Agency Timeline Directory: Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation agencies have legal deadlines. This directory lists the deadlines for the federal rules that apply in every state, California's Department of Rehabilitation, and New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation, with the exact words of each rule, a link to the official source, and who to call for help.

Agencies have deadlines. This page lists them, so you know when an agency is late, and who can help you.

Not legal advice. Amplify Accessibility and EMILY are not lawyers. This page is information copied from official sources, with links so you can check every rule yourself. Rules can change. For free advocacy with vocational rehabilitation, contact your state's Client Assistance Program (CAP): California 800-776-5746 (TTY 800-719-5798); New Hampshire 603-271-2773.

How to use this directory

  1. Write down the date on every letter or decision you get, and the date you send anything.
  2. Find your step in the tables below and count the days on a calendar.
  3. If the agency misses a deadline, ask in writing for what is late, and name the rule. Our letter templates can help.
  4. Call your Client Assistance Program (CAP) at any step. It is free.

Federal rules (every state)

These rules apply to every state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency. They come from the federal regulations at 34 CFR Part 361.

Federal vocational rehabilitation deadlines (34 CFR Part 361)
What must happenDeadlineExact words of the ruleRuleWhat you can do
The agency must decide if you are eligible within 60 days after you apply.60 days after you apply“an eligibility determination must be made within 60 days”34 CFR 361.41(b)(1)Write down your application date. On day 61, ask in writing for your eligibility decision.
The agency can go past 60 days only for exceptional, unforeseen reasons it cannot control, and only if you agree to a specific new date (or a trial work exploration is underway).Past 60 days only if you agree to a specific date“Exceptional and unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the designated State unit preclude making an eligibility determination within 60 days and the designated State unit and the individual agree to a specific extension of time”34 CFR 361.41(b)(1)(i)You do not have to sign an extension. If you agree, get the specific date in writing.
The agency must finish your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) within 90 days after you are found eligible, unless you agree to a specific later date.90 days after you are found eligible“The individualized plan for employment must be developed as soon as possible, but not later than 90 days after the date of determination of eligibility”34 CFR 361.45(e)Count 90 days from your eligibility letter. Ask in writing for your IPE meeting before then.
The agency must review your plan with you at least once a year.At least once a year“The individualized plan for employment is reviewed at least annually”34 CFR 361.45(d)(5)If a year has passed, ask in writing for your annual IPE review.
While your appeal is pending, the agency may not suspend, reduce or end services you are receiving, unless you ask it to or there is evidence of fraud.The whole time your appeal is pending“The State unit may not institute a suspension, reduction, or termination of vocational rehabilitation services being provided to an applicant or recipient”34 CFR 361.57(b)(4)Appeal quickly and say in writing: 'Please continue my services pending appeal under 34 CFR 361.57(b)(4).'
An impartial hearing must be held within 60 days of your request, unless the dispute is resolved first or you agree to a specific extension.Hearing within 60 days of your request“must be held within 60 days of an applicant's or recipient 's request for review of a determination made by personnel of the State unit”34 CFR 361.57(e)(1)Write down the date you sent your request. Day 60 is the federal deadline.
The hearing officer must send you a full written report of findings and reasons within 30 days after the hearing.Written decision within 30 days after the hearing“a full written report of the findings and grounds for the decision within 30 days of the completion of the hearing”34 CFR 361.57(e)(3)(ii)If day 30 passes, ask the hearing office in writing for the decision.
Where a state offers review of the hearing decision, it must be requested within 20 days of mailing and decided within 30 days, and the reviewer may not overturn parts that favor you without clear and convincing evidence that they are clearly wrong.Ask within 20 days; decided within 30 days (only in states with this step)“May not overturn or modify the hearing officer's decision, or any part of that decision, that supports the position of the applicant or recipient unless the reviewing official concludes, based on clear and convincing evidence”34 CFR 361.57(g)(3)(ii)Check whether your state uses this step (New Hampshire does; California goes to Superior Court).
If you were found incapable of a job outcome, the agency must review that decision within 12 months and every year after, if you ask.Within 12 months, then yearly if you ask“Review within 12 months and annually thereafter if requested by the individual”34 CFR 361.43(e)Put a reminder 11 months out and request the review in writing.
The agency may close your case as successful only after you have kept the job at least 90 days, you no longer need services, and you and your counselor agree it is satisfactory.At least 90 days on the job“The individual has maintained the employment outcome for an appropriate period of time, but not less than 90 days”34 CFR 361.56(b)If closed early or without your agreement, appeal and ask about post-employment services.

California: Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)

California DOR deadlines (California Code of Regulations, Title 9, and DOR)
What must happenDeadlineExact words of the ruleRuleWhat you can do
DOR must determine your eligibility within 60 days of applying.60 days after you apply“Have his or her eligibility determined within 60 days of the date of application”9 CCR 7029.7(b)(2)Ask for your eligibility letter in writing on day 61.
If you do not agree to an extension, DOR must decide your eligibility based on the information it has.No extension unless you agree“If the applicant does not agree to specific extension of time as specified in (a)(1) of this section, an eligibility determination shall be made based on the information available”9 CCR 7060(b)You can say no to an extension and ask for a decision now.
DOR must develop your IPE with you within 90 days of eligibility. An extension needs a written rationale and date signed by you and the counselor.90 days after eligibility“the IPE must be developed in collaboration with the eligible individual as soon as possible, but no later than 90 days from the date of the eligibility determination”9 CCR 7128(b)Count 90 days from your eligibility letter.
An IPE extension must have a reason and a date, signed by you and the counselor, in your file.Extension must be signed by you“a rationale and date for the extension, signed by the individual and the qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor must be entered into the record of services”9 CCR 7128(b)(1)Do not accept a verbal extension. Ask to see the signed one.
You may ask the District Administrator for an administrative review within one year, orally or in writing.Ask within one year“Be made orally or in writing to the District Administrator”9 CCR 7353(a)(2)State the reason and the action you want (9 CCR 7353(a)(3)).
The written administrative review decision must be sent within 15 days of your request, and must tell you about the fair hearing and mediation rights.Decision within 15 days of your request“within 15 days of the date of the request”9 CCR 7353(f)After the decision you have 30 days to file DR 107 for a fair hearing.
DOR's Mediation and Fair Hearing Office states it will respond within two weeks saying whether your appeal is accepted.DOR answers your appeal request within two weeks“The Mediation and Fair Hearing Office will respond to your request within two weeks”DOR Fair Hearings pageIf you hear nothing in two weeks, call 1-916-558-5860 or email appealsinfo@dor.ca.gov.
Mediation must be held within 25 calendar days of DOR Legal Affairs receiving your request, unless the parties agree to later.Mediation within 25 calendar days“The mediation shall be held within 25 calendar days”9 CCR 7353.6(b)Check 'Mediation' on DR 107. You can ask for mediation and a hearing at the same time.
A fair hearing request must be made in writing within one year to DOR Legal Affairs or by email to appealsinfo@dor.ca.gov.Ask in writing within one year“Be made in writing and directed to the Department of Rehabilitation, Legal Affairs or sent by electronic mail to appealsinfo@dor.ca.gov”9 CCR 7354(a)(2)Use DR 107. Email it to appealsinfo@dor.ca.gov and keep a copy.
The hearing must be held within 60 calendar days from receipt of your written request.Hearing within 60 calendar days“A hearing before an impartial hearing officer shall be held within 60 calendar days from receipt of the written request”9 CCR 7354(b)Note: an emailed request is 'received' on the email date plus five working days (9 CCR 7354(c)(4)).
The hearing officer must decide within 30 days of the hearing and give the reasons, referencing the laws, regulations and policy applied.Decision within 30 days of the hearing“The reasons for the decision referencing applicable laws, regulations, and policy”9 CCR 7358(a)(3)If the decision cites a policy, check it against the federal rule.
DOR states you can file a writ of mandate in California Superior Court within six months of the fair hearing decision.Court (writ of mandate) within six months of the decision“you can file a writ of mandate, within six months of the decision, with the California Superior Court”DOR Fair Hearings pageTalk to CAP or a lawyer quickly about this deadline.

California escalation chain

  1. Talk to your counselor. Ask for the decision and the reasons in writing. 9 CCR 7098(a)
  2. Administrative review by the District Administrator, asked orally or in writing within one year. Decision within 15 days. 9 CCR 7353(a)(2); 9 CCR 7353(f)
  3. Mediation, fair hearing, or both, using form DR 107. DR 107 (Rev. 01/2022). To name a representative, use DR 108. DR 108 (Rev. 08/2012)
  4. Superior Court: writ of mandate within six months of the hearing decision. DOR Fair Hearings page

Discrimination by DOR staff is a separate process with form DR 135B. DR 135B (New 02/2024)

California contacts

New Hampshire: Vocational Rehabilitation (VRNH)

New Hampshire VR deadlines (N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1000 and NH Department of Education)
What must happenDeadlineExact words of the ruleRuleWhat you can do
VRNH must decide eligibility within 60 days of applying, and if it cannot, must agree a new date with you and tell you the reasons for the delay.60 days after you apply“an eligibility determination shall be made within 60 days of applying for services”N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1006.04(a)Ask in writing on day 61.
VRNH must develop your plan within 90 days of eligibility, and a delay must be explained and documented with a Plan Development Extension form.90 days after eligibility“The IPE shall be developed as soon as possible, within 90 days of the determination of eligibility”N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1008.02(a)Ask for the Plan Development Extension form if there is a delay.
VRNH states you may request mediation within 30 days of the Director's decision and a fair hearing within 30 days of the Director's final decision. Written requests go to NH Department of Education, 25 Hall Street, Concord, NH 03301, or DOE.HearingsandDisputes@doe.nh.gov.Mediation or fair hearing request within 30 days of the Director's decision“You must request a Fair Hearing within 30 days of the Director”NH Department of Education, Resolving Issues & Getting Help at VR New HampshireEmail DOE.HearingsandDisputes@doe.nh.gov and keep a copy.
Ask for a due process hearing in writing within 30 days after VRNH tells you its decision or after an alternative dispute process ends. If writing is a burden because of your disability, they must accept another mode.Written hearing request within 30 days“The written request for a hearing shall be made within 30 days after the NHVR notifies the individual of its determination or completion of an alternative dispute resolution procedure”N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.07(a)Include your name, address, why you disagree, and what you want (Ed 1021.07(b)).
At the hearing you can present evidence and cross-examine witnesses, and can ask that evidence not shared with you at least 5 business days ahead be excluded.Share evidence at least 5 business days before“Present evidence and confront and cross-examine witnesses”N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.15(b)(2)Send your evidence at least 5 business days before the hearing.

New Hampshire escalation chain

  1. Talk to your counselor. Ask for the decision and the specific rules involved in writing. N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.10(a)(1)(d)
  2. Director's decision. Then mediation or a fair hearing, asked within 30 days. NH Department of Education, Resolving Issues & Getting Help at VR New Hampshire; N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.07(a)
  3. If your state has a second review of the hearing decision, it must be decided within 30 days. 34 CFR 361.57(g)(3)(ii)
  4. Court: you have a right to bring a civil action. 34 CFR 361.57(i)(1)

New Hampshire contacts

Appeal milestone checklist

Work through these in order. Each step lists the rules it comes from.

  1. Write down the date of the decision you disagree with, and the date you get it. Deadlines run from these dates. Rules: 9 CCR 7354(a)(2); N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.07(a) (first source)
  2. Know your deadline. California: administrative review or fair hearing within one year; fair hearing within 30 days after a written administrative review decision. New Hampshire: written hearing request within 30 days after the decision or after alternative dispute resolution ends. Check your notice for your state's deadline. Rules: 9 CCR 7353(a)(2); 9 CCR 7353(f); 9 CCR 7354(a)(2); N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.07(a) (first source)
  3. Ask in writing for the decision and the reasons. The agency must give ineligibility reasons in writing, in your format. Rules: 34 CFR 361.43(b); 9 CCR 7098(a) (first source)
  4. Ask in writing for the specific policy or regulation the agency relied on. Hearing decisions must rest on federal law and consistent state rules; New Hampshire notices must list the rules involved; California decisions must reference applicable laws, regulations and policy. Rules: 34 CFR 361.57(e)(3)(i); N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.10(a)(1)(d); 9 CCR 7358(a)(3) (first source)
  5. Request your complete case file in writing. Do this before any meeting, mediation or hearing. Rules: 34 CFR 361.38(c)(1); 9 CCR 7141(a); 9 CCR 7354(e) (first source)
  6. Ask for services to continue while you appeal. Say it in writing in your appeal request. Rules: 34 CFR 361.57(b)(4) (first source)
  7. Call CAP. Free advocacy. California 800-776-5746 (TTY 800-719-5798). New Hampshire 603-271-2773. Rules: Disability Rights California, CAP page; NH Governor's Commission on Disability, CAP page; Rehabilitation Act section 112, 29 U.S.C. 732(a) (first source)
  8. File the request. California: DR 107 to appealsinfo@dor.ca.gov (add DR 108 to name a representative). New Hampshire: written request with your name, address, why you disagree and the outcome you want, to DOE.HearingsandDisputes@doe.nh.gov. Rules: DR 107 (Rev. 01/2022); DR 108 (Rev. 08/2012); N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.07(a); NH Department of Education, Resolving Issues & Getting Help at VR New Hampshire (first source)
  9. Choose mediation, a hearing, or both. Mediation is voluntary and state-paid, and never blocks your hearing. Rules: 34 CFR 361.57(d)(5); 9 CCR 7353.6(b); 34 CFR 361.57(c) (first source)
  10. Ask for accommodations in writing. Readers, Braille, large print, accessible electronic files, interpreters. Rules: 9 CCR 7353(c); 9 CCR 7354(d)(4); N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.01(a) (first source)
  11. Track the clock. Hearing within 60 days of your request; written decision within 30 days of the hearing. Rules: 34 CFR 361.57(e)(1); 9 CCR 7354(b); 34 CFR 361.57(e)(3)(ii); 9 CCR 7358(a)(3) (first source)
  12. Prepare evidence and witnesses. Send evidence early (New Hampshire: at least 5 business days before). California: bring three copies of written evidence. Rules: 34 CFR 361.57(e)(2); 9 CCR 7355(c)(1); N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 1021.15(b)(2) (first source)
  13. If you lose, know the next step. Federal right to a civil action; California writ of mandate within six months; states with a second review must decide in 30 days and protect parts of the decision in your favor. Rules: 34 CFR 361.57(i)(1); DOR Fair Hearings page; 34 CFR 361.57(g)(3)(ii) (first source)

Not in this directory yet

  • States other than California and New Hampshire.
  • A verified main phone number for New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation.
  • Local legal aid offices.

We only add a rule, deadline, or phone number after we check it on an official source.

Last checked against official sources: October 22, 2026.