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Net unearned income
Follow the steps below to calculate the household’s net unearned income (per household member):
1. Total gross unearned income
2. Subtract balance of any court ordered alimony and child support paid out
3. Add fuel/utility allowance if applicable
4. The result is the net unearned income
Total net income
Add the net earned income with the net unearned income for all household members for the household’s total net income.
Determine household maximum benefit
Follow the steps below to calculate the household’s maximum benefit:
1. Basic need standard for RU household size (see chart above)
2. Add the housing standard ($450 for Chittenden County, $400 for outside Chittenden County)
3. Add up to the special housing allowance (maximum of $90)
4. Multiply by the ratable reduction (0.496)
Calculating Benefit Amount
Follow the steps below to determine if and how much of a Reach Up benefit the household is eligible to receive:
1. Subtract the household’s total net income from the household’s maximum benefit.
2. If the net income is more than the maximum benefit, the household is not eligible for Reach Up. Deny or close the benefit.
3. If the net income is less than the maximum benefit, drop the cents. The household is eligible for this monthly benefit.