Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about SE+? Browse the FAQ below for more information on the SE+ program, including Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), work incentives, and benefits.

  • Yes. Each pilot site has an SE+ VRC working with all SE+ referrals, from start to finish.

  • Yes. SE+ pilot sites will continue to receive other referrals from the local VR office. SE+ only applies to individuals who are currently in, or contemplating entering, a sheltered workshop. It is a separate program from VR's existing employment services model.

  • SE+ began in November of 2022 and is a five-year program that could be extended. Participants who are open with VR when the program ends will remain open with VR and be considered part of the "general" caseload.

  • A person must be at least 18 years old to participate in SE+.

  • A Pre-ETS student is an appropriate referral if they are contemplating entering a sheltered workshop.

  • SE+ does not impact individuals who are currently working in the community and are satisfied with their employment. If a person wants to obtain a better job in the community and needs assistance, they may use the SE+ program, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

  • When considering pilot sites, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) considered the following:

    • Is the provider a Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) with a workshop?

    • Does the provider plan to remain open?

    • Is there a significant number of participants?

    • Does the provider have staff capacity?

    • Is there geographic diversity among providers?

  • The SE+ program is funded by a five-year grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and runs parallel to other employment services programs. It cannot be combined with other programs, but staff may overlap, and many of the services provided may be the same.

  • A fidelity review is conducted once a year by the team at Public Consulting Group (PCG), using a fidelity scale. Once the fidelity review has occurred and the report is complete, the report is then reviewed and approved by VR's SE+ leadership team.

  • Subminimum Wage- Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) authorizes employers, after receiving a certificate from the Wage and Hour Division, to pay subminimum wages (wages less than the Federal minimum wage) to workers who have disabilities for the work being performed.

    Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 defines CIE as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:

    • Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience.

    • Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.

    • At a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities.

    • Presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions (Department of Labor).

  • Ideally, as many team members as possible will be trained in work incentives basics. However, all providers will have at least one Benefits Information Network (BIN) Liaison. Additionally, SE+ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can provide information too.

  • The BIN will provide initial and follow-up reports but is not responsible for reporting earnings and requesting work incentives.

    1. Benefits Information Network (BIN) Liaison at the pilot site

    2. Northern IN Works: 1-866-968-7842

    3. Southern Indiana Works: 1-888-908-7992