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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 37

child primarily lives in the second parent’s household, the first parent shall be given ten days to provide verification proving that the child primarily resides in the first parent’s household.

1. If the first parent’s household does not provide verification proving that the child primarily resides in that household, the parent in the second household shall be the eligible parent.

2225 Minor Parent Households (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. A minor parent shall be allowed to have their eligibility determined separately from their parent or caretaker, regardless of whether the minor parent is living in their parent’s or caretaker’s household and regardless of whether the parent or caretaker is eligible for Reach Up benefits. b. The minor parent may choose to be the payee of the Reach Up benefit, otherwise one of their parents or caretakers shall be designated as the alternate payee. c. Minor parents may choose to be included in their parent’s or caretaker’s Reach Up household and shall be subject to the requirements in Reach Up Services rule 2319 and not considered out-of-school youth under Reach Up Services rule 2320. d. If, during an eligibility determination process or review of eligibility, the minor parent states that living in the parental home is unacceptable, the minor parent shall not be asked to explain the reasons behind this assessment.

e. Minor parents not living in an approved living arrangement at the time of application, who do not have good cause in Reach Up Services rule 2319.3 for living independently, may be granted Reach Up benefits for 30 days if all other eligibility factors are met.

f. If the minor parent is not living in an approved living arrangement at the end of the 60-day period, including the 30-day grace period, is not exempt, and is not cooperating with the case manager, the Reach Up household’s benefits shall be subject to fiscal sanctions (Reach Up Services rule 2328). 2226 Eligible Reach Up Essential Caregiver (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. An individual, other than the parent of an eligible child or spouse, is considered an essential caregiver and shall be included in the Reach Up household if they fulfill all of the following criteria:

1. Live in the same household with the applicant or participant; 2. Are not eligible for SSI/AABD or Reach Up benefits, but are in need, according to Reach Up eligibility standards; and 3. Furnish essential care and/or services that: i. The applicant or participant cannot perform on their own; ii. Are deemed essential; and iii. Would need to be provided if the essential caregiver were not in the same household. b. Types of essential care and/or services include: