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Reach Up Annual Report 2018 17 on changes in the consumer price index (CPI) and housing costs reported by families participating in the Reach Up program living inside and outside Chittenden County. The revised needs standard and housing allowance are run through a simulation of the Reach Up population to estimate the fiscal impact of making cost-of-living adjustments. The simulation is run against the amount budgeted for Reach Up to determine the percentage of total needs the department can pay with existing funds. Consistent with 33 V.S.A. §101(4), DCF currently pays 49.6% of the total needs determined as of 2004.

The charts below illustrate the current basic needs for families of one to four members; basic needs if adjusted in December 2017 for the cost-of-living increase; current housing costs; and housing costs if adjusted.

Basic Needs and Housing Allowance

Family Size Existing Basic Needs (based on calculation in 3/1/04) Basic needs if adjusted to annual cost-of-living increase (12/1/17) 1 $475 $661 2 $680 $949 3 $891 $1244 4 $1064 $1488 5 $1247 $1745 6 $1372 $1920 7 $1589 $2218 8 $1769 $2275 Each additional person $170 $238

Housing Allowances Existing Housing Allowance (based on 10/1/01) Housing allowance if adjusted to annual median cost (12/1/17) Chittenden County $450 $699 Outside Chittenden County $400 $587 * based on what clients report they pay for housing.

Current Maximum Grants The chart below illustrates maximum grants for families of one to four members. Grants in Chittenden County are higher due to a history of higher shelter costs and a higher housing allowance. All families with out-of-pocket shelter costs in excess of maximum allowances may receive up to $45 more in their grant as a special needs housing allowance.

Family Size Outside Chittenden County Chittenden County 1 $434 $458 2 $535 $560 3 $640 $665 4 $726 $750