199—37.4(477C) Application process and eligibility. Applications will be processed in queue as determined by the program administrator. No person will be entitled to equipment at a particular time merely because that person meets the eligibility requirements. Additional vouchers will not be issued during a period if unpaid vouchers are outstanding for the remaining funds budgeted for the period. To be eligible to receive a voucher for equipment under the program, a person must satisfy the following requirements. By signing the application form or otherwise averring to the accuracy of the information contained in the application, an applicant or the applicant’s power of attorney certifies that the information provided therein is true.
	37.4(1) Verification of need with initial application. An applicant’s initial application shall include verification of the applicant’s need for the equipment. The verification shall be made by an appropriate professional, including but not limited to a licensed physician; certified teacher in the fields of hearing, speech, or visual impairment; licensed and certified sign language interpreter; speech pathologist; audiologist or hearing aid specialist; or an appropriate state or federal agency representative.
	37.4(2) The applicant must have, or have applied for, access to the service which will allow the applicant to use the requested equipment. Access to Internet service may be provided through a public Wi-Fi connection.
	37.4(3) The applicant must be an individual and an Iowa resident.
	37.4(4) The applicant must be at least five years of age or demonstrate an ability to use the equipment requested. No demonstration is required for those five years of age and older.
	37.4(5) An applicant must agree to cooperate with studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
	37.4(6) An applicant’s gross annual family income must be equal to or less than $76,000 for a family of two. Family sizes above or below two will increase or decrease that amount in $10,000 increments per family member change.
	37.4(7) The applicant will be limited to a voucher for one type of equipment or equipment package.
	37.4(8) Reapplication. Prior voucher recipients may reapply through the program to replace existing equipment or to obtain new equipment, as appropriate. Reapplication will be limited by a three-year waiting period. The reapplication period may be shortened by the board’s equipment distribution program project manager in an individual case for good cause shown. At the time of reapplication for equipment, it is not necessary for the applicant’s need for the equipment to be reverified by an appropriate professional. The program administrator shall verify that the applicant reapplying for equipment previously qualified for and continues to qualify for a voucher.
[ARC 3665C, IAB 2/28/18, effective 4/4/18; ARC 6925C, IAB 3/8/23, effective 4/12/23]