Code of Federal Regulations Title 34. Education § 34.367.67 May an individual's ability to pay be considered in determining his or her participation in the costs of OIB services?

(1) A State is neither required to charge nor prohibited from charging consumers for the cost of IL services provided under the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program;

(2) If a State charges consumers or allows other service providers to charge for the cost of IL services provided under the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, a State is neither required to nor prohibited from considering the ability of individual consumers to pay for the cost of these services in determining how much a particular consumer must contribute to the costs of a particular service.

(1) Specify the type of IL services for which costs may be charged and the type of IL services for which a financial need test may be applied;

(2) Explain the method for determining the amount charged for the IL services and how any financial need test will be applied;

(3) Ensure costs are charged uniformly so that all individuals are treated equally;

(4) Ensure that if costs are charged or financial need is considered, the consumer's required participation is not so high that it effectively denies the individual a necessary service;

(5) Require documentation of an individual's participation in the cost of any IL services provided, including the determination of an individual's financial need;  and

(6) Provide that individuals who have been determined eligible for Social Security benefits under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act may not be charged any cost to receive IL services under this program.