The families of more than 5,300 Vermont children enrolled in Reach Up have been approved for cash grants to help with school and child care costs, according to the Vermont Department for Children and Families.
Reach Up provides employment services and cash grants to families in poverty who have dependent children. The families receive monthly grants, and families that meet the eligibility requirements can anticipate a one-time payment of $304 this month.
Money for the grants came from federal pandemic emergency assistance funds. The Vermont treasurer’s office issued checks for the families last week, and they should arrive soon.
“We’re just really happy to be able to send this out as back-to-school cash, knowing how … families are struggling to figure out all of the back-to-school rules in different places,” Deputy DCF Commissioner Tricia Tyo said. “This maybe just gives them one less thing to worry about at the moment.”
Anyone with questions about Reach Up grants can call the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151.
— Ashley DeLeon
