Pre-Employment Transition Services

Pre-Employment Transition Services

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is expanding the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Cost Reimbursement program to reimburse State VR agencies for pre-employment support services provided to disabled youth ages 16 and 17. We expect this policy change will increase the likelihood of self-sufficiency among youth, resulting in a reduction in reliance on benefits and increased savings to the general fund.

Starting June 2, 2025, SSA will reimburse all State VR agencies for the pre-Employment Transition Services (pre-ETS) below that subsequently lead to nine months of substantial gainful activity (SGA) level earnings:

1. Work-based learning experiences, which provide immersive work-based opportunities.
2. Job exploration and counseling, which relates youths’ interests, abilities, and capabilities to the labor market.
3. Counseling on postsecondary education or training, which focuses on planning and understanding education and training requirements.
4. Workplace readiness training, which develops social and independent living skills.
5. Self-advocacy and peer mentoring, which teaches youth to take responsibility for their needs and goals.

SSA will reimburse State VR agencies for the following services contained in 34 CFR Part 361:

 

Description	RSA Service Code	SSA Service Code
Work-based Learning Experiences	37/103	37/103
Job Exploration Counseling	97	97
Counseling on Enrollment Opportunities	109	109
Workplace Readiness Training	115	115
Instruction in Self-advocacy	121	122

Effective June 2, 2025, all State VR agencies will be permitted to submit initial claims that include pre-ETS costs. In addition, all State VR agencies will also be permitted to submit supplemental claims for pre-ETS costs associated with initial claims paid after May 1, 2023.

SSA will hold a kickoff meeting with State VR agencies on June 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET to answer questions.