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

Think of Reach Up services and benefits as the first step on your path to independence.

Who is Eligible

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

The Services Provided

Reach Up offers you:

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

How it Works

The first step is to apply for the program to see if you are eligible. If you are eligible, we will assess your readiness for work. This means that we will look at your skills and abilities, job interests, and training or education. We will also look at any challenges you face that make it difficult for you to work, such as childcare, transportation, health needs, or personal issues.

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 your 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 work activities will depend on the ages of your children and your family situation. You may not have to go to work or engage in work activities right away if you have a health problem, 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 will be reduced.

Cash Assistance

You can choose to receive Reach Up Cash Assistance through direct deposit or an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card (called Vermont Express).

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;
• Food stamps;
• Help with child support collections;
• Help paying for childcare;
• Support services; and
• Fuel assistance.

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

For More Information

We now have an Automated Information System you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-479-6151 toll free to:

• Get general information about Reach Up and other programs;
• Order an application form;
• Get specific information about your case, including the status of your application and benefit details;and
• Speak to a Customer Service Agent — weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

How to Apply or Get More Information

Click here for an application you can print, fill out, and bring to your local Economic Services District Office. If you are not sure which district office serves your town, click here to find out.