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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 13

c. Reliance on the applicant as the primary source of information to establish eligibility recognizes the right to privacy, but also places responsibility on the applicant to provide necessary information completely and accurately or, when needed, to give consent to obtain such information elsewhere. d. The signature of an applicant, authorized representative, or legally appointed representative on an application must certify under penalty of perjury that information on the application pertaining to all members of the Reach Up household is correct and complete.

1. Only one adult applicant signature is required (rule 2207.1). e. An applicant has a right to refuse to give information, or to submit required verification. 1. Refusal to provide information or take the action necessary to establish eligibility will result in denial or closure of benefits. 2. Willful misrepresentation of an applicant’s circumstances may also result in legal action under fraud statutes. 3. The Department shall make every effort to ensure the applicant fully understands the consequences of: i. Refusal to take necessary action to establish eligibility; and ii. Misrepresentation of individual circumstances.

f. The Department is responsible for providing an explanation and interpretation of program eligibility criteria to an applicant in assessing their circumstances against such eligibility criteria. g. An individual may apply for benefits through another person.

1. The individual acting for the applicant is, in such situations, considered the primary source of information, subject to the same rights, responsibilities, and consequences for the applicant as an applicant acting directly for themselves.

2208.1 Application Form (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. The applicant’s signed application form is the primary source document for information about the applicant’s circumstances.

b. A signed application form with the applicant’s name, address, and signature shall be sufficient to apply for Reach Up benefits.

2208.2 Interviews (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. An interview is required for all Reach Up applications.

b. The Department shall conduct interviews via the phone.

1. A face-to-face interview may be provided at the applicant’s request.