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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 11

b. An application for Reach Up may be considered as an application for Reach First when required or allowed by the Reach First rules.

2207.1 Application Process (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. Application forms shall be signed by:

1. The individual applying for benefits; 2. An authorized representative of an individual applying for benefits; or 3. Where the applicant is incompetent or incapacitated, someone acting responsibly for them.

b. The date of application, which governs the time limit for rendering and implementing a decision on the application, is the date that a signed application form is first received in any Economic Services Division (ESD) office, regardless of whether such application is sufficiently complete for an immediate decision on eligibility.

c. All contacts shall be considered inquiries up to the point of ESD’s receipt of a signed application form.

d. Department response to application inquiries shall include:

1. Furnishing application form(s); 2. Appropriate explanation of program(s) inquired about, including eligibility standards and criteria; or 3. Explanation of applicant rights and responsibilities, including penalties for fraudulent acquisition and use of benefits.

e. A signed application for Reach Up, on a form furnished by the Department, is required to begin action on a request for benefits.

1. Such application may be obtained online, by calling, writing, or visiting any of the Department’s offices.

f. Any individual previously found ineligible for benefits, who believes their circumstances have changed or who desires to have eligibility reconsidered, may reapply by submitting an up-to-date signed application form to the Department.

g. The formal application gives individuals the means to furnish information necessary for a decision, protects them from being ruled ineligible without formal application, informs them of their rights and responsibilities, and provides a basis for appeal if they are dissatisfied with any action or inaction by the Department.

h. A relative, friend, or other interested party may assist an applicant in completing necessary forms.

1. The applicant, spouse, authorized representative, or legal guardian must sign the form and thereby assume responsibility for all information entered.

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Official source

Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 11

b. An application for Reach Up may be considered as an application for Reach First when required or allowed by the Reach First rules.

2207.1 Application Process (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. Application forms shall be signed by:

c. All contacts shall be considered inquiries up to the point of ESD’s receipt of a signed application form.

d. Department response to application inquiries shall include:

e. A signed application for Reach Up, on a form furnished by the Department, is required to begin action on a request for benefits.

1. Such application may be obtained online, by calling, writing, or visiting any of the Department’s offices.

h. A relative, friend, or other interested party may assist an applicant in completing necessary forms.

1. The applicant, spouse, authorized representative, or legal guardian must sign the form and thereby assume responsibility for all information entered.