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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 90
their case or required actions the Department fails to take (rule 2262.2).
b. The Department shall provide notice to all Reach Up households of their right to appeal to the Human Services Board for a fair hearing concerning the Department's actions or inactions and shall provide them with notice of their rights and the procedures applicable to such appeals.
2262.1 Notice of Appeal Rights (08/01/2024, 23-28)
a. The Department shall provide all Reach Up households with written notice of their appeal rights at the time of their application and each time they receive notice of any Department adverse action or decision.
1. Department adverse actions are decisions that may deny, modify, or terminate a Reach Up household’s benefits.
b. The written notice shall include:
1. The reasons for the adverse action or decision;
2. How appeals may be initiated;
3. Where a person may obtain a copy of the Human Services Board rules;
4. Where to obtain legal assistance, if needed; and
5. How to obtain interpretation services, if needed.
2262.2 Grounds for Appeal of Reach Up Decision (08/01/2024, 23-28)
a. A Reach Up household that disagrees with the Department may appeal the following actions or inaction by the Department: 1. Denial of their claim for Reach Up benefits or services; 2. Failure to act with reasonable promptness; 3. Actions that affect the household’s receipt of benefits or services, including sanctions; 4. Implementation of Department policy, or lack thereof, that affects the household’s situation; and 5. Required provisions included in the FDP. b. Appeals related to Reach Up Services decisions are covered in Reach Up Services rule 2331.
2262.3 Appeal of Reach Up Decision (08/01/2024, 23-28)
a. A request for a fair hearing on a Reach Up household’s appeal of a Department decision must be made within 90 days of the mailing date of the notice of decision.
b. Except where indicated below, benefits continue without change if a household requests a fair hearing before the effective date of the decision and wishes to have benefits continue during the appeal process.