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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 63

1. Earnings from employment or self-employment; and

2. Unearned income.

c. All income except that specifically excluded shall be evaluated to establish net income available to meet the Reach Up household's need.

d. When parents are maintaining a common living arrangement, their joint incomes shall be evaluated and considered for availability to meet their joint needs, even though only one applies for or receives benefits under any Department program.

1. This includes the spouse or civil union partner of a pregnant person with no children.

e. Verification of all income, except that specifically excluded, shall be required in the Reach Up Program.

f. The income of an ineligible household member on strike is counted (rule 2233.1). g. The income of an ineligible household member convicted of having made a fraudulent statement or representation with respect to their place of residence to receive assistance simultaneously from two or more states is counted (rule 2233.2). h. The income of an ineligible fugitive felon or probation or parole violator is counted (rule 2233.3). i. The income of a parent who is ineligible for Reach Up benefits due to immigration status (rule 2230) counts as income available to the Reach Up household. j. The income of a sibling who is ineligible for Reach Up benefits due to immigration status (rule 2230) shall not be counted as income to the Reach Up household. k. Transfer of income for the purpose of qualifying for additional Reach Up benefits that the Reach Up household would receive, is prohibited.

1. Voluntary transfer of income within two years before date of application, or while in receipt of Reach Up benefits, shall result in ineligibility unless the income is reconveyed to the household.

l. When feasible, future and potential sources of income shall be identified and developed (rule 2259).

1. Reach Up benefits in the amount needed based on currently available income shall continue until such potential income becomes available, at which time appropriate budgetary adjustment shall be completed.

2248.1 Household Receipt of Lump Sum (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. Lump sum payments are large amounts of money received while the Reach Up household is receiving Reach Up benefits.

b. The Reach Up household is responsible for notifying the Department within 10 days of receipt of any