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/decreased income).

You are not eligible if the only Reach Up benefit you get is a Child-Only Caretaker Grant. If you qualify, you could apply for the Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

What can be paid?

• Up to 18 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's the best way to apply?

Your best option is to apply online. You'll need:

1. An email address.
2. Your landlord/property manager's email address.
3. Access to the Internet.

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.

What's the online application process?

1. Gather the information you need to complete the application. It will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity and you can't save it.
2. Complete the Tenant Application.
3. You'll get an email telling you whether you are eligible.

If your application is accepted:

1. We email your landlord/property manager asking them to complete the Landlord Certification.
2. They complete and submit the 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.

BONUS: If you get PSE, Reach First, or Reach Up, you could also get FREE weatherization services!

Where can I learn more?

• Read the Frequently-Asked Questions for Tenants
  • Read about the Rights of People With Disabilities
  • Read about the  Right To Appeal A Decision
• Read the Frequently-Asked Questions for Landlords
  • Learn what Information You Need to Complete the Certification.

If you still have questions

Contact your Reach Up Case Manager or email AHS.DCFESDReachUpERA@vermont.gov.