Continued Support Option (CSO)-Available to open customers in Customized Employment or SEP after the completion of all Phases

It is understood that some individuals will require continued support after completion of all phases. These individuals will be able to benefit from the Continued Support Option (CSO). Services provided under the CSO are paid from the office allocation using a voucher rather than under the contract. The rationale for this method is that the amount of time required for any individual participating in the CSO is unknown and variable from person to person.

CSO services are available to open customers in CE or SEP with an active Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and Notification of Services (NOS). Approval of hours will occur prior to services being provided. Services are paid based on the hours of ongoing support provided to the individual during the preceding month. The number of hours cannot be greater than the number of hours the customer worked during the month. The provider must provide documentation of the hours of work and the hours of support provided to the customer. The provider will submit a bill to the IDHS-DRS field office each month the individual maintains employment and continues to require ongoing support services.

Under federal regulations Supported Employment is limited in time, to up to 24 months of support on the job, except in special circumstances. The CSO services are therefore limited to the remainder of the 24 months of support on the job, after the contract Phases. An extension must be justified by the IDHS-DRS counselor and approved by the IDHS-DRS supervisor based on a description of the exceptional circumstances relating to the customer.

The rate for the CSO will be $45.50 statewide as of 7/1/2024.