TAA Policy Manual
Ch. 7) Program Benefits

7.6 Training Services & Supplemental Assistance

Table of Contents 

7.6.4 Additional Training Costs - Training Supplies, Fees & Technology

Effective Date: January 1, 2023, Revised February 21, 2024

TAA participants may request the costs of training related expenses be covered by the TAA program. TAA will cover these requests if they are reasonable ¹, related to the training program, and necessary to complete the training program.² Other options should be explored before purchasing equipment or related materials.³ Expenses not listed below may still be allowable. Participants must be in good standing with their courses and completing timely attendance and benchmark forms. If career planners or participants have any questions regarding which expenses or dollar amounts may be covered, they should contact their TRL or the TAA Central Mailbox.

Documentation

All training-related supplies covered by TAA should be listed on the ASSET Financial CEW, in the training contract (either original or amended) and noted in ASSET case notes. DWD-DET requires participants to provide receipts before being reimbursed for any expense and career planners must save the receipts in the case file. Payments for supplies may start as early as 30 days before the training program begins if the training plan has been signed, submitted and approved.

Categories and Maximums

There is no expectation that every participant will receive the maximum amount in each category listed below. Maximum amounts are upper limits and are not to be interpreted as the amount a participant is entitled to.

• General supplies – $75 maximum per semester/trimester/quarter (not to exceed $225 per calendar year). General supplies include but are not limited to notebooks, binders, folders, index cards, printer ink, photocopier cards, paper, printer paper, thumb drives. General supplies should be listed on the ASSET Financial cost estimate worksheet (CEW) under supplies/materials.
• Bookbag/backpack/roller bag or similar. – one-time $75 maximum amount. Bookbag/backpack or similar should be listed on the CEW under supplies/materials
• Related Fees – covered in full (e.g., school parking, graduation fee, laboratory, and other academic fees). All fees on the school invoice go under Tuition & Required Fees; other fees like parking go on ASSET financial CEW under Other Fees. CP must itemize other fees in the Other Fees Comment box.
• Licensing Exams – initial licensing and certification fees where licensing or certification is required for employment are to be covered in full.⁴ The fees go on the ASSET CEW under Other Fees.
• Computer -$1000 maximum without TRL preapproval. The $1000 maximum includes a computer plus any necessary additions such as printer, drawing tablet, camera, or headphones. TAA career planners must approve prior to purchase and determine that costs are reasonable. There is no expectation that the full $1000 will be needed by every participant.
  • Additional justification and approval are required for computer purchases that exceed $1,000.00. The additional justification must be submitted to a TRL for approval prior to the participant's computer purchase. Exceptions are possible with permission of a TRL, for example if someone in a program like design or engineering requires a more advanced computer or if a participant has a documented disability which would require an accommodation.
  • TAA will not cover the cost of warranties for computers or other equipment but will cover reasonable costs of any needed repairs or replacements. Contact your TRL before approving repairs or replacements.
• Internet – Internet costs will be paid during the duration of the training program. Internet costs should be entered on ASSET Financial CEW under Internet Cost. Payments should be prorated based on the training plan start date.
  • Internet payments can be made over breaks in training of less than 30 business days.
  • Bundled internet costs need to be itemized by the provider and only the internet and internet equipment portions may be reimbursed.
  • Monthly internet costs and billing showing payment need to be submitted for invoicing. (The January bill showing the January service with the February statement showing payment for January)
• Books – Only books listed as required on the syllabus will be purchased by TAA. Books go on ASSET Financial CEW under books.
  • TAA will pay for purchasing required books.
  • If an e-book is required for the class curriculum an additional physical copy will not be paid for unless there is a documented accommodation need.
  • TAA will pay for required book rentals.
  • Books not listed on the syllabus as required will not be paid for without a documented accommodation need or written verification of need from the instructor.
• Uniforms, training related clothing/equipment - All uniforms and equipment required by the program will be covered by TAA. Items are considered required if they are listed in the syllabus or in a written communication from the instructor/advisor. Uniforms/equipment go on the ASSET Financial CEW under Supplies/Materials
  • A maximum of three sets of scrubs will be approved.

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• ¹ A Cost is reasonable if it would be incurred by a prudent person under similar circumstances. 20 CFR § 200.404
• ² 20 CFR § 618.610(f)(2)(i)
• ³ 20 CFR § 618.610(f)(2)(i)(b)
• ⁴ 20 CFR §618.610(f)(2)(i)