XV. PUBLIC BENEFITS
*** FEMA and other disaster benefits do not count as income or resources in *** any means-tested programs. Federal, state, local and private disaster benefits should not be counted as a resource or income against any federally funded assistance program such as SSI, FITAP (TANF), Medicaid, and Food Stamps. (42 U.S.C. §5155(d)).
Introduction Vermont offers a variety of public benefits which can be helpful in times of a
natural or manmade disaster. Cash assistance and food assistance will in all likelihood be the most needed in a time of crisis.
Vermont has cash assistance programs for children and their parents, to help them
meet their basic needs through programs such as 3SquaresVT (food stamps), Essential Person, Fuel Assistance, and Reach Up. These programs are administered by the Vermont Agency of Human Services’ Department for Children and Families (DCF), Economic Services Division. When applying for one of these programs, the applicant is screened for eligibility for all programs and may acquire additional benefits.
To find the DCF District office nearest your client, call 1-800-479-6151.
Applicants may also apply online at
www.mybenefits.vt.gov. To speak to a staff member, call 1-800-479-6171, and press 4.
Programs Reach Up
This is the program formerly known as welfare, ANFC, or in other states as
TANF. Eligible low income families with minor children (age 21 and younger) can receive a monthly cash benefit. The amount of the benefit depends on family income, housing costs, and household size. DCF has programs within Reach Up called Reach Ahead and Reach First benefits, designed to meet the ongoing emergency or non- emergency need of eligible families. Even working families may be eligible for assistance since RU has many earned income disregards, so low income families should be encouraged to apply, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster. Even a small Reach Up benefit may make the family members eligible for free health insurance in the form of Medicaid. Further, eligible families may also be able to receive assistance to pay for car repairs, car insurance payments, and other support services.
Cash benefits are minimal and income and asset limits are extremely low. The
maximum benefit for a household of 3 as of September 2012 is approximately $ 665.00 per month. Reach Up benefits are income and asset sensitive. Resources (assets) above $1,000 will make a family ineligible. Income above the maximum benefit amount will
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