Money/Cash Benefits: Reach Up
Reach Up is a program run by the State of Vermont’s Department for Children and Families (DCF) to help low-income parents gain job skills and find work so they can support their minor children.
You have to have a child or children to get Reach Up. You can be a single parent or a couple.
When you apply for Reach Up, DCF will look at your household income, living expenses, the value of things you own or are paying for (your resources), and who lives in your home.
If you are found eligible, you can get money to help pay for basic needs like food, clothing, housing and utilities. You can also get services that support work such as child care or help with transportation, health insurance and help finding a job. You may also qualify for help to get a GED or go to college. If you can work, DCF will require you to get a job.
If you have not worked recently, your Reach Up worker should help you prepare to get a job. How much you will be asked to work depends on your situation. You can read more about the Reach Up work requirement, here.
Applying for Reach Up
You can apply:
- in person at your local DCF office
- by calling the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 and asking for a paper application
- online on the DCF website
Time Limits
If you had a job recently, you will have to look for another job right away. If you haven’t worked recently, you will have to look for a job after six months on Reach Up.
Most states only let you get help like Reach Up for five years or less. The time you are on Reach Up in Vermont will count in other states, too.