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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 30

f. If a parent or caretaker on CVP does not arrange to hold the rent pending the resolution of the dispute, the Department shall hold the money.

g. Rent payments set aside to pay rent pending resolution of a legitimate landlord-tenant dispute are excluded as a resource (rule 2257), but once the dispute has been resolved, withheld rent payments not paid for shelter are counted as a resource.

h. The landlord-tenant dispute is resolved when the landlord’s noncompliance is corrected.

2220.3 Protective Payee (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. A protective payee shall be appointed or terminated by the Department.

b. All protective payee appointments shall include:

1. A protective payment agreement defining the responsibilities and objectives of the plan; 2. The authority of the payee; 3. Reporting responsibilities; 4. Recognition of the rights of the participant; and 5. Terms outlining the confidentiality of the relationship. c. The protective payee appointment shall be terminated when: 1. The participant is considered able to manage funds in the best interests of the child; 2. A legal guardian or legal representative is appointed to serve the best interests of the participant; or 3. In the judgement of the Department, the protective payee is not performing their responsibilities in the best interests of the participant.

d. The protective payee has the authority to make decisions about the expenditures of the Reach Up benefits.

1. The payee may make the actual expenditures independently, after joint discussion with the participant, or supervise the participant’s spending.

2. Actual current shelter costs should be met first, then other basic needs such as food, heat, water, electricity, and clothing.

3. Any balance may be applied toward other needs.

e. Assumption of payments on behalf of the participant by a protective payee shall not constitute a contractual arrangement between the Department or the protective payee and any providers of service to the participant. 2220.4 Payee Selection Criteria (08/01/2024, 23-28)