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

Who is Eligible for Reach Up

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.

The Services Provided

Reach Up offers you:

• Case management;
• Cash assistance; and
• Support services.

How Reach Up Works

1. The first step is to apply. If you are eligible, we will assess your readiness for work. This means we will look at your skills and abilities, job interests, and training or education. We will also look at any challenges that make it difficult for you to work (e.g., childcare, 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:

• Looking for a job; 
• Getting your GED or high school diploma;
• Attending job training;
• Pursuing higher education; and
• Getting on-the-job training/work experience.

Your Work Requirement

To keep maximum Reach Up benefits, you need to spend a certain number of hours each week either:

1. Working; or
2. 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. It is a plastic card that looks like a credit card. Each month, your benefits will be automatically added to your account. When you use your card, your account balance will decrease accordingly.  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:

• Health insurance;
• 3SquaresVT (formerly food stamps);
• Help with child support collections;
• Help paying for childcare;
• Support services;
• Reach Ahead services and financial benefits; and
• Fuel assistance.

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

How to Apply

Click here to print an application form. Bring or mail the completed form to your local Economic Services District Office.

For More Information

Call 1-800-479-6151 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to:

• Set up an account you can use to get information about your case (e.g., the status of an application and details about your benefits).
   
• Speak to a customer service agent during regular business hours (weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.)

Reach Up: the first step on your path to independence.