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STATEVermontReach Up

Vermont Reach Up

Reach Up is Vermont’s version of TANF that helps families with children by providing temporary cash assistance for basic necessities and other services that support work and self-sufficiency.

Services include employment placement, job training, career counseling, and help with college through the Post Secondary Education (PSE) Program. 1

As a condition of eligibility, Reach Up recipients who aren’t exempt are required to work at least 30 hours a week or participate in approved activities that will lead to a job. 2

FAQ

Who qualifies for the Reach Up in Vermont?

To be eligible for Reach Up, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
  2. Be a resident of the state of Vermont.
  3. Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
  4. Be unemployed or under employed for very low wages.
  5. Have countable income within certain limits  shown below.

The following chart shows the combined basic need standards used to determine eligibility for Reach Up.

Household SizeIncome Limit
1$644
2$942
3$1,236
4$1,478
5$1,733
6$1,907
7$2,203
8$2,458
The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

In Vermont, a family is considered “needy” when their countable income is less than $1,236 a month for a family of three.

How much financial assistance does Reach Up provide in Vermont?

Eligible families of three may receive up to $856 per month for a lifetime total of 60 months. Benefit rates are slightly higher in Chittenden County. 3

Household SizePayment
1$562
2$710
3$856
4$976
5$1,102
6$1,188
7$1,335
8$1,462
The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

Reach Up recipients may also be eligible for Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP), also known as child care subsidy. 4

Additional benefits may include:

  1. Reach Up Emergency Rental Assistance 
  2. Vermont MOMS 
  3. Free Weatherization Services

Reach First  does the same for parents in short-term financial crisis who will likely no longer need help in four months or less. A cash benefit may be provided in a lump sum or in payments, based on the families’ needs.

How do I apply for Reach Up in Vermont?

Applications for Reach Up can be made online via myBenefits  or in person at your local district office. 5 To request for paper application, call (800) 479-6151.

After your application is filed, an interview will be arranged, either by phone or in person, to determine your eligibility. In most cases, you’re expected to attend an orientation as part of the application process.

Footnotes

  1. Part of the Reach Up family of programs, Post-Secondary Education  (PSE) Program is designed to help low-income Vermont parents with dependent children earn an undergraduate college degree. ↩

  2. Applicants in families with two parents who are able to work are referred to the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) for immediate job search. ↩

  3. Evaluation of Reach Up . January 2022. ↩

  4. Families leaving Reach Up who enrolled in Reach Ahead may receive a full child care subsidy in addition to a small food benefit for up to one year. ↩

  5. Find the address of your local district office on the Vermont DCF ESD contact page . ↩

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