Priority of service is the right of a covered individual or priority population to receive precedence over others in accessing employment and training services. Individuals with higher priority receive services earlier than those with lower priority. When resources are limited, individuals with higher priority may receive services instead of those with lower priority.

Priority of service is not an eligibility requirement. All individuals must first meet program eligibility criteria. Priority determines the order in which eligible participants receive individualized career services and training services.

Priority must be determined and documented at the time a decision is made to provide an Adult-funded individualized career service or training service. If staff become aware of new or updated information that affects an individual’s priority category before the service decision is made, the priority determination must be updated and documented.

Once a participant has been approved for a service, the participant’s priority level may not be lowered during participation, except as allowed under the Veterans and Eligible Spouses Priority section of this policy.