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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 9
1. An initial application for benefits, including a subsequent application to add an additional adult to an existing Reach Up household; 2. An interview to clarify information the applicant provides on the application and provide the applicant with: i. An overview of programs administered by the Department; ii. Services and referrals available; iii. Program requirements; and iv. Participant responsibilities; 3. The documentation and verification of necessary information related to pertinent eligibility conditions, including an initial family development plan (FDP) (Reach Up Services rule 2313); 4. A determination of initial eligibility and amount of benefits; 5. Written notice is provided to applicants of eligibility decisions; and 6. Authorization and payment of benefits by the Department for eligible applicants.
2203 Case Records (08/01/2024, 23-28)
a. Permanent records on each individual case shall be maintained and shall include applications for assistance, factual data, verification of information, budgetary computations, eligibility decisions, payment authorizations, and copies of all correspondence.
b. Case information may contribute in statistical or other general terms to material needed for planning, research, and overall administration of Department programs.
c. Individual case data shall, however, be held in confidence under Department rules limiting disclosure of such information identifying a specific applicant or participant. d. Retention of records shall be subject to Federal and State requirements for audit and/or review.
2204 Authorized Representative (08/01/2024, 23-28)
a. An authorized representative may, under specific conditions, act on behalf of a Reach Up household to carry out specific activities related to establishing eligibility for, obtaining, and using benefits made available through Department programs.
b. A judicially appointed legal guardian or legal representative automatically meets the criteria for an authorized representative.
c. A relative, friend, or other knowledgeable interested individual may act on behalf of a Reach Up household when the adult Reach Up household members are unable to act for themselves.
d. An applicant for Reach Up may, in an emergency precluding the presence of the applicant at a required interview, designate a representative to act on their behalf by addressing a letter, naming the individual