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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach First Rules Economic Services Division 2100 2

2100 Reach First (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. The purpose of the Reach First program is to assist households experiencing a short-term crisis, assess their strengths and needs, and orient them to available programs, services, and assistance.

b. The goal of the Reach First program is to help households overcome obstacles, explore opportunities, and improve their finances.

c. Reach First helps households by providing monetary payments and support services of limited duration while they regain their independence or are assessed and transitioned to an appropriate alternative program.

d. A household that meets eligibility criteria for Reach Up benefits and has needs that can be fully addressed by the Reach First program may be eligible for Reach First.

e. Households that are financially eligible for Reach First benefits but have needs that cannot be fully addressed by the Reach First program, shall be referred to other programs to assist them in obtaining the opportunities and skills necessary to achieve their goals, including their employment goals. 2101 Definitions (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. The terms defined in the the Reach Up Eligibility and Reach Up Services definitions at rules 2201 and 2301 and are incorporated into the Reach First rules by reference. b. In addition, the following definitions apply to the Reach First program rules: 1. “Eligible child” means a child under the age of 18. i. An 18-year-old child is eligible if they are a full-time student in a secondary school, or an equivalent educational program, and the child is expected to complete high school or the equivalent program before reaching their 19th birthday.

ii. An eligible child under subsection (b)(1)(i) is eligible for Reach First benefits for the full calendar month they graduate high school or complete their educational program.

iii. Children who are not full-time secondary school students on the day before their 18th birthday are eligible for Reach First benefits for the full calendar month during which their 18th birthday occurs.

iv. An otherwise eligible 18-year-old child with a documented disability is eligible for Reach First benefits as follows:

A. If they are a full-time student in a secondary school, or an equivalent educational program, and the child will not complete high school or the equivalent program before their 19th birthday solely because of their disability.

B. An eligible child under subsection (b)(1)(iv)(A) above is eligible for Reach First benefits for the full calendar month during which their 19th birthday occurs.