Applicants for funding through this program may be receiving other federal, state or local benefits and services. Because financial eligibility for programs varies greatly, funding paid directly to the individual or to a representative on the individual’s behalf may be counted as “unearned income” and could impact program eligibility. In order to ensure that recipients of the scholarship fund do not jeopardize other benefits or services they may be receiving, it may be advisable for supports or services to be paid directly to the vendor providing social/recreational services. Money distributed as a vendor payment will not be considered income since the payment goes to the vendor. It is up to the individual to confirm this with any other program through which they may be receiving support.