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Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Frequently Asked Questions

You can receive services if your goal is to become employed. You must have a disability which limits your ability to obtain employment and need VR services to prepare for, get, or keep a job. 

You may call an office close to you to request services. You may also complete a VR application and mail, email, or bring it to your local office. 

You will meet with a counselor, who is a trained professional in vocational rehabilitation to gather information to determine your eligibility for VR services. Your counselor will let you know within 60 days of your application. If more time is needed, you and your counselor must both agree in writing to extend the time to determine your eligibility. 

There is no charge for many of our services such as counseling and job placement. For some services that are purchased, you may be asked for additional information to see if you can afford to pay a part of the cost. A sliding fee schedule based on your family income is used. If you are on SSI or SSDI, your contribution is $0.

Yes! You and your counselor are partners in this process. Together, we will use the information gathered to help you make informed choices about your employment goal, the services you receive and who will provide those services. Your employment plan needs to work for YOU.

You may appeal any VR decision with which you don't agree. It needs to be filed within 90 days of the decision. You may also find that disagreements can be quickly resolved by contacting your counselor's supervisor to discuss your concern.

If your case is currently open with IVRS, simply contact your local office for the information. If your case is closed, contact the IVRS Administrative offices in Des Moines at (515) 281-4211 or toll free at 1-800-532-1486. Additional information can be found on the page How To Request Case File Information.

The Ticket to Work program is a federal program for Social Security disability beneficiaries age 18 through 64 who receive SSDI or SSI benefits based on a disability and would like to work. It is designed to provide help and support for those beneficiaries who desire to regain financial independence through employment. Please visit the Ticket to Work page to find out more. 

Simply follow the same process noted above on how to apply. Keep in mind that services cannot begin until your discharge. Services are provided in the state in which you will reside upon your release.