Vermont Reach Up (TANF)

Reach Up is Vermont’s version of TANF that provides temporary cash assistance to families with children, along with 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.

What is the income limit for Reach Up in Vermont?

In Vermont, a family of three is considered “needy” if its countable income is less than $1,236 per month. The following chart shows the combined basic need standards used to determine eligibility for Reach Up.

How much are Reach Up benefits 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

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
4. Reach First . A short-term, one-time cash payment to eligible families facing a temporary financial crisis.

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.

Vermont Department for Children and Families
Benefits Service Center
(800) 479-6151

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Vermont?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Vermont, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact myBenefits (DCF) at (800) 479-6151 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.