef inq>liry, If a !larbon fails to attend thnt meetingBf f!J3poin!ment, the CareerCenter
wifI..eonsider the application Of ll'luiry ..vithdffi""HIfl~he lnclh i<lnal·has &'1'!lllged vlith-th<l
CareerCellter to attend a meeting or flj3pointmeat at a difrereat time. (Ifill. persoll's in'luiry or
f!jJplieation is withdrawn, they may inquire or flj3l'ly again ifthey~
2,
Eligibility d~termination. Eligibility is determined in a two·stage process, Stage Qne !jnitial
eligibility is determined based on revis:w oftha applicant'sba;;ed.upE>fl age, household income,
~~(Ieiigibility to work in the United States pursuant toSec,!ion :1J...A, RJ: anC! K and Jack of
~ahle post seoondary !legree is determinee w#I~lays eflhe appei_em: or meoting,
In the second Sstage Two, the CareerCenter works with" the applicant l*'fB6R who is initially
eligible 1l:,-~assess(!5 t.he lack ofJi mm;kcl<It>lc posts\'.eond!!!YJi.>'gree pursuallt to SectjQlll.9:
'.;hether tiley lla?le the ability to succeed in their progrllm mJl:suant to SectiQ!ljUand whether their
employment ,ooeHpfIti81'lai goal me~"ts the criteria of Section 4. If the assessment determines tbat
they l.lpplic<lnt I,!cks a marl;,5'tab~tsecondarv degree, has.Te the ability to succeed and that their
employment W€'Ul"lItienal goal meets (he criteria of Section 4, they are fully eligible fot,and
~CSSP,
3, Decisions. The case manager and the participant will develop an ISS pursuant to Section 6. The
ISS must list the services that will be provided pursuant to this Rule. The ISS, and any
amendments te an ISS, constitute a decision and must be printed, signed by the participant, and a
copy provided to the participant A decision regarding initial eligibility, the llPplicant's I_SOft'.,;
ability to succeed in their program, or whether their progrllm meets the requirements of Section 4
m!l}::')ffilst be,appealed l,mder -meet the requirements ef Section 7, Every decision ~rding
injtial eligibility, ability to succe~,d or the program me~ting the r~quiremen:ts..9f SectiQll 4 must be
in writing, must be sufiiciently specific for the appJic\U!t or participant eust8!116F to understand
why it is made, and must be given in hand or mailed to the applicant or particij:lant eustBHler,
SECTION 4: HIGH COMPENSATION OCCUPATIONS WITH DEMA.,"l) FOR SKILLED
LABOR
I. Choosing indnstries and occupations, The education or training provided through CSSP must
be for employment with high compensation occupations with significant demand for skilled labor
in Main~, The industries that meet this criteria are chosen by the following process:
A. Review of Statewide recommendations. At least annually, the Commissioner will review
recommendations and labor market analysis from the Maine Department of Labor's Center
for Workforce Research and Infonuation (CWRI) listing high compensation occupations in
significant demand in Maine, will seek a recommendation from the Stat.; WorktQI~
hlVesl;rnent Boar<LMa~, and will approve a final list (hereinafter referred te as
the "occupations list") annuallv by April 1m44i1&yeaf,
5
Rev. J0-9 ]303 09 10
B. Regional recommendations. If a regional organization, including a Local Workforce
Investment Board established pursuant to the Workforce Investment Act, a business
organization, an educational institution, a labor organization or similar group, perceives a
demand for an occupation or occupations with high compensation in their region that are not
included on the approved occupations list, they may petition the Commissioner to include
them.
C. Individual petition. An 1!PJl1i9(11lUndiYidlla! who seeks to pursue training or education for
an occupation in Maine that is not on the occupations list, may petition the Director of the
Bureau for a determination that the education or training that they seek may be supported by
CSSP. The petition will be granted if the llPPjicant Hllii¥idllal can demonstrate that the
occupation offers high compensation and is in sufficient demand that the appiica!)tHlliiviauai
is likely to find employment in the region(s) where they intend to seek work~
2. Honoring educational commitments. The removal of an occupation from a list applies only to
those newly eligible for CSSP and does not apply to participants found initially eligible for
~urolledjg CSSP before the industry W'dS removed.
3. Informing Applicants and Participants. The tvfajne occupatjons list and a list of servjces
provided by CSSP n11!Y_tl'Hlst be provided to every CSSP applicant or participant prior to the
development of the ISS.
SECTION 5: NO SUPPLANTATION: MAXlMIZlNG USE OF OTHER RESOURCES
1. No supplantation. No CareerCenter or organization receiving CSSP funds may supplant other
funds with CSSP or CSSF funds. Competitive Skills Scholarship Fyillds (CSSF) and other
sources of funding available to assist people pursuing post-secondary edncation shall be
combined to maximize available dollars. Policies affecting eligibility standards or level of
education, training and support services available for individuals in post-secondary training and
education under \v1A shall not be changed by local WTA areas so as to reduce the level of such
services absent written approval of the Director of the Bureau. The local WIA areas must expend
the percentage of WIA spending on education and training established in their local \v1A plans.
A. TAA and TRA. Individuals eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) must exhaust
all other resources needed to participate successfully in their training program. If an
l2!!.rt.icipant individual receiving TAA needs a support service that is not available under TAl\
in order to participate successfully in his or her training prOgf"dIll, eligibility for that support
service under CSSP may be determined. Persons eligible for a TRA allowance are not
eligible for the CSSP training stipend under section 6 of this rule. The case manager will
determine whether applicants to CSSP may be eligible for TAA or a TRA allowance.
trai»illg [lssislOOoe-oo~1r~
applying for both CSSP and "1,111£. Participants P-er-5efiS emolle.d in -eligiBle ror both WIA
and CSSP shall receive WIA services in accordance with the wTitten \V,A policies (including
policies that determine the amount or nature of education, training and support services) that
are applicable to all WIA participants in the local WIA area. Taking into account written
B. WIA. Gareert;eflter eu'ltomers
seekin~·ana
6
local \VIA policies and CSSP rules, each ISS should maximize the availability of education,
training and related support services from all funding sources. All ISS plans containing CSSP
funding must be reviewed by the CareerCenter Manager designated by the Director of the
Bureau. W1A assistance shall not be reduced if a person who is already participating in WlA
applies for and is eligible for CSSP unless W1A funding committed to W the part~ant
individnaJ under local WIA policy or WIA funding for education and training and related
support services for the region has been exhausted. For WIA ..enrolled participants eligible fQK
CSSP~written documentatiQn from the WIA service proVider that <)ducation..trai.ning and
glj2[10lt service flings have beenexl]auste_d is reqIJired before CSSP funds mav be used to
.'l1!Pport,!current WIA ftmd(i9Individll'!LServic~):Lt:rategy,
By December 1,2008 and at least annually thereafter, The Bure'!!LQf Ell:mlovment.Service~
(BES} will review \VIA and CSSP expenditures amlldl!ll.Y.to determine the extent to which
both are being maximized for education and training and related support services.
C Dislocated Worker Benefits (DWB). Applicants and pat:ticipantswho are likely to be
eligible for Dislocated Worker Benefits must apply for those benefits. If a n'¥ticipant fJt'f5"'FI
is determined eligible for DWE, the narticioant is mcy !±Fe not eligible for the CSSP training
stipend,
D, Vocational Rehabilitation. If an applicant or participant who has a disability is eligible for
funding from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Of a similar programthat assist~in provigin.g,te
hclp.~J*lfi:ieillate in
thei¥ education or training l'fCgfllffi, then, to the extent that funding is available in a manner
that does not delay commencement of their program, VR funding must be obtained. CSSP
services necessary to participate in. the education or training program and that are not
available through VR may be provided. Case managers must assist those with a disability in
accessing other programs that may assist them with education, training and support expenses
in addition to assisting in access to essp.
E. Parents as Scholars. Parents who are eligible for Parents as Scbolars (PaS) (which provides
support for education similar to CSSP) may not simultaneously be eligible for CSSP. Parents
with children who receive TANF will be required to apply for PaS by contacting their
ASPIRE cas,,_worker. Single parents or two-parent families in which where one parent is
disabled or lmemployed with household income below 75% of the poverty level are required
to apply for TANF and Parents as Scholars at the Department of Health and Human Services
ifthey have not done so already.
F. Financial Aid. Aid from CSSP must bc calculated only after all other federal, state and
campus-based sources of financial aid (not including loans or federal work study) have been
considered. AIlpljcationsfor Free i\p[1licaji.lmfor Fed~<li. Sr.u<!mtAid (FAl'SA) is required,
Applicants in default of student loans or other sources of state and federal tlnancial aid are
Jl()t eligihlefor c;,SSP,Stu<!ent IQansare nQt re.9.llire9 to omiicipat'Lil~~sSPJlnd the d"eision
to applvfor stutlc.nt loau assistance .lli.1eft to the discretiO}l of the CSSP participant to cover
unmet costs_oJJ:1!jrticiw,tion in his or.her education and traini!lg,m:Q£Lam~lf the financial aid
administrator ;'l~ confirms in writing that an application for federal financial aid would
be futile then the applicant ()LParticipant need not apply and CSSP may assist.
I
7
Rev. JO-9-J3W-09-·JO
2.
Id~ntifying
Non-CSSP Supports. The case manager and the applicantor participant must
identify othcr.gources of sUPI/0rt 1""61;0 programs in addition to CSSP that are available and
re'1uired to P!ljticjpaIe.could assist the j)tI~ in affordiftg his or her edncation or training
program. +fle-oaBe ffi!ffiBger must review with the j)tIrtieipaftt, at" minimHffi, the availabilitY-B-f
the Earned Income Tax Credit (EnG), Food 8tamps, andhealtll ooverage, and f>F~
~'itiCII about tlrose resources to participafltfH}s needes.
3. Documentation. Support from programs other than the CSSP to which the participant has been
referred, has applied for, receives or expects to receive must be documented in the ISS.
SECTION 6: INDIVIDUAL SERVICE STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
1.
Iufonned Career Planning; Individual Service Strategy. For purposes of this rule, the _ ISS
is lhe indiyj<:iuai career plan thati§dev~loped bv the paI!j2want and case manager.The ISS
includes'!lJ. funding sources ptaJ111edt9 meet the Rartici.]lll!)(s needs. including CS.SP resoUfces
.l!nd resQun:es other than CSSP. is all cducatiou or training plan that shows, _eng other things,
al+·SO\}fGes ofnll'Hling adrninistered by the barilerCeater that assist parl:iciflallts in succeeding in
their f>F0!,,''ffim. Those ISS plans that inclnde CSSP funding must comply with this rule.
CareerCeuter staff mnst endeavor to assure that all applicants and participants, before lheir ISS
plans are developed, are fully infoffiled of the opportunities available to them through CSSP as
well as through other programs. In addition to the occupations established in Section 4,
applicants and participants must be provided, in writing, a complete list of education, training and
support services available through CSSP sO that need for services.can be determined pcr Section
6.3 they may eheck thooc services tlley arc "-'EJ.uesting. A list of the same services must also be
made available to CareerCenter customers so they.that may understand me opportunities available
if they wish to apply.
2.
Timing. The ISS must be created within forty-five (45) days from the date ofStage~WQ
~ligibilii:y determinliti"n pursll'!nt to SectiQn 3.2 apjl!ieatien. £en'ioes pfffi'icled under the.ffiS
After the ISS is signed by the CSSP applj~ant and tile CareerC~.nter manager or his/h.er designee.
a CSg.!' applicant bec()l1lcs A participant and seT1ii.~es will commence "ilea !l;e ISS is first created
aad sif,'flecl by the partieipant.
3.
Comprehensiv.!tAssessment. The comprehensive assessmeut determines whether alLaJl!lJicanl
who is Stage One initially eligible for CSSP has a marketabl~.post-secondarv degree. lhe
ability to succeed in their program and whether their education or training and related
occupational goal meets the criteria of Section 4~. The assessment also assists the mmlit.1lJ1t
prutieijlaat and case manager in determining the .applicant' s ~ffi!t.'.s education and training
and support service needs. The case manager and theJ!!?.J.ilicant ~ must:
~
A. Review lhe industries and occupations available pursuant to Section 4, together with labor
market information about the demand for employmentjn Maine an.g..within his or her laQQf
m.arket area, the value of wages and benefits, educational requirements of the training. total
9.ceupatioll and trainin\l program costs and availability of educational programs for his or her
em.l1lo'y!neut goal ffiF.patiicular OeeujlulioHS ofiE1:efesHe the partidpant.
B. Determine the in<li'lidual's ability t",·-s\lOOeed in his Of her-ell.ooerr-pmgraal. AnYiJorson who
has ah-eooy been-yerify the.J!Jmli<:;.allt is admitte.d to a diploma, cel1ifjcatc".QLtheif degree
program at an education or training institution that is eligible to receive financial aid flmds
8
under the Higher Education Act or in a CSSP aPPIQved certificate or industry recogl)ized
training provider progralll. is deem-oa to have the..wility to sUGGesa in their program.
C. Assess, detel111ine the need for and blist the various supports including totaLcost§. 0[1111
mJPjlQrt seJ:yi~s_ that may be available within and outside of CSSP that are rcqllif(':<;Imay
a~Jl.fthe !lppliC3Jl1partieipaa\ to succeed educationally and survive t.nancially during the
course of his or her education.
D. Assess whether prerequisite, developmental, English language learner or refresher courses
!!!l!:llLhigh school tliP)Qma, equival<m9ygr general equivalency diplom'\are reqnired needed
to participate successfully in a program leading to a postsecondary degree,,* certificate..or
credential reco.gnized by indll§trv or trade. Determine if pre"reggi§ite, developmentaL English
lallgyi!Z~J~llmer or refresher eours"§and highschool diploma, high school e@jY<LJency or
gyn~'TaLe<]uivalencv diJ1loma minimum re(l!I.i.rements_QItl~.J'.ducation and training pr911ral11
'::!\lIb" met within t[1e 26 week time..period pnrsuant to Section 6.6. If assessment toolslli'€
n~eded, the;! should be administoroo··at the lowest reasBRablz co:}t by·~iiJ~erCenter
or by qualified ,'tefrat aHother orgaaimtiol'l.
E. Determine the applicants'.J!pilitv to succeed in his or her prog@!!! bv assessin!!: interests in
fielsLof study and employmenUligh wage and signitlcant demand elllQ)oyment o.ppoliurlities
will,il1Jheif labor market, academic ael)ieyement and aptitudes required oLtho training
J1rogram and occupation. transf!:J!!hIe work skill" related to the el1'.pl.9yment goal, phvsical
capa9itytQJlS'lJonn the work, financi'l1.'iujJ>ist~nce ""N9iliJy for the duration of the training
program, ability to cOTlJ.plete the program pursuant to Se9t10n 2.1 and 6.6, reemplovment
services needed to prepare forjob Se\![9.b. and oll1er significant fa<;tors '\s...tletelmined bv the
case manager i1) consultation \,ith th~. CSSP Program Manager,
F.
Determine ifll1e applicanth<Ls a marketable postsecondarv degree pursuant to Section 1.9.
G. Detemline capability...to participate successfully in onlille cOllrses that may be required of the
education and training pro!!,r1lD1.
l:hLL~Deterrnine
if,\<;I):;closed physical or cognitive ill§aQility may have vocational
implications on trainmu , employability or fnlfilling the requirements of the occupation.
4.
Selecting an emplovment, occupational and education or training goal, The .!lPplican1
j3ffrtieipant selects his or her emplovmenh,occupational and related education or training goal th.at
i§...'iNithin their current or nlmmed labor market area. The iYlJ2li.s;aut's ~eipant';; goal must be
within the occupations in significant demand established in Section 4. CSSP will support the
Ul'laergraGllate education or training neoooo to achieve that goal if it results in a postsecondary
cortificate, degree, or similar credential that is universally recognized and accepted by the trade,
f>F industry or emplqyers in which the l!pplicmlt paffieipal'lt intends to seek employment and-that
is likely to provide oppeftunity roHeinploynlellt in jobs that will provide substantial improvement
in his 9r her the flartieifluat's capacity to earn wages and benefIts. Ifa participant's goal FeEjUires
acgrat!~level degfcc;-CS8P will supllGl+Only the Cch,catiel'l noodeate achieve the relovant
UIKl~Elnate degfee. IR this eirculHstaHee, the-relevant uadergmduate degree is pre3Ufl'leJ.ro
R*eMhe mcpirements ofthis p,wagruj3h. A program is a postsecondary program if a person
entering it has a high school diploma, hif!h school eauivajelll;y or GED before they enter the
program that will grant the credential he or she th€y-seeks. The ISS must state:
9
A. The I'artieipanfs occupational goal and the education or training required to meeting that
goal.
B. The expected compensation on entry to the occupation and as an average for the occupation
based upon available Maine labor market data for his or her labor market.
~A
reference to Section 4 showing the occupational goal is either on the occupations list or
meets the individual petition requirements.
~!-
list of poteDtiaLeIJllllgycrs wJthin his.Of hIT lai?or market that mllY emplQx.gradUlites of the
education and traillin&.jllilgram.
GeE.
Section 63 documentation that supports the education and training plan.
5. Selection of education or training program. An educatiou or training program fef-att
individual-must be at the lowest cost available t&~illl:li¥idua\.within his or her commuting area,
provided that it is of good quality as detennined by CSSP. Online courses or programs,
regardless of their base of operations, are considered to be within the person's connnuting area.
Programs must meet on.e of the following criteria;.be on the State WTA or TAA eligible provider
list~recogllize<i bv [Tad,,~ orjllQlIstry ass99ilttiol1~t;:)ldorse<lb.:y~ a CO!1Sortiunl{l[~!l.rQlQ.Y!&'S to
address a skills gaj1 or ~ be accredited by a regional or national accrediting body recognized
by the U.S. Department of Education. All participating education or training programs lIlust offer
degrees, licenses or industry-recognized certificates.Q!.credenti!iI".
A. Pnblic vocational schools, community colleges Of university programs are presumed to be the
lowest cost alternative unless there is evidence to the contrary.
B. For any developmental, prerequisite, English Language Leamer or refresher program priority
will be given to Maine Adult Education and the College Transitions Program or programs
approved by the Department that are the most cost effective. Expenditures from the
participant's federal financial aid award to cover these costs sbould be avoided.
(I) The duration of developmental, prerequisite, English Language Learner or refresher
courses must relate directly to his or...h!lLtlli,-~ education or training program as
developed through the assessment and shall not exceed ~.6 w.!'eks.~ar- in duration
from the date of enrollment in the first course. The correlation between the duration of
this education and the his or her t!lffi.vidttaJ!.s..fl!lplovment and edj1J::ation goal must be
documented in tile ISS.
(2) l'aj1:jQjpJ!nls enroJl"Q..Persol1s ]3artieipating in developmental, prerequisite, English
Language Leamer or refresher courses must attend fnll time to be eligible tor the trajpj!lg
stipend. Full time in these programs is equivalent to a minimum oJtwelveJl2) ~91
hours per week of classroom training. Parti.cipallts areJ:!',gWr.,<,i.1.O parti<,:.iQate in_the
ma-ximum number ofbo.lll's necessary to reach th"developmentaL pre-regui~ite, Eng\.ish
lang!Ill.lle learner.~iD~the shortest amQunt of time possjQle within the 26.\\'eek period
asdetermin.ed bv the educati9n and training provider.
10
(I) Preference must be given to training that is offered within the his or her individual's
nonnal commnting area. If more than one training provider exists offering training for the
same credential of comparable quality within the commuting area, then the least
expensive training institntion will he chosen. When suitable training is not availab Ie
within. the commnting area, training outside the area may be authorized if availahle at a
reasonable cost pursuant to thisS""t;i9tL~.
(2) Training programs located outside of Maine fur indiyiduals residing in lVlaine shall not be
approved unless appropriate training is not available within the state and within his or her
the-imlividual's commuting areaJ)ursuant tgj)!)ctionJ .3. Training programs located
outside the State of Maine may be approved if the training program is within /lis_.9I h{ll1OO
ffiGWiEitla¥s commuting area. Any training program conducted at a location outside the
United States is not allowed unless it is in Canada and within his or herJfleillH1ieil'UBt" 5
commuting area.
f;l-)C,IL_ ....._On-line coursesQ!progr"tns. regargJess of tll§ir base Of QJ25lrationsollre
£Qnsider".,twithiniVl' or heUQ11Jmutjru;'l!"ea.
6. Duration of Education or Training. The participant must particill.l.lte in wru:.rGund .trajning as
-"lasses are availabJe hv the training institution. Particjpams)n postsecong;n"V degr~_ang
celtifj.cJlte programs Innsj complete_their education Q.Ltrainin~Qrogralll within theJollawllJR class
time schedule: 150 weeks for afour year. degree: 75 weeks for a two vear degree and 45 weeks
for a one year diploma ar e<,:11itlcate program. Class tinw begins with the first clay anhe tlrst
w",ek Qftrai!!in&.J:arti9.iLants inl!Qn-~r"e or \3'.J1;ificat"'.I'fQm:!!\!l5..QL()!.!l!'L!IQ!l:lli1~tsecQllda.J:Y
training programs lllust complete their education and training program within the tillle deftned~y
lile training provider.. complete rus or her oSlleation or trailliftg program within tv. ice the amount
Bf time a fuJ± time student;-a;Hiefined by the illstit~arily somple!. the flrogram.
+ftis-permits a paJt:eipant to shoose to '.'-,ork-part tin,e' or meet other essential ebligatioBs aoo..;;till
B£te&~If the PJlliicipant+ndi-vffittaJ requires developmental, English Language
Learner, refresher Or prere<Juisite education, then, to the, extent required, the maximum duration
may be extended up to an additional 26.weeks beginning with the first dav of ,:Jass &l~. This
paragraph should not be construed to prevent a participant who began in CSSP with a goal of a
one year diploma or certificate or a two-year undergraduate degree to then choose to pursue a two
year. degree odour year undergraduate degree in a related fiellLso long as the total length of the
program to attai!! the degre,-_does not exceed 7..:i or ISO.weeks respectivelvtflffi.which is )3ermitted
fer a persell s"eldFl!,; a feur year degree. The Director of the Bureau, the Commissioner or the
Deputy Commissioner oflbo Department under exceptional ~maywaive 9J.Jlxtend
this provision if exceptional circumstllllees can he demonstrated bythe prutic!wl!t.!.
7.
Document in ISS. The edu£ation or-training goal, 1:I;e-edHcation OF training proyider, 1:1;. leeaticlll
of the training, ami the elipeeted durntion eftraining 'Nill be doe~etl in 1:1;8 ISS.The ISS must
docum.en! comprehensiveassessment outcomes pursuant to Seetio!! 6.3 including but no! limited
to:J"o L,articipants empIovmentgoal, employerS who mllY employ prQg;ranLgraguates within his
or her [email protected] marketarea, tbe~..ducatioll.Jmcl training program. aU ed.ll catiQ!l and trainillg provide[S~
!he 10catiQIl of thejraining provider, tb'<j)ll.stse"9nd'!!:Y-'-~rtifi cate,gegree orindUii.l!:Y.-r:ecogr)izcQ
crede.ntial tllll,Qartieipant seeks, allY remedial. English language learner, pre-regui§ite or refresher
l'ourses the partifm_aIU wiIJ take, theJength of time thePJ!11:ic!rulllt expectsw take tocompletehis
or here9].1CatioIlQItrainill&Jilcludillgpre-reguisites Pllrl'].Iant to.Section t;,t;Lan elll,IInerated list of
edncation, training and SUppOI1 services with their estimated costs that CSSP will proyide_ a
11
[maneial subsistence piall including all sources of inCOIJl~ suppor:tJ:;, financil!l aid orother
fil1ancial e()l1tributiolls in sll.lmo1t of andt"r the dtlration anhe plan, ~nd specifi<:job search
J!ctivi!ies"
g, CSSP Education, Training and Support Services,
A Provisions applicable to all CSSP services,
(i) CSSP provides education, training and support services, as provided in this rule, that are
not reasonably available from another publicly available source and that are necessary for
participants to successfully complete the education and training program established in
the ISS, All costs for services and goods must be verified with documentation before they
are paid by CSSp,
(2) CSSP assistance must not exceed that which is necessary for the individual Ie participate
in his or her plan, Any ISS resulting in total-s tor a participant for a state fiscal year cost
(except for the cost of CSSP stipends and, the cost of Childcare-!IfltHfle.e-&st-ffi'-"e~
~ described in Section 6,8,D,E :f) projected to be greater than $l1S,OOO for a full time
student and $)4,000 for a less tt.fl!Ljlf!ff. full time student must be approved by the
Director of the Bureau, the Commissioner, or the Deputy Commissioner, Full-time and
less thanJull pm'l-time student stams is defined by the institution the person attends,
(3) CSSP pays on Iy for the least expensive education or training program or support service
provided that it is accessible for the participant and is of acceptable quality as determined
byCSSP,
(4) Any documented and substantiated mislLse of funds, purchased goods, i!lltl,Iep services, by
~nd!or falsifYing or misrepresenting CSSP eligibility information and/or need for training
ors!',l"1}Qrt s",'Vices by_a participant will be grounds for the termination from the program,
(5) CSSP participants are required to cooperate ill providing information availahle to them
for the purpose of investigation of Seetio!, 6,8.A4_trll€lrft~ofmisa5e offunds
and CSSP quality or financial control audits, Failure to cooperate is grounds for
termination from the program,
(6) CSSP services may be adjusted and provisions in this Chapter may be disregarded to the
extent necessary to reasonably acc.ommodate a person with a physical or mental disability
pursuant to the A.mericans with Disabilities Act and Maine's Human Rights Act Such
adjustments must be approved by the case manager's supervisor and noted in the ISS,~
B. Studeut Aid. Delivery of CSSP education, training and support services must be structured
in a manner that maximizes other sources of student fmancial aid, excluding loans. For CSSP
services that are also included in the cost of attendance, as defined by the institution, CSSP
will cover umnet need as determined by the institution after all other public and private
sources of grant aid, including institutional aid, have been applied, to the e}"ient permitted by
this rule, If financial aid is available, Case managers must refer participants to the financial
aid offices of the education and training instimtion involved and, as needed, to other
organizations that may assist in helping with the financial aid process, To maximize financial
aid the case manager and the participant must consider:
12
Rev,JO-9.:!1~
(I) Whether to request the fiuancial aid office to exercise professional judgment in
calculating the stodent's financial aid. (A list of reasons for which professional judgment
may be exercised will be provided to tbe participant and the case manager.)
(2) How much, if any, "unmet need" the participant has when determining their fmaneial aid
and how much of the fmancial aid package is in the form of loans.
nLThe costs counted toward the cost of attendance in determining the financial aid.
(3jiiL-_.:rhe decisi9n to ~incu;: stu<ls;nt loans 10 cOY!~LeducatiQ!Land trai!li!l~'l!!l~
costs otherwise n()j covered!;), CSSP ll,nd nther sources of state and federal aid is made at
the di§.grction of til!' parti£ipant.
C. Tuitiou and fees. CSSP may assist with tuition and mandatory fees up to the usual rate
charged by the institution, but no more than the in state per credit hour cost and llllH;datery
fees.established for the University of Maine. CSSP also assists with reasonable costs
associated with prior learning assessments that may allow the participant to progress more
quickly through his or her education or training program.
D. Support services. The following support services are available to !l.!jg!1;l!S'cCSSP participa!!ts
with llnmet nee,!, and~ t&tJIB e)[leJIt.·tMy determined"",,, necessary for the participa!!llo
successfully complete his or her education or training program.pUfsuant t9 Section 15.3 .C.E.
(I) Childcare. CSSP pays for JlQ.'!0. of the.lmmet costs of childcare for children in the
participant's household who are under the age ofthitteen (13) or physically or mentally
incapable of caring for themselves. In simations that are not included above but are
recognized to exist and are anthorized by the case manager's supervisor, CSSP will pay
for 80% of the unmet costs of childcare when it is required for a participant to meet bis or
her education or training obligations. Conditions that must be met to obtain childcare
assistance are as follows:
(a) To be eligible for childcare from CSSP, participants must agree to apply for any
publicly available funding for that care that may be available. Participants requiring
childcare must be referred to the appropriate agency in their area that achninisters
subsidized childcare programs. Participants with children 3, 4, or 5 years old must
also be referred to the Headstart program in their area. CSSP assists with childcare
dnring times, including time spent on a waiting list, that other funding does not.
(b) Participants are not required to agree to apply for or accept cbildcare that limits their
choice of childcare provider except that the care must be provided by a licensed or
rcgistered childcare provider~·€r a legal iII 8en,o l'r~. If the provider is caring
for more than two (2) unrelated children, then the home must be licensed or
registered prior to commencement of CSSP paid childcare.
(c) CSSP will pay for .~O% of the unmet c()st.~ of childcare at a rate that is no more tban
the .c~bi1d Care Marketrates dete11Ilined bv the Qillc" of Child and Family_~rvices,
E~rlv Childhood Division and paid by the Maine Department of Health and Human
Serviees3er~ional ehildeare l'FSgrilflh
Rev.
1O~9J303
(d) To maintain continuity of childcare sclVices, and if it is the established practice of a
childcare provider to .charge the general public for such periods of time, CSSP may
13
09 Hl
I
pay the provider for holidays, semester breaks, and, as needed, up to thirty (30) days
prior to the onset of a person's program in order to secure a childeare slot.
(e) Childcare providers who are paid by CSSP must allow access to the child by the
custodial parent or legal guardian (or others "'ith express "'Tilten permission of the
custodial parent or legal guardian), during hours that the child is in care. CSSP does
not pay childcare providers who are members of the participant's household or who
have a legal obligation to support the child.
(2) Transportation. CSSP will provide assistance with transportation as tollows:
Mileage er &thel' transportation. The shortest mileage to and from the education or
training institution and the participant's home, permitting stops to drop off or pick up
children may be reimbursed at the mileage rate established for employees of the State of
Maine and the cost of tolls. This reimbursement is provided to any participant who
travels 10 miles or more (each way) from hislher home to the training facility and/or to
drop off or pick up children for those days when hefshe participates in scheduled classes.
Mileage reimbursement is li.m.!!S'.<,tto a maximum of250 ll1iles Rer week. CSSP will pav
the costs of mileage for a vehicle registel<;gJ""'lld primarilYQRerated1Jytl1e particiRatlt
as I!!'cess!!rv to particiJ).1ltejn bi.,'LQC.h.~LP.J..QgIrul!. CSSP requires that a copv QiJP...f
automobile registratiQ)lJ:?.c:1.§.lIbmitted prior toauthori"ing mileage reimbursement. If other
fonns of transportation such as car pool or public transportation are reasonably available
in light of the participant's schedule, the department provides the cost of the less
expensive transportation.
(a) Auto Repairs _ During the enrolhnent perioe!, CSSP pays up to a maximulll of $600
~ per participant p.."fstate fiseaJ year for automobi!;o repairs while particiDating
in in his or her education or training plan, FUllQ$J1111:Lbe\js",g bas~ on the
participrult'~mn.e",.<jjocover the C{)sts of unanticipated automobile repairs while in
tr",jnill!! _'[i·whic1e Hsed by the partieipSRt while partieil'atiHg in his Of her
edt:£ation or-trainiagf,regmrn, 10 the extent it is necessary for the vehicle to operate
or pass inspection. CSSP pays only repairs 011 a vehicle that is registered to and
QI!!'I'!t"d b'y..aithefthe participrult as nece$$aty to participate in his or her progr'!m~ffi'
a memBer of the partieiJ3aBt's b.ouselleld-fHeuseholEl as defines ill ~eeti8n 1.7).
CSSP requires that a copy of the automobile registration be submitted prior to
approval of repairs. Other conditions for auto repair assistance include the following:
l.
Repair costs must he approved in advance of the actnal service 01ieeflt in the ease
oi'anenlefj5eflCY. The participant is required to al"ply fur ana provide an
estimate" and evidence of the need for the repair, which has been signed by a
licensed inspection mechanic", prior to approval being given. A qualified person
of the participant's choice may perform the actual repair. In an emergency, the
partieipant slleaJd retj'H8S! pa;'ment or reimbarsement fur a to'l{ Of repairs.
ii. Payments of approved repair costs are made only following submission of an
itemized bill.
Eflfui.l...,Aulo Lilllli!ity Ias8rllace CS&fLwill pay the cost anita minimum
li~
insurance reqaired By )ll'fail16-1aw'''j3-i<HHnaxilR\lltl of $] 000 per slate..fiwa,].Y8ar for
a ':8hi01e regisle!'84t-&fIl14.pffil'larily oJ.lerated by lhe-pru1ioipant and necessary' 10
14
partieiflate iR his or her program. C8&P requires ffiat a eopy of me autom$ife
~itte4-priBf-ffiapproyal ofpaymeat foHUto liability-insuranee.
(oXl!L_Advalloe pllymellts-TffiflspofMiofl paJ'ment3may be made ill ,"han-oo-upeR
ffltIuest efffie-ffididaaal iHleemed appropriate. '\n adjustment shall·~e
amount efm. adva:ace is lessor more tha:athe amooflHo-whieh theindividool is
entitled uAder this Caapte£.
(3)
~a...,. With flrior~ cost ofe;'o cafe tlltll: is Ilffi covered hy
B!fler sources auG mat is Reee;;sary for moparticipanH€>-participate-in-his or her edueatien
er4!'ailliRg program. Pa;·,,,,enl·for eye eore ..applianoes must he for the least eKj'l6!lS;VO
tj:llillit'j oplie" 10 correet the defieie!lcy lHld must !leI e"seed !n§O per state fiscal year. If
a-participaut has an IffiUfillal vision eesaitiefrreqsiring speciallcnseiKhiB rate ffiay-be
€*Geeaes te -<l<.wer the lea.,*ffiCJ3cnsfve ~ty optiollnccessary j'H,tlffect the eHllditioH
UpOIl yerificatios effue.flced!llla cast 1ft writ!"!; frol1l-arr-eptometri&t Of ophthalmologist
f4-jflt .• Dental Cal'e. C8SP pa;'s the -ea~£aro lhat 13 lloHlo'lored byet4er
souroes and tMt is Ilocess"r), to allo,qato pain or for the particij3lfllt to be able40
partieijlate soecessf.illy-ill his Of her program or to apply for or4alte employment. Tllese
payments mllS! conform te·MaineCare rates "doere suell a rate is scheduled. !ftae.". is not
a-sc-heduled MaffieCare rate, CSSP paycsfoHhe lea.:t ""pensi, e gnaW:; dental servfee
nec-essffi)' te eorre€lc~ UpOIl reeoipt of verifkatiofl of cost and Hoed in wfiting
&etlTa dentist CSSP rna'j rCEjtl€st II dental review by a dentist relainea·by-the
CareerCenter if rale!HJr me Heed for the service are ifl questiGil. C88P aoes not poy for
"rthorlent'c•. De~iot&m'6Ofl'!Jilat..fs.-l.imited40..$¥iOO·perfart{eijlanf..ffifffie
periea of CSSP onroIlnlaut.
(S)L4l.............._Books, supplies, tools, equipment, services and uniforms. CSSP pays for
required !lot re9ornnl~l1ded hooks, supplies, tools, equipment, servi£..<l:h..unilbrms or
similar education or training-related items. To he reimbursed they must be required for
evetyone in the class or program. ffm1Usual ciroumstances require items that are sot
mandatory for· ",ery one else in the clas~)' for tile-participant Ie
sucoessfully pafli&ipato,the case manager may appt"ve them only~l!i&-et-4H!r
supordsof's approval. The need for hooks, supplies, tools, equipmentLservices aud
uniforms must he documentedJ:>y..the educatiO.ll and training provider.
CemputeFs and Felated teclmele<r.{ _
ouffie:'ent capaci-:y
cO
If a parti.€ipant
successfully partiB-:'pate
G&8P may eon~~ up to ,,600
fOE
one cimc ofd-y
part.iCi!HC:, s prcEjr= ami- 58 lOflEj-ao tho purc:hase
"oods _ The $600 caj3I1la;'lJe "xceaSed irI 6l;1raordinary eircumstauees
",<,ill! approval from the program maoog""
f6)(5)
CSSP may also pay-up to $ q0-1'''' moBth feF an Imerna! oOHaeetion.
15
F')( 6)
Unanticipated ~ needs. If a need arises that is not enumerated in these
rules_3!!d is Il0t£oyered by other •.mJIces. but is necessary for successful participation in
the participant's education or training program, the case manager may authorize up to
$1000 per p~lticipant fOT the...p§iod of CSSI'..~nrolhueut ~scal year to meet such
unanticipated need. Unanticipated needs are defmed a.~ loss of or ehal)ge in hou~hold
income, loss of financial or other subsistence or loss of servic~s resulri.ug in UILallticip':l!.eJ!
lle~Such needs may include 8n:ergoBcics suell-as·the threatened disconnection of a
utility, the loss ofheal or shelter, prescription medicatiollilot covered by insurance or
similar emergcAoy-needs that if not met could derail a participant's successful
participation in their program . .t\,uthorj""tion fQ,:unanticipatedn~ds bv a case JIl~nag:er
must be approved by the CSSP Program ",1anag~LPayment under this section should be
made ooty if the J1ee4 em"'gene), cannot be resolved with assistance from another
available source and only if the dollars available under this section (alone or in
combination with other resources) are sufficient to resolve .and prevent a l"e:occurr@ce of
the neect.emerge"c;.
E. Training Stipend. Participants whose [email protected]!Lhousehold income is below 125% of the
federal poverty level are eligible for a monthly training stipend for any month in which the
participant must attend his or her postsecond,![\!. or industry re;;.Qg[lizesLeducation or training
program. Sui1~eguent~ligibi1i!Y for the stipend. !1lust b"deter]11jned ev"ry si>;-,])pnths OUlIIV
time househqld income il!cre':1Ses above 125 percent of the feQeralnoyerty level. To be
eligible for the stipend in a given month, the participant must attend a minimum of two full
.oyeeks Qf scheduled classes and be ~"llfol1ed in a minimum of 12 {i credit hours of classes qr in
full tilm:. stude1l1status_as defined by the training institution. For those participating full-time,
the stipend equals on&Jifth #tiH! of the maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Maine (as
determined annually by the Bureau ofUncmployment Compensation) and will be paid
monthly. Full time...student status dl.l.es not include e.()Urs~s. credit or.c1assroom hours. in whole
min partJhat l11"elb"'J:!)pe.ated dlJ~.to unillJtho~d withdrawal orJailure.1()llass the_co!!I$e,
F0f-IDOSe partieipaling palt tiffie who-enfolled ill thsilrograffi Oil or-a!terMarek 3Q~Q9,the
Btipelld equals Olle half of !he stipend for tiill tilRe participaats. Fer loose partioipating part
time who 8Hrelled prier to ·M.areh 30, 2G09,IDe stipend is the came as ier4hese partieipatiug
full time. For My housekold tb,dt iHd",los a partieiplfHt who-enrolled aftor Mareh 30, 2009,
fI.!iO more than two stipends may be received in a household eVen if there are more than two
household members participating: in the program. Full-time and kss than fullparHime
student statns is defined by the institution the person attends nrdess these rules specifically
state otherwise.
Participants who are eligible for dislocated worker benefits, unemployment compensation or
Trade Readjustment Act benefits are not eligible for a CSSP stipend in any month that they
are eligible for and receiving one of these benefits. Participants who are eligible for and receive
'lllYjncome pur~l!"nt to Section~.,7J.l excluding.student loans. llQll::f_ash benefits,jncome of
dependent children. an4..all federal and state need-based financial aid resources grant~Q
through a financial award process, that in their aggregate benefit exceed 125% Q.f th",federal
PQvertyJevel :n~uot eligible for the stipencl_ Dependent children enrolled in CSSP are not eligible J<1r
the stipend. Participants must 00-56f~ disclose receipt of snch benefits @d be referred tq
the <!ppropriate s9ur£",to determine if they may be eligible for such benefits priOT:to the
receipt ofJhe stipgllQ.
Participants who have no ongoing room and board expenses are not eligible for the stipend.
Therefore, participants living in a residential healthcare facility, a correctional facility, a
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dormitory or a homeless shelter are not eligible for the stipend. (participants living in a
homeless shelter, however, may be eligible for an emergency payment (Section 6.8.7UnanliQ(pated~G!heF Needs) to assist in obtaining stable honsing if it would prevent
homelessness from derailing the participant' 5 successful participation in his or her education
or training program.)
9.
Other Docnmentation in ISS. The ISS ffilist aeeumeflt the l'alt1eipaflt's goal,~""c"tiefl Of
iffiffiing progfluH, the past seaonool'Y certifioate Of aes-eo the pattieipaa! seeks, any remedial,
english lang~age learner, prerequisite or refresher £0111'308 the partieipoot will take, the length of
time the I'artieipaflt olipe€L it ,,,,ill take te eOIfl~lete hffi-Brher causation mctraining aaa aH
"l1!Imemted list efeaueatien, training and "'fl!lmt services, '<'lith their estim.ataa costs, that CSSP
will provide. Other DocumentatiQ.n in the .ISS must include.:
A. Amendments. The ISS may_be amended at any time due to unanticipated or changed
circumstances, provided that the program will be completed within the time established under
paragr'dph 6 of this section.
B.
Right to appeal. Each ISS and ISS amendment must include in plain language notice of the
participant's right to appeal as described in Section 7 and notice of how to file an appeal or
reqnest a hearing if he or she is dissatisfied with the ISS.
10. ISS Review. The terms of the ISS, including eligibility for a CSSP stipend, must 00 reviewed by
the case manager and the participant every school term, or no less than every six months.
11. Satisfactory Progress, To remain eligible for CSSP edueati,l,lI, training and ell!2l2.0Jt..:1erviees,
participants must demons!;r.!!!e_ffieke satisfactory progress in their education or training program.
A participant is making satisfuctory progress if they maintain satisfactorv aCl!demic or training
progress as detetmine<!~!lYfellwin in geed slanGing at the education or training institution where
they attend,-aad R.'lnain able to complete their program within the time specified in ID+s -sSection
6.6..~nd dOClLment sa,tisfactorv pro"re~" to the CSSP c~>.e manaJS>'L- A.pmticipant will bcplaced on
CSSP probation iflheir gra@point,!ycrage falls below 2.0 orJif a participant is placed on
"academic probation" by the educational institution" llHe or she will may have one term in which
to regain satisfa,gorv progress good standing before ooing tenninated from CSSPli.mmcial
assistance forl').ducation, tmining,or sn12port seryi.eCll. Participant~.who fail to maint;,in or regain
satisfactorv progress in their e<!jlcation or training.'program will ,,,main eligible foX CSSP job
seaJ:Ch assistance in.support of employment.
SECTION 7: APPEALS
I.
A ppeaJ to CSSP Program Manager. An applicant or participant who is dissatisfied with a
CareerCenter's decision related to the eligibility for or the provision of CSSP services has the right to
file a written appeal with the CSSP Program Manager within 30 days of the decision. If no ~js
filed~withitldQ days,tl1" Car<:crCenteXJkcision...shall b~omeJ]Il!!L If the customer files a vlritten
appeal within ten (10) days of a decision to terminate the participant from the program or terminate or
reduce assistance provided for in a clllTently effective ISS, then the decision will not he implemented
pending the outcome of the administrative appeal process. ArlY writing may be used to file an appeal.
The CSSP Program Manager will issue a written decision within fifteen (\5) days of the filing of the
appeal. The decision may reflect an agreed resolution to the appeal or, if no agreed resolution was
reached, it will reflect the CSSP Program Manager's decision.
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2. Appeal of CSSP Program Manager's Decision. The applicant or participant c!!Storner may appeal
the CSSP Program Manager's decision by filing a written request for a hearing by a hearing oftlcer.
The request must be tiled with the Program Manager within 30 days of the date of issuance of the
CSSP Program Manager's Decisiou. Tfuo appeal isfiled. the ProWm Managers decision shall
become f1!l!!LThe 3D-day appeal period may be extended up to 15 additional days if the individual
can show good cause for failing to appeal witbin the initial30-day period. Dpon receiving a request
for a hearing, the Program Manager shall forward it, together with a copy of the decision being
appealed, to the hearing authority designated by the Department.
The Administrative Hearing Officer shan conduct a hearing in accordance the Maine Administrative
Procedures Act 5 M.R.SJ\. ch. 375, subchapter 2 and render a decision within 30 days of the hearing
request. The Hearing Officer may afilnn, set aside, modifY or remand the CSSP Program Manager's
decision. A hearing decision aftlnning, setting aside or modifying the CSSP Prograrn Manager's
decision pursuant to this section is fmal agency action and may be appealed to the Snperior Court.
3. Notices. All decisions regarding eligibility for CSSP or regarding the benefits provided under CSSP,
including the ISS. must be in v;titing and must provide notice to the applicant or participant ofh!s or
her right to appeal to the Program Manager, and if dissatisfied with that decision, to appeal by
requesting a fair hearing. CareerCenter staff shall assist applicant,:; or participant:;.. <*IS_ _ who
express a desire to file an appeal or hearing request with the process.
SECTIONS. GENDER EQUITY.
The CSSP goal for placing participants in education or training leading to nontraditional occupations
(NTOs) is the same as for any policy in \VL,\ that is designed to provide an incentive for greater
enrollment into NTOs. In addition to tracking NTO training and job placements, the Department will
track participation based upon occupational goal and level of education required by gender.
SECTION .9. LIMIT ON ADMINISTRATION AND CAREER COL'NSELING.
Beginning-if! state tiscal-year 2008 2009,4"111e Department shall expend no more than ten percent of the
annual revenue to the C.ompetitive Skills Scholarship Fund on career counseling and administrative costs.
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