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Vermont Department for Children and Families Economic Services Division Reach Ahead Rules 2504 Food Assistance Benefit 2504 Food Assistance Benefit (7/1/2015, 15-08) Families eligible for and participating in Reach Ahead receive financial assistance in the form of a food benefit. The purpose of this benefit is to provide assistance and recognition for the adult’s support of the family through unsubsidized wages. 2504.1 Food Assistance Benefit Amount (7/1/2015, 15-08) A. A participating family shall receive a monthly food assistance benefit of $50.00 each month of the first 12 months of Reach Ahead participation. B. A participating family shall receive a benefit of $5.00 for each month of their 12th through 24th month of Reach Ahead participation. C. Any family within the first six months of Reach Ahead participation on July 1, 2015 shall continue to receive a monthly food assistance benefit of $100.00 until its seventh month of participation, at which time it shall receive a monthly food assistance benefit of $50.00 for the remainder of the initial 12-month period. Families who experience a break in Reach Ahead participation for one or more months before reaching the seventh month of participation and subsequently re-enroll in Reach Ahead shall receive a monthly food assistance benefit of $50.00 for the remainder of the initial 12-month period. 2504.2 Food Assistance Benefit and Distribution (7/1/2015, 15-08) A. The food assistance benefit is applied to the family’s electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card’s food account at the beginning of each month. B. Food assistance may be used only to purchase eligible food items as defined in the food stamp federal rules. C. The food assistance benefit is a food benefit and is not counted as income for determination of eligibility and benefits in other needs-based programs.