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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 32

ii. The provider of housing or other services agrees to accept payment on the same schedule as Reach Up payments are made; and iii. The provider agrees to the condition that direct payment may cease without notice from the Department to the provider. c. The Department cannot spend more than the authorized Reach Up benefit amount, but the Department may spend less and carry the unspent balance forward to a future month as necessary to budget for one- time expenses such as property taxes, mortgage insurance, and one-time resolution of a landlord-tenant dispute.

d. In making payments on behalf of the Reach Up household, the Department shall first pay actual current shelter expenses before other disbursements are made.

e. For households placed on CVP, 60 percent of the Reach Up benefit is available on the 1st of the month, and 40 percent on the 16th of the month, except for the following households:

1. Households where OCS collects child support on behalf of the child may receive 100% of their benefit on the 1st of the month, or, if sanctioned, after meeting with their case manager; or

2. Households under sanction for noncooperation with Reach Up services may receive their shelter expense paid up to their full Reach Up benefit and 60 percent of any remaining Reach Up benefit after meeting with their case manager, with 40 percent of any remaining Reach Up benefit paid on the 16th of the month.

f. At the discretion of the Department, taking into consideration the portion of benefits available at a given time of the month, a schedule of rent payments may be established to ensure that rent payments are kept current. g. If a protective payee is appointed, any balance remaining in the account is paid to the payee.

h. Assumption of payments on behalf of the Reach Up household by the Department shall not constitute a contractual arrangement between the Department and any providers of service to the Reach Up household.

2220.7 Reconsideration of Protective Payments (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. Reconsideration by the Department of the need for protective payments and the way in which a protective payee’s responsibilities are carried out shall be at the request of the Reach Up household or at the household’s recertification.

b. Once difficulty in money management results in budget assistance through a protective payment plan, protective payments will continue until the Reach Up household’s essential expenses are current (rules 2220.1 and 2220.2). c. When a Reach Up household informs the Department of the household’s intent to move, the Department should explain the following: 1. Moving does not automatically mean that the protective payments will end; and