The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Vermont, known as Reach Up, provides essential cash assistance to families with children facing financial hardship. The program aims to help parents or caregivers become financially independent while supporting the basic needs of their children. Reach Up benefits can be used for various expenses, including housing, food, and child care, ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive.
Eligible families receive monthly cash payments that vary based on household size and income levels. In addition to direct financial support, Reach Up offers participants access to various services, including job training, child care support, and referrals to other assistance programs like 3SquaresVT for food assistance and Vermont Medicaid for health coverage. This comprehensive approach helps families build stability and achieve self-sufficiency.
Eligibility — who qualifies
To qualify for Reach Up in Vermont, applicants must meet certain income limits and asset tests, which can vary depending on household size. Generally, families must have dependent children under the age of 18 and demonstrate a financial need. The program also encourages employment and self-sufficiency, with a focus on assisting parents in securing stable jobs.
Vermont has specific requirements for applicants, including residency in the state and a willingness to participate in job training or employment plans. Additionally, families must not exceed the asset limit, which includes cash, savings, and property, although some exemptions apply, such as the home you live in.
Both the income and asset requirements are subject to change, so it’s important to check Vermont's Department for Children and Families (DCF) website for the latest information. For families in immediate crisis, the state also offers emergency and diversion payments to help mitigate the impact of unexpected hardships, making it easier for families to stay afloat.
How to apply, step by step
Visit the DCF website
Start by visiting the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) website to access information about the Reach Up program and eligibility requirements.
Gather necessary documentation
Collect required documents, including proof of income, residency, and any other relevant financial information to support your application.
Complete the application form
Fill out the Reach Up application form accurately, ensuring that all required fields are completed to avoid delays.
Submit your application
Submit your application online through the DCF website or in person at your local DCF office. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
Attend an interview if required
You may need to attend an interview or provide further documentation. Be prepared to discuss your situation and any barriers to employment.
Await a decision
After your application is submitted, you will receive a notification about the decision. If approved, you'll be given information on how to access your benefits.
Common mistakes & how to avoid them
⚠︎ Incomplete application
Fix: Many applications are delayed or denied due to missing information. Review your application thoroughly before submission to ensure it's complete.
⚠︎ Ignoring deadlines
Fix: Be mindful of application deadlines and timely submissions. Late applications may not be considered until the next period.
⚠︎ Not providing all required documentation
Fix: Ensure you include all necessary documents to verify income and housing. Missing documents can lead to delays or denials.
⚠︎ Failure to report changes
Fix: Any changes in your household income, size, or living situation must be reported promptly to avoid penalties.
⚠︎ Overlooking job training requirements
Fix: Understand and comply with job training or work requirements as mandated by the program. Non-compliance could affect your benefits.
Local resources in Vermont
Vermont Department for Children and Families
Statewide offices and online at dcf.vermont.gov
Capstone Community Action
Multiple locations across Vermont.
The Salvation Army of Vermont
Various locations statewide.
Vermont Legal Aid
Statewide access with offices in several cities.
CVOEO (Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity)
Multiple outreach locations in the Champlain Valley.
If you're denied — the appeal process
If your application for Reach Up is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. To initiate an appeal, follow the instructions included in your denial letter, which will outline the process and provide contact information for the appeals coordinator at the Vermont DCF. Generally, you must file your appeal within a specific time frame from the date of the denial. During the appeal process, you may have the opportunity to present additional evidence or clarify your situation, so it's important to gather any relevant documentation that supports your case.
How vehicle donations support this work
At Green Wheels, we believe in empowering Vermont residents through research and support programs like TANF. Our vehicle donation program helps fund this essential work, connecting families in need with the resources available to them. By donating a vehicle, you contribute to our mission, ensuring that more families can access valuable information and assistance, like Reach Up, that make a real difference in their lives.