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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach First Rules Economic Services Division 2100 4

to the household, program requirements, participant responsibilities, consequences of not meeting these responsibilities, and incentives for participation and obtaining employment; 2. Financial and household stability screening; 3. Determination of Reach First eligibility related to prior receipt of Reach First benefits and the need for ongoing benefits; 4. Determination of appropriateness for Reach First referral; and 5. Determination of whether the household chooses to participate in Reach First.

2104.1 Financial and Household Stability Screening (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. All applicants who are financially eligible for Reach First benefits must complete a financial and household stability screening unless it is clear the household is ineligible for Reach First (rule 2105). b. The financial and household stability screening determines whether the household's circumstances qualify them for Reach First, including a review of: 1. The extent of the household's financial need; 2. The likelihood that Reach First can address the household's needs within the program’s time limits; 3. The household's likelihood of not needing the program within the next four months; 4. The household's need for further assessment to determine how to best meet its needs and whether Reach First is an appropriate referral; and 5. The interest and desire to participate in Reach First as expressed by the applicant and any other work eligible adult (rule 2301) in the household. 2105 Ineligible Households (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. The following households are ineligible for Reach First: 1. Households that have received a Reach First benefit attributed to any month within the 12 months preceding the month of application; and 2. Households that need on-going benefits beyond the four-month Reach First period. 2106 Reach First Benefits (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. Reach First benefits must be directly related to the household's immediate financial crisis.

1. The benefit must be necessary either to avoid the household’s need for Reach Up benefits or to sustain them while they are assessed and referred to appropriate programs. b. Eligible households may receive Reach First benefits and support services for up to four months within a 12-month period. c. Total Reach First benefits shall not exceed the cumulative equivalent of four months of Reach Up benefits for which the household is financially eligible.