All purchases shall be made as outlined in COMAR 21.05.01.01. Semi-independent living arrangement payments. The local department may provide funding for youth participating in semi-independent living or enhanced aftercare. The local department may pay a semi-independent living arrangement payment for the youth's participation in youth transitional services to assist youth in obtaining: Food; Transportation; Clothing; Recreation; Education; Housing; and Other approved needs. The maximum semi-independent living arrangement payment may not exceed 100 percent of the regular foster care maintenance rate as delineated in COMAR 07.02.11. The local department shall pay the youth directly, except when the local department determines the youth: Is not in compliance with the service agreement; or Has demonstrated an inability to manage money. When a youth is not paid directly, the youth shall have a representative payee. Flexible Funds. If available, flexible funds may be utilized to pay expenses related to the youth becoming self-sufficient. The local department may approve expenses if the youth's case record documents: A need for the service or item as established in the service agreement; and The service or item is not available without cost elsewhere.