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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach First Rules Economic Services Division 2100 6

2. Necessary to stabilize the household while it regains its independence and stability; or 3. Used to assess whether other program referrals are appropriate for the household. c. Reach First benefits shall be disbursed to the household or the designated vendor in monthly installments in an amount equal to or less than the amount the household has been determined eligible for in a month. 1. Disbursements of the maximum benefit in a lump sum or in one or more payments greater than the monthly amount shall be made only in exceptional circumstances (rule 2108(e)). d. Monthly disbursements shall be limited to the benefit amount the household would receive on Reach Up. 1. Reach First households needing assessment beyond the initial financial and stability screening shall qualify only for monthly disbursements until the additional assessments are complete. 2. Reach First households eligible for and receiving monthly disbursements must be cooperating with all Reach First services requirements. e. Disbursement of Reach First benefits in a lump sum or in one or more payments greater than the monthly amount the household would receive on Reach Up shall be made only to a household meeting the following exceptional circumstances: 1. The household's initial financial and stability screening indicates the household qualifies for Reach First and does not require further in-depth needs assessment; 2. The benefit addresses the household's current need in full; 3. It is clear the Reach First benefit will end the household's need for any Reach First or Reach Up benefits for the foreseeable future, including:

i. An unexpected event that creates a less than 30-day delay of employment or income that will render the household ineligible for Reach Up, and an additional benefit, in an amount not to exceed the Reach Up benefit amount for the household, is relatively certain to divert them from the Reach Up program; and

4. The participants in the household acknowledge that if they need to apply for Reach Up in the months attributed to the Reach First benefits, the Reach Up benefit will be reduced by the amount of the Reach First benefit. 2109 Reach First Services (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. Reach First services consist of assessment, case management, referrals, and support services.

b. Reach First participants must fulfill their responsibilities to continue to receive Reach First benefits and services. c. If needed to improve the participant's prospects for job placement and job retention, the Department shall provide the following: 1. In-depth assessments of the full range of services needed by each household; 2. Intensive case management or case consultation services;