SSRAF application review process

The application process for the Supportive Services for Registered Apprentices Fund (SSRAF) is as follows: 

Pre-application

• Registered apprenticeship program (RAP) or employer provided supportive services to a registered apprentice or a group of registered apprentices.

• RAP or employer verify to meet the SSRAF requirements and eligibility criteria for supportive services.

Application

• Complete the application form, which includes attaching a copy of the proof of supportive services provided (receipt, cancelled check, etc.). Contact us for help with questions about the information collected on the application form.

Post-application

• The Apprenticeship Division staff member responsible will review the application within five business days of receiving a submission and take the needed internal steps. They may contact the applicant with additional questions if needed.

• Once the application is approved by DLI leadership, the Apprenticeship Division staff member will contact the applicant to verify reimbursement processing information. This may involve completing a substitute W-9 form, which is an abbreviated version of the standard W-9. Applicants may only need to do this the first time they submit a reimbursement request.

• In some circumstances, DLI staff members may request that an applicant complete additional information or paperwork.

• DLI will process the reimbursement request in SWIFT. In addition, applicants will also receive a letter for their records indicating application approval and the amount of the reimbursement.

• The reimbursement will be distributed to the applicant within 30 calendar days from when the application is approved. This reimbursement is not considered taxable income.

If a reimbursement is denied

The Apprenticeship Division staff members will notify the applicant if their reimbursement is denied and why. Reasons may include:

• Not eligible RAP or employer;

• Not a qualifying reimbursable supportive service for registered apprentice(s);

• Not for a registered apprentice;

• Eligible RAP or employer has met $4,999 fiscal year limit;

• Missing or insufficient documentation for proof of the supportive services provided.

Applicants will receive a denial letter with instructions about how to appeal the decision.

If an applicant disagrees with the denial, they may appeal the decision by contacting Apprenticeship Director Erin Larsen at erin.larsen@state.mn.us within 30 calendar days of receiving their denial letter. The director will review the decision and follow up with the RAP. Once the director reviews the appeal and makes a determination, it is final.