Attachment 1 - Scope of Work.pdf

Project LinkSD Policy - Page 1 of 3

Scope of Work

PROGRAM PURPOSE

Project LinkSD provides greater communication access to those who are unable to use a standard telephone. Through broadband technology, deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired individuals are able to communicate telephonically utilizing advanced technology devices. Project LinkSD addresses the barrier low-income deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired individuals encounter when accessing broadband services.

Project LinkSD PROGRAM SERVICE PROVIDERS Only approved service providers will be allowed to provide Project LinkSD program services.

PROGRAM TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Only one Project LinkSD credit is allowed per household.

• Service must be in the eligible applicant’s name. Exception applies to parents of an eligible minor child.

• Project LinkSD discount cannot be applied to past due bills.

• Project LinkSD assistance cannot be transferred to another person.

• Applicants are required to first apply for assistance through the federal Lifeline program.

• Project LinkSD requires annual re-certification for continued eligibility.

• If an applicant does not re-certify within the required time, they will be notified that their assistance will be discontinued.

• Applicants must be given a month’s notice (in writing) before their assistance is terminated along with information relating to an appeal process.

• Applicants are required to notify the program of any changes that could affect their services.

APPLICATION

Individuals interested in Project LinkSD should be directed to contact DRS or an approved service provider. Individuals interested in Project LinkSD are required to complete and submit an application.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility is determined by an approved service provider. To be eligible for Project LinkSD, the individual must meet the following criteria:

• The individual must be a resident of South Dakota;

• The individual must be deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or have a speech impairment and utilize an advanced technology device for telecommunication;

• The individual must first apply for services through the Federal Lifeline Program and provide proof that they were either denied or the program is not available through their provider or in their area; and

• The individual must be financially eligible:

o Enrolled in a Public Assistance Program; or o Yearly household income at or less than 300% of the federal poverty income level

• An eligibility decision will be communicated within 15 days of a completed application.

Project LinkSD Policy - Page 2 of 3

FINANCIAL NEED

You may qualify if you, one or more of your dependents, or your household participates in any of the following programs:

• Medicaid (example, Title XIX/Medical State Supplemental Assistance)

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program

• Or, if your household income is no more than 300 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines.

Note: A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals living together at the same address as one economic unit. An "economic unit" consists of all adult individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household. A household may include related and unrelated persons.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF INCOME VERIFICATION

1. Income or wage statements (including pay stubs, social security, unemployment, public assistance, or other any other statements verifying money received by the family). Three consecutive pay stubs must be submitted with the application.

2. Most recent federal tax form (Form 1040)

ELIGIBILITY NOTIFICATION

An eligibility determination shall be made after reviewing the application and all supporting documentation is received. Eligible individuals are to receive notification of their eligibility within 15 days after the date of application unless the case file documents a justifiable reason for the delay. All applicants must be date stamped upon receipt of the application.

DISQUALIFICATIONS/APPEALS

If an applicant is disqualified, applicants will receive notice of disqualification along with information on their appeal rights and how to submit an appeal.

An applicant may appeal a disqualification by notifying the Division of Rehabilitation in writing within 30 calendar days of receipt of disqualification.

RENEWAL PROCESS:

Applicants are required to apply annually to provide proof of continued eligibility.

• Renewal will be done annually beginning in January with a notification from the qualified service provider provided within the first week of January of each year.

• All renewals must be completed by the end of February.

• If applicant does not complete the renewal by the end of February a disqualification will be sent to the applicant notifying them that Project LinkSD will no longer provide monthly subsidy beginning April 1.

Project LinkSD Policy - Page 3 of 3

CASEFILE REQUIREMENTS

A record will be kept concerning each applicant for Project LinkSD. Each case file will be stored in a secure location and will contain at a minimum the:

• Application.

• Proof of application to the Federal Lifeline Program.

• Verification of financial need if applicable or verification of proof of participation in a qualifying program.

• Eligibility determination.

• Any correspondences relating to eligibility or termination of services.

DATA COLLECTION AND SUBMISSION

An electronic report will be submitted monthly that includes:

• Information on the individuals who receive assistance on a monthly basis.

• Monthly invoice for services provided.

• Monthly invoice for subsidies.

CONSUMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

DRS will conduct consumer satisfaction surveys to ensure that participants are receiving quality service and that the program is meeting their needs.

Project LinkSD PROGRAM SERVICE PROVIDERS