usually make a family ineligible for the program. In addition to providing ongoing monthly benefits, Reach Up can help with one-time needs such as work- or school-related expenses like books, class fees, car repairs, and necessary clothes.
Lump sums received while on RU benefits can disqualify families into the future
and create large overpayments. Families should always get legal advice if they know they will receive a lump sum (insurance settlement, inheritance, etc.). Earned Income Tax Credits, income tax refunds and FEMA assistance exempt lump sums.
Beneficiaries with sanctions and problems with their Reach Up workers should
receive legal advice. (See Fraud Section below). 3SquaresVT
3SquaresVT is the name for Vermont’s food stamp program. 3SquaresVT helps
low income individuals and families buy food. Each month the Economic Services Division of the Department for Children and Families deposits money into a debit card, known as an EBT card or Vermont Express Card, that is accepted at most Vermont grocery, convenience stores, and some Farmers’ markets to pay for food. Individuals age 65 or over or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can receive a cash benefit deposited into their bank account instead.
Benefit amounts vary based on household size and income. Benefits amounts
depend on the household’s income, housing expenses, and whether or not their heat is included in their rent. Disabled Vermonters and seniors (age 60 and over) benefits can be increased based on their payment of out-of-pocket medical expenses. Benefit amounts are rather low: a family of 5 with no or low income can receive a maximum amount of $793.00 per month as of September 2012. An individual, for instance, may be eligible if his monthly income is less than $150 and he has less than $100 at the time he applies, or if his monthly rent is more than his income. Note that migrant or seasonal farm worker households may be eligible for Reach Up even if they are ineligible for cash assistance programs.
3SquaresVT has many rules and many exceptions to rules. For more information,
the following website is an excellent resource, and includes a useful online calculator:
http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com/info/index.php. If applicants are not eligible due to income or resources, referrals to Hunger Free Vermont can help them find other Vermont Food programs. See:
http://www.hungerfreevt.org/ or 802-865-0255.
Application processing has seen significant delays since the summer of 2010 due
to “modernization,” and in the aftermath of a disaster, DCF has experienced long delays in application processing and has often lost application forms or materials. Contact the DCF Ombudsman at
Lena.Hemenway@ahs.state.vt.us or 802-279-4026 to assist with delays.
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