Reach Up (Vermont TANF Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Reach Up is Vermont's cash assistance for families with minor, dependent children. It pairs monthly cash with a case manager who helps you set and reach goals. The cash helps with basics like food, clothes, housing, and utilities. The case manager can help with work, school, money, health, housing, and safety.
Who qualifies is based on your whole picture. Eligibility depends on your household income and living expenses, the value of the things you own or are paying for, and who lives in your home. Because it works this way, it is hard to guess yes or no on your own, so it helps to apply and let the state review your case.
There is one rule about child support to know early. If your child's other parent does not live with you, a child support case may open automatically when you apply for or get Reach Up. If you fear that going after child support could put you or your child at risk, you may ask for a waiver so you do not have to take part.
You can apply in three ways. Apply online, apply in person at your local district office, or call 1-800-479-6151 to ask for a paper application by mail. You then take part in an interview, either by phone or in person.
Reach Up connects you to more help. Getting Reach Up can also open free weatherization for your home, and you may be able to take part in Vermont MOMS. Most adults work with their case manager on employment and goal activities as part of the program.
The help does not stop the moment your cash ends. When your Reach Up benefit closes, the state automatically enrolls your family in Reach Ahead if you are eligible. For help at any step, call the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 or visit your local district office.
Phone 1-800-479-6151
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Vermont families with minor, dependent children in the home; eligibility depends on household income, living expenses, what you own, and who lives with you
- Most adults work with a Reach Up case manager on employment and goal activities; getting Reach Up can also open free weatherization and, when your benefit closes, automatic enrollment in Reach Ahead
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online, in person at your district office, or call 1-800-479-6151 for a paper application.
- 2
Gather details on your income, living expenses, what you own, and who lives with you.
- 3
Take part in your interview by phone or in person.
- 4
Ask about a child support waiver first if pursuing support could put you or your child at risk.
- 5
Ask your case manager about free weatherization and Vermont MOMS.
What to have ready
- ID for the adults in the home
- Proof of income and living expenses
- Details on who lives with you and what you own. Your district office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who can get Reach Up?
Vermont families with minor, dependent children in the home. Eligibility depends on your income, living expenses, what you own, and who lives with you.
Will a child support case open?
If the other parent does not live with you, a child support case may open automatically. You can ask for a waiver if pursuing support could put you or your child at risk.
What comes with the cash?
A case manager who helps with work, school, money, health, housing, and safety. Reach Up can also open free weatherization and Vermont MOMS.
What happens when my Reach Up ends?
When your benefit closes, the state automatically enrolls your family in Reach Ahead if you are eligible.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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