Apply For Vermont TANF
This page provides the Vermont TANF eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet both state and federal guidelines for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Individuals who apply for TANF must meet the monetary and non-monetary state guidelines, complete work-related activities, provide paternity information about the children in the household and report as required by the state.
Vermont residents who qualify for welfare are required to furnish information such as citizenship, income, resources, and age. Only household members who are eligible can receive Vermont welfare benefits. Read on for more information about applying for TANF. If you have additional questions or issues about this program, then contact TANF Vermont.
Reach Up in Vermont (TANF)
Reach Up helps families with children by providing cash assistance for basic needs and services that support work and self-sufficiency.
TANF Eligibility
Eligibility depends on your income, resources, living expenses, family members in your household, how many months of Reach Up you've already received, and other factors.
If you only need short-term help, are likely to be self-sufficent in 4 months or less, AND meet eligibility requirements, you may choose to participate in, or we may refer you to, our Reach First program.
How does Reach Up work?
The first step is to apply. If you are eligible, we'll assess your readiness for work. We'll look at your skills and abilities, job interests, and training or education. We'll also look at any challenges that make it difficult for you to work (e.g., child care, transportation, health needs, or personal issues).
You and your case manager will create a family development plan that maps out your work goals and steps you'll take to achieve them. Your goals might include looking for a job, getting your GED or high school diploma, attending job training, pursuing higher education, and getting on-the-job experience. You'll update the plan together as you make progress. Reach Up may provide case management, cash assistance, and support services.
How do I apply For TANF
- Click here to go to our online application
- Call our Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 to request a paper application or
- Apply in person at your local district office
Vermont TANF Work Requirement
To keep maximum Reach Up benefits, you'll need to spend a certain number of hours each week either working or participating in approved activities that will lead to a job. The number of hours you will be required to work, or participate in approved work activities, will depend on your children's ages and your family situation.
You may not have to work or engage in work activities right away if:
- You have a health problem
- You are caring for a very young child or
- Childcare is not available
While Reach Up provides you with benefits and services, you are expected to follow your family development plan. If you do not follow your plan, your financial assistance grant may be reduced.
TANF Cash Assistance
Your Reach Up cash assistance will be deposited directly into your bank account through direct deposit. If you don't have a bank account, you'll receive your cash assistance on an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card called Vermont Express.
After you go to work
Getting a job is just one part of the picture. If you still need help after you get a job or after Reach Up cash assistance ends, you may still be able to get:
- Health insurance
- 3SquaresVT (formerly food stamps)
- Help with child support collections
- Help paying for childcare
- Support services
- Reach Ahead services and financial benefits and
- Fuel assistance
Vermont Employment Search
Part of the requirement, while on the TANF program, is finding a job to help sustain your financial needs. Vermont provides an online job site for you to search for employment. You can view the job site by clicking here.
Apply Online For Vermont TANF
If you have questions about applying for TANF benefits, or you want to see if you can apply for TANF Georgia online, then visit the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families website here.
