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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 80
a. The maximum combined allowable resources, including both liquid and non-liquid assets, of all members of the Reach Up household shall not exceed $9000.
1. The resources of an ineligible household member on strike are counted as specified in rule 2233.1.
2. The resources 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 are counted as specified in rule 2233.2.
3. The resources of an ineligible fugitive felon or probation or parole violator are counted as specified in rule 2233.3.
4. The resources of a parent, who is ineligible for Reach Up benefits due to immigration status, count toward the Reach Up household’s combined resources limitation.
5. The resources of the spouse or civil union partner of a pregnant person with no children count toward the Reach Up household’s combined resources limitation, if they live together. b. The total equity value of all real and personal property, except excluded items, may not exceed $9000.
2254.2 Transfer of Property Prohibited (08/01/2024, 23-28)
a. Any Reach Up household member, who has voluntarily assigned or transferred non-excluded real or personal property for the purpose of qualifying for Reach Up benefits or for a larger amount than they would otherwise be entitled, is disqualified from receiving Reach Up benefits for a period of two years from the date of the assignment or transfer.
b. Property transfers that occurred more than two years before the date of application for Reach Up benefits shall not affect eligibility. c. Property transfers that occurred less than two years before the date of application for Reach Up benefits shall not disqualify the Reach Up household if:
1. The transfer was not made solely to qualify for Reach Up benefits; 2. Fair market value was received, and remaining proceeds are within resource limitations; and 3. The transfer was to a legally liable relative, who spent the equity on the household member's behalf, for any of the following: i. Medical care; ii. Funeral expenses of a deceased spouse; iii. Mortgage payments; iv. Property taxes or insurance; v. Cost of maintaining the household member's home; or