Respite Reimbursement Fund Application

RESPITE REIMBURSEMENT FUND RULES OF OPERATION

1. The Spina Bifida of Western New York (SBWNY) Board of Directors reserves the right to amend these rules and to discontinue this fund if/when funds have been depleted.
2. All fund recipients are encouraged to be members of the SBWNY.
3. All fund recipients are encouraged to volunteer on a committee or assist with a SBWNY function or fundraiser. Fund recipients will be added to a volunteer database and they may be called upon occasionally to assist with functions and/or fundraisers.
4. All fund recipients must reside in SBWNY’s service area, which includes only the following New York counties: Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Orleans, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Wyoming, and Genesee.
5. Original signatures must accompany all fund requests.
6. Applications for reimbursement of prior year expenditures must be submitted no later than March 31. No prior year applications will be accepted after that date.
7. The Respite Reimbursement Fund was created to assist with dependent care for persons with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus over 13 years of age. The purpose of the Fund is to give caregivers a respite for the purpose of vacation or leisure time. Normal child or dependent care costs, such as day care for working parents, will not be considered for reimbursement. Extra expenses incurred due to the extent of disability may be considered for reimbursement. Applications may be made by an immediate family member/caregiver of an individual with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus who is not able to stay home alone. Respite service costs must be reasonable based upon the needs of the individual and established rates for similar services. As a guideline, respite services should be in the range of $10.00 to $15.00 per hour and no more than $150 for a 24-hour period. SBWNY reserves the right to contact respite workers directly to verify hours worked and payment received.
8. Funds are available up to a yearly maximum of $500.00 per person, based on availability of funds. Grant eligibility and amount are solely at the discretion of the fund’s administrative committee. Funds are not guaranteed. In the event that an application is denied, the applicant will be notified in writing.
9. An application, along with a completed SBWNY Respite Service Verification Form with original signatures, must be submitted with each request. The SBWNY treasurer will issue payment within 30 days of receipt of the administrative committee’s approval and depending upon availability of funds.