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Reach Up in Vermont (TANF)

The official State website for Reach Up (TANF) in Vermont.

Reach Up helps families with children by providing cash assistance for basic needs and services that support work and self-sufficiency.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility depends on your income, resources, living expenses, family members in your household, and other factors.

If you only need temporary, short-term help; are likely to be self-sufficent in 4 months or less; AND meet eligibility requirements, you may choose to participate in, or we may refer you to, our Reach First program.

How does Reach Up work?

  1. The first step is to apply. If you are eligible, we will assess your readiness for work. We will look at your skills and abilities, job interests, and training or education. We'll also look at any challenges that make it difficult for you to work, such as child care, transportation, health needs, or personal issues.

  2. You and your case manager will create a family development plan that maps out your work goals and the steps you will take to achieve them. As you make progress, you will update the plan together. Your goals might include, for example, to look for a job, get your GED or high school diploma, attend job training, pursue higher education, and get on-the-job training/work experience.

  3. Reach Up may provide case management, cash assistance, and support services.

How do I apply?

  1. Click here to go to our online application; or
     
  2. Call our Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 to request a paper application; or
     
  3. Apply in person at your local district office.

What else do I need to Know?

Work Requirement:

To keep maximum Reach Up benefits, you'll need to spend a certain number of hours each week either working or participating in approved activities that will lead to a job. The number of hours you will be required to work, or participate in approved work activities, will depend on your children's ages and your family situation. However, you may not have to work or engage in work activities right away if:

  • You have a health problem;
  • You are caring for a very young child; or
  • Childcare is not available.

While Reach Up provides you with benefits and services, you are expected to follow your family development plan. If you do not follow your plan, your financial assistance grant may be reduced.

Cash Assistance:

Your Reach Up cash assistance will be deposited directly into your bank account through direct deposit. If you do not have a bank account, you will receive your cash assistance on an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card called Vermont Express. Click here to learn more about how the card works and where it can be used.

After You Go To Work:

Getting a job is just one part of the picture. If you still need help after you get a job or after Reach Up cash assistance ends, you may still be able to get:

We can also help you to keep your job or get a better one.

Where can I get more information?

Call our Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 to:

  • Set up an account you can use to get information about your case (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

  • Speak to a customer service agent during regular business hours: Mondays through Thursdays, from 8:00 AM to 5:45 PM; and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM.