(a) An individual may be referred for OIB services in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to:
  (1) a physician's office;
  (2) a community organization;
  (3) the Center for Independent Living (CIL);
  (4) a senior community organization;
  (5) family, customer representative, and friends;
  (6) contract providers; or
  (7) online self-referral portal.
(b) A referral shall include the name of the individual seeking services, the address where the individual resides, and an email address and telephone number, if available.
(c) During the referral process, OIB staff may determine the level of services needed by the customer, provide minimal services, or verify the customer's eligibility criteria. Minimal services may include information and referral, a guide to independent living, bump dots for kitchen appliances, and low-cost magnifiers. If minimal services are all that a customer requires, the case may be closed as a minimal services successful closure.
(d) For service delivery to begin, an individual shall submit a complete application and document that all eligibility requirements are met.

Source Note: The provisions of this §853.2 adopted to be effective August 21, 2018, 43 TexReg 5392; amended to be effective May 6, 2024, 49 TexReg 3014