Road to Independence Program (RTI)

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This is the premiere program that can possibly provide the most money to you.  The maximum scholarship amount is $10,704.00 yearly, or a maximum of $892.00 paid monthly.  Your Independent Living Coordinator should help you apply for the award.  You should begin the application process six months before your 18th birthday.  Remember that you may still receive Transitional and Aftercare Services.   You may apply from age 18 to 21, and renew up to age 23.

Eligibility Requirements

§ 409.1451(5)(b)2, Fla. Stat. (2006); 65C-31.004(1)(a), F.A.C.

• As of July 2007:  Also eligible if after reaching 16 years of age were adopted from foster care or placed with a court-approved dependency guardian and have spent a minimum  of 6 months in foster care  within the 12 months preceding  such placement or adoption
• You must be 18 but not yet 21 at the time of initial application (can renew up to 23)
• You must be living in foster care or Supervised Independent Living (SIL) on your 18th birthday
• You must have been in foster care for 6 months before 18th birthday (added up over your lifetime)
• Dependent on 18th birthday
• Resident of Florida
• Enrolled in full-time high-school (unless disability requires part-time), adult education high school, GED program, or admitted in full-time eligible post secondary institution(unless disability requires part-time)

Application Process

65C-31.004(1)(c), F.A.C.; § 409.1451(5)(b)5b

• Independent Living Coordinator or service worker will help you with the application if you ask them

• You will receive the brochure “Independent Living Benefits Due Process Rights”
• Complete the Application

• You can apply 6 months before 18th birthday 

• Show that you are enrolled in full-time school, or admitted to full-time school (unless disability requires part-time).  You will have to show this:

  • when you apply
  • at the end of each semester or grading period
  • when you apply to renew
  • any other time the requested in writing
• Give the application to you IL service worker
• In 20 working days (10 days for IL worker to make decision and 10 days to tell you the decision) you should know whether you have been approved or denied.

• Approved:  First payment will be made at the beginning of the month of your 18th birthday
• Denied:  Young adult can request a fair hearing to appeal
• If you don't apply for RTI before your 18th birthday, you can apply one more time before 21st birthday.
• Maximum award is currently $892 per month, or $10,704.00 yearly

• The award may be paid to you, or if requested in writing, to a third party (i.e. your school, foster parent)
• You must also apply for other grants and scholarships § 409.1451(5)(b)3, Fla. Stat. (2006)
• Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)

High School Needs Assessment determines how much money you will need for high school

65C-31.007, F.A.C.

Road to Independence Program High School Needs Assessment Tool (CF FSP 5299)

Post Secondary Needs Assessment tool used to determine how much you need for school after you graduate high-school. The assessment should be done twice a year (academic year and summer).  You must provide a student budget from Financial Aid Office, tuition, fee exemptions, grants, scholarships, SSI/SSA, or any other source of money you have. 

• Road to Independence Program Post Secondary Needs Assessment - Academic Year (CF FSP 5300)
• Road to Independence Program Post Secondary Needs Assessment - Summer - Attending School (CF FSP 5300A)
• Road to Independence Program Post Secondary Needs Assessment - Summer - Not Attending School (CF FSP 5300B)

Other Assessment Tools, Application and Worksheets

• Road to Independence Program and/or ETV Funds Renewal Checklist (CF FSP 5296)
• Road to Independence Program and/or ETV Funds Reinstatement Application (C FSP 5297)
• Road to Independence Program Needs Assessment Face-to-Face Consultation (CF FSP 5298)

Renewal of the RTI

Scholarship Renewal Process

65C-31.004(2), F.A.C.; § 409.1451(5)(b)j, Fla. Stat. (2006)

• You must renew your application each year

• You can renew up to your 23rd birthday if:

• Complete number of hours required by school

• Maintain appropriate progress

• You must renew 90 days before your birthday (mark your calendar)

• You must provide report card each semester, enrollment form showing continued enrollment

Scholarship Reinstatement.  If you do not quality for, or decide not to seek renewal, you may apply for reinstatement once prior to your 23rd birthday.