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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 34

1. The parent must provide a copy or documentation of the current or prior IEP or 504 Plan from the school. 2. If a parent contends that a disability resulted in the child’s inability to graduate before the child’s 19th birthday, but no IEP or 504 Plan was put in place, to determine eligibility the Department requires that the parent provide documentation from the child’s doctor and the school that supports the parent’s contention. g. Minor parents receiving their own benefits do not meet the definition of an eligible child because they are not considered in need as defined by rule 2237. h. An eligible child must live with a parent or caretaker. i. A parent or caretaker may apply for Reach Up benefits on behalf of a child, who is not yet in the home or is temporarily absent from the home. j. Eligibility for Reach Up benefits may continue, in certain circumstances, during the temporary absence of either the child or parent or caretaker from the home. k. Physical aspects of the home and care of the child that appear to be below minimum standards of health and safety shall not limit eligibility as long as the child lives with the parent or caretaker. 1. Improvement of detrimental conditions shall be attempted through casework and related services. 2. Protective action shall be initiated if hazardous conditions continue, under applicable laws and regulations. l. Children receiving SSI/AABD are not eligible for Reach Up benefits.

2222 Eligible Parent (08/01/2024, 23-28) a. An eligible parent is defined as an individual who: 1. Is a parent (rule 2201), who lives in the same household with one or more eligible child (rule 2221);

2. Is not receiving SSI/AABD program benefits; and

3. Has met all other eligibility requirements set forth by these rules.

b. The parent of a disabled child receiving SSI/AABD program benefits is also an eligible parent.

c. A pregnant person having no children in their household would be an eligible parent if they meet the exception requirements in rule 2235. 1. The other parent living with a pregnant person in a household with no other children is not considered an eligible parent until the expected child is born. d. A parent whose parental rights to all eligible children in the household have been terminated does not qualify as an eligible parent. e. When the needs of a minor parent are met through their own Reach Up benefit, the parent of the minor