Reach Up Emergency Rental Assistance

DCF has federal stimulus funds to help most Reach Up households pay their rent.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, you must:

1. Live in Vermont and have to pay rent.
2. Be enrolled in Reach Up, Reach First, Reach Ahead, Reach Up SSI, or PSE.
3. Have household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
4. Have at least one household member who experienced financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the Covid-19 pandemic (e.g., qualified for unemployment, had increased expenses).

You are not eligible for this assistance if the only Reach Up benefit you get is a Child-Only Caretaker Grant. However, you may be eligible for other assistance.

What can be paid?

• Up to 15 months of rental assistance. This can be a combination of current rent, future rent, and past-due rent (arrears) incurred on or after March 13, 2020.
• A security deposit required to secure the unit.

What if I owe rent to a former landlord/property owner?

Complete two applications: one for the former landlord/property owner and one for your current landlord/property owner. Remember: we can't pay more than 15 months of total rent.

What's the best way to apply?

The best way is using our online application. You'll need an email address, Internet access, and an email address for your landlord/property manager.

If you don't have all the above, email us or call your Reach Up Case Manager to ask for a paper application or fillable pdf form.

How do I apply online?

1. You gather the information you'll need to complete the application. It will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity and you can't save it.
2. Then, complete the online Tenant Application.
3. We send you an email telling you whether you are eligible.

If you are eligible:

1. We email a request for information to your landlord/property manager.
2. Your landlord/property manager completes and submits the Landlord Certification.
3. We notify you once this process is complete.
4. Reach Up Central Office reviews for final eligibility determination and issues payment if no further verification is needed.

Where can I learn more?

1. Read the Frequently-Asked Questions for Tenants.
2. Read the Frequently-Asked Questions for Landlords.
3. If you still have questions, contact the Reach Up Case Manager or email AHS.DCFESDReachUpERA@vermont.gov.

Is other assistance available?

• The Vermont State Housing Authority has funds to help other low-income Vermonters with rent.