reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1102. Purpose

§ 1102. Purpose
(a) The purpose of the Reach Up program is:
(1) to assist families, recognizing individual and unique characteristics, to obtain the opportunities and skills necessary for self-sufficiency;
(2) to encourage economic independence by removing barriers and disincentives to work and providing positive incentives to work;
(3) to support parental nurturing;
(4) to support parental responsibility and positive parental role models, both custodial and noncustodial;
(5) to measure the success of the system by what is best for children;
(6) to improve the well-being of children by providing for their immediate basic needs, including food, housing, and clothing;
(7) to respect the dignity of individuals and families receiving assistance by providing employment, education, and other services through social service delivery systems available to all Vermont residents and by encouraging the private sector to integrate families receiving assistance into the mainstream of the employment market;
(8) to recognize the challenges facing many families receiving assistance by minimizing structural financial disincentives to increased earnings and the abrupt termination of assistance before parents are fully integrated into the employment market;
(9) to conserve State public financial resources by operating the system of aid in a manner that is efficient and avoids federal fiscal sanctions; and
(10) to conform to the federal TANF law.
(b) The critical elements of developing a program that assists families to attain self-sufficiency are:
(1) the opportunity and obligation to work for those parents who are physically, emotionally, and otherwise able to do so;
(2) cooperative and realistic goal-setting, coupled with individualized case management that addresses each individual’s situation and barriers to self-sufficiency;
(3) rigorous child support collection from noncustodial parents; and
(4) a full range of supportive modalities, including appropriate training, education, financial assistance, child care, counseling, and transportation. (Added 1993, No. 106 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 12, 1994; amended 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; 2007, No. 30, § 3, eff. May 17, 2007.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1104. Abandonment or desertion; reporting

§ 1104. Abandonment or desertion; reporting
Immediately upon granting assistance for the benefit of a dependent child who has been abandoned or deserted by a parent, the Commissioner shall give notice to the appropriate prosecuting officer charged with the duty of enforcing laws relating to the abandonment or desertion of children or minors. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 4; amended 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 25, eff. May 20, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1105. Child support payments

§ 1105. Child support payments
(a) A financial assistance case shall not be closed until child support payments, minus the first $50.00 per month in such payments received on behalf of the family, in combination with other countable income, have exceeded the financial assistance payment standard in 12 consecutive calendar months.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if financial assistance to a participating family is terminated due to receipt of child support, minus the first $50.00 per month in such payments, that in combination with other countable income is in excess of the financial assistance cash payment standard, and the family again becomes eligible for financial assistance within the following 12 calendar months solely because the family no longer receives excess child support, financial assistance shall be paid as of the date of the family’s reapplication. (Added 1993, No. 106 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 12, 1994; amended 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; 2007, No. 30, § 5, eff. May 17, 2007.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1105. Child support payments

§ 1105. Child support payments
(a) A financial assistance case shall not be closed until child support payments, minus the first $100.00 per month in such payments received on behalf of the family, in combination with other countable income, have exceeded the financial assistance payment standard in 12 consecutive calendar months.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if financial assistance to a participating family is terminated due to receipt of child support, minus the first $100.00 per month in such payments, that in combination with other countable income is in excess of the financial assistance cash payment standard, and the family again becomes eligible for financial assistance within the following 12 calendar months solely because the family no longer receives excess child support, financial assistance shall be paid as of the date of the family’s reapplication. (Added 1993, No. 106 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 12, 1994; amended 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; 2007, No. 30, § 5, eff. May 17, 2007; 2021, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. January 1, 2024.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1108. Limits on family financial assistance

§ 1108. Limits on family financial assistance
(a) Except for grants to children in the care of persons other than their parents, only participating families who have received fewer than 60 cumulative months of financial assistance, including those months in which any type of cash assistance funded by a TANF block grant was received in other states or territories of the United States, shall be eligible for benefits under the Reach Up program.
(b) Deferment granted for the following reasons shall not count toward the Reach Up program’s cumulative 60-month lifetime eligibility period:
(1) the participant is not able-to-work;
(2) the participant is a parent or caretaker who is caring for a child during the first year of a possible two-year deferment pursuant to subdivision 1114(b)(3) of this chapter;
(3) the participant is affected by domestic violence pursuant to subdivision 1114(b)(9) of this chapter; and
(4) the participant is needed in the home on a full-time basis to care for an ill or disabled parent, spouse, or child pursuant to subdivision 1114(b)(5) of this chapter.
(c) The cumulative 60-month lifetime eligibility period shall not begin to toll until the parent or parents of a participating family have reached the age of 18.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a participating family that does not have a qualifying deferment under section 1114 of this title and that has exceeded the cumulative 60-month lifetime eligibility period set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall qualify for a hardship exemption that allows the adult member of the participating family to receive:
(1) a wage equivalent to that of the participating family’s cash benefit under the Reach Up program for participation in any of the work activities listed in subdivision 1101(28) of this title, with the exception of subdivision (28)(L); or
(2) supplemental benefits to the wages of the adult member of the participating family if the work requirement is otherwise being met. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; amended 2007, No. 30, § 8, eff. May 17, 2007; 2013, No. 50, § E.323.1, eff. May 1, 2014; 2015, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § E.323.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1108. Limits on family financial assistance

§ 1108. Limits on family financial assistance
(a) Except for grants to children in the care of persons other than their parents, only participating families who have received fewer than 60 cumulative months of financial assistance in which the family was not granted a deferment, including those months in which any type of cash assistance funded by a TANF block grant was received in other states or territories of the United States, shall be eligible for benefits under the Reach Up program.
(b) The Department shall not count toward the Reach Up program’s cumulative 60-month lifetime eligibility period any months in which:
(1) the participant is not able-to-work;
(2) the participant is a parent or caretaker who is caring for a child under one year of age, in accordance with criteria established by rule pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25;
(3) the participant is affected by domestic violence in accordance with criteria established by rule pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25; and
(4) the participant is needed in the home on a full-time basis to care for an ill or disabled parent, spouse, or child in accordance with criteria established by rule pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25.
(c) The cumulative 60-month lifetime eligibility period shall not begin to toll until the parent or parents of a participating family have reached 18 years of age.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a participating family that does not meet any of the criteria under subsection (b) of this section and that has exceeded the cumulative 60-month lifetime eligibility period set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall qualify for a hardship exemption that allows the adult member of the participating family to continue to receive financial assistance if the participating adult is engaged in any of the work activities listed in subdivision 1101(2) of this chapter, with the exception of subdivision 1101(2)(L) of this chapter.
(e) A participating family that does not qualify for a hardship exemption pursuant to subsection (d) of this section may be eligible to continue receiving benefits under the Reach Up program if the program director, or the program director’s designee, determines, on a monthly basis, that the participating adult is actively participating in the universal engagement model, including the process of planning and engaging in goal achievement related to employment, training, education, and addressing obstacles pursuant to subsection 1113(a) of this chapter. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; amended 2007, No. 30, § 8, eff. May 17, 2007; 2013, No. 50, § E.323.1, eff. May 1, 2014; 2015, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § E.323; 2021, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. January 1, 2024.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1112. Family development plan requirements

§ 1112. Family development plan requirements
[Subsection (a) effective until January 1, 2024.]
(a) Each participating adult in a family applying for or receiving financial assistance shall comply with each Reach Up family development plan requirement provided for in the family development plan, unless good cause exists for such noncompliance as defined by the Commissioner by rule.
[Subsection (a) effective January 1, 2024.]
(a)(1) Each participating adult in a family applying for or receiving financial assistance shall comply with each Reach Up family development plan requirement provided for in the family development plan, unless good cause exists for such noncompliance as defined by the Commissioner by rule.
(2) The process of developing a family development plan shall include planning and engaging in goal achievement related to employment, training, and education; addressing obstacles to employment; following through with established steps to achieve goals; reviewing and revising goals as necessary; and setting new goals as each existing goal is achieved.
(b) The family’s receipt of the full financial assistance amount allowable and avoidance of fiscal sanctions are contingent on the participating adult assisting in the development of his or her family development plan and engaging in the family development plan activities for the number of hours per week that the activities are scheduled and available, unless good cause exists for not doing so as defined by the Commissioner by rule. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; amended 2005, No. 103 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 5, 2006; 2007, No. 30, § 9, eff. May 17, 2007; 2021, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. January 1, 2024.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1113. Employment preparation, readiness, and participation

§ 1113. Employment preparation, readiness, and participation
(a) Each participating adult in a family receiving a financial assistance grant shall participate in the process of planning and engaging in goal achievement. These goals may be related to family well-being, financial stability, employment, training, education, and addressing obstacles to employment. Participating families shall participate in establishing goals and steps to achieve goals, reviewing and revising goals as necessary, and setting new goals as each goal is achieved.
(b) Program participation requirements shall become effective as soon as the participating adult becomes eligible for financial assistance.
(c) A participating adult may meet program participation requirements, including the following activities, through one or a combination of work, education, training, and other activities that address the family’s goals and well-being:
(1) employment, either full-time or part-time;
(2) activities that develop and enhance the skills employers need their employees to have in the workplace, including:
(A) career-specific training programs;
(B) English language learning;
(C) literacy and math skill courses; or
(D) credential programs;
(3) entrepreneurship and business development;
(4) job search and career exploration, including:
(A) engaging in work experience; or
(B) participating in job shadow opportunities;
(5) education, including obtaining:
(A) a high school diploma;
(B) technical training and vocation education; or
(C) career-specific education;
(6) building foundations for employment, including:
(A) housing search efforts;
(B) arranging transportation; or
(C) arranging child care;
(7) activities aimed at improving family and financial well-being, including:
(A) financial capability classes and coaching;
(B) mental health treatment;
(C) treatment for substance use disorder;
(D) working with children’s health and school professionals;
(E) applying for Supplemental Security Income; or
(F) working with the Division of Family Services; or
(8) any other activity designated by the Commissioner in accordance with criteria established in rule pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25.
(d) A participating adult shall be deemed to meet the program participation requirements if the adult is participating in activities that lead to employment based on goal setting and active universal engagement.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, unpaid work activities that are not primarily education, job search, job readiness, or training activities shall not exceed the levels established by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Adjustments required to conform with the Fair Labor Standards Act shall be made pursuant to calculation standards established by the Commissioner by rule. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; amended 2007, No. 30, § 10, eff. May 17, 2007; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. May 20, 2014; 2017, No. 109 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2021, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. January 1, 2024.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1114. Deferments, modifications, and referral

§ 1114. Deferments, modifications, and referral
The program participation requirements established in section 1113 of this chapter shall be deferred when:
(1) a participating adult is 60 years of age or older;
(2) a participating adult is caring for a child under six weeks of age;
(3) a participating adult for whom, due to the effects of domestic violence, engaging in the program participation requirements can be reasonably anticipated to result in serious physical or emotional harm to the participating adult or participating adult’s child; or
(4) any other participant designated by the Commissioner in accordance with criteria established by the Commissioner in rule pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; amended 2007, No. 30, § 11, eff. May 17, 2007; 2013, No. 50, § E.323.2, eff. May 28, 2013; 2013, No. 179 (Adj. Sess.), § E.321.2; 2017, No. 109 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2021, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. July 1, 2022; 2021, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 8a, eff. January 1, 2024.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1115. Obligation to fund services; good cause

§ 1115. Obligation to fund services; good cause
(a) A participant’s family development plan requirement under section 1112 of this title and work requirement under section 1113 of this title shall be deferred when the case management services, training and educational services, and the family support services identified in the participant’s family development plan are unavailable for reasons beyond the control of the participant, including when monies appropriated are not sufficient to provide such services.
(b) No family who has been determined to be eligible for child care services pursuant to section 3512 of this title shall be displaced from or denied receipt of such services because the requirements of this chapter result in additional participating families applying for and receiving financial assistance for such child care services.
(c) Services related to child care that are provided to two-parent families in which both parents are able-bodied and who are determined to be eligible for services pursuant to section 3512 of this title shall be paid from nonfederal funds.
(d) The Commissioner shall design the Reach Up program so that it provides access to a full array of services to participating families identified by their family development plans within the funds appropriated by the General Assembly.
(e) The Commissioner shall establish good cause rules for temporary or unexpected conditions or circumstances beyond the control of the participating parent that result in a parent’s inability to participate in a Reach Up family development plan requirement, to participate in a work requirement, or to accept or retain employment. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1131. Administrative improvements

§ 1131. Administrative improvements
For the purpose of improving the family development programs administered by the departments within the Agency of Human Services, including the Reach Up program, the Secretary shall:
(1) design and implement a quality assurance function for the case management component of the Reach Up program to ensure that appropriate services are being provided to families enrolled in the program;
(2) continue to improve caseload and expenditure forecasting for all social welfare programs; and
(3) develop standards and procedures for the training, including diversity education, of qualified case managers in the Reach Up program. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1132. Notice and appeal

§ 1132. Notice and appeal
(a) A participant may appeal the provisions of a family development plan in accordance with 3 V.S.A. § 3091. The Commissioner shall provide notice to each participant of the standards and procedures applicable to such appeals. All federal and Agency of Human Services rules regarding conciliation, notice, hearing, and appeal shall be followed in connection with such appeals.
(b) A participant shall receive notice and an opportunity for conciliation, hearing, and appeal in accordance with all applicable federal and Agency of Human Services rules before Reach Up sanctions are applied to the participant.
(c) A participant shall continue to receive financial assistance payments pending appeal to the Human Services Board of Reach Up sanctions if the appeal is received prior to the effective date of the proposed sanctions. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2001.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 11 - Reach Up › § 1133. Transition to other programs

§ 1133. Transition to other programs
(a) The Department shall transfer the family to Reach Up, a separate State program, or a solely State-funded program established under chapter 11 of this title if, after four months of receiving support in Reach First or sooner at the Department’s discretion, a family is assessed as needing ongoing financial assistance and the family is financially eligible for Reach Up, a separate State program, or a solely State-funded program established under chapter 11 of this title, unless the family chooses not to participate.
(b) If a family finds employment meeting or exceeding the work requirements for Reach Up for the family’s size and composition, but is financially eligible for Reach Up, the Department shall transfer the family to Reach Up, unless the family chooses not to participate. A family transferring from Reach First to Reach Up shall be treated as a recipient for the purposes of income calculation.
(c) If a family finds employment meeting or exceeding the work requirements for Reach Up for the family’s size and composition, is not financially eligible for Reach Up, and is eligible for the Reach Ahead program, the Department shall transfer the family to Reach Ahead, unless the family chooses not to participate. A family transferring from Reach Up to Reach Ahead shall be treated as a recipient for the purposes of income calculation.
(d) A family transferring to another program under subsections (a) through (c) of this section shall not be required to complete a new application. Verification of income or other required documentation may be required as provided for by rule. (Added 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. November 1, 2000; amended 2007, No. 30, § 16, eff. May 17, 2007; 2009, No. 67 (Adj. Sess.), § 94, eff. Feb. 25, 2010; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 29, eff. May 20, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1202. Purpose

§ 1202. Purpose
(a) The purpose of the Reach Ahead program is:
(1) to assist families who have become recently employed to maintain employment by providing work supports and incentives to maximize the opportunity of the family to remain employed and not return to Reach Up;
(2) to provide families with information and referrals to workforce development options in order to ensure financial stability for the family;
(3) to support parental responsibility and positive parental role models, both custodial and noncustodial;
(4) to improve the well-being of children by providing time-limited work supports and food assistance to their families;
(5) to conserve State and public financial resources by operating the system of aid in a manner that is efficient and avoids federal fiscal sanctions; and
(6) to conform to the federal TANF law.
(b) The critical elements of developing a work support program that assists families to maintain self-sufficiency are:
(1) if necessary, individualized case management that addresses each individual’s situation and barriers to self-sufficiency and assists that family in maintaining employment;
(2) food assistance and support services of a limited duration to provide work support for the family;
(3) easy transition to other programs, such as Reach Up or Reach First, if needed to ensure the families’ well-being and success to reaching self-sufficiency. (Added 2007, No. 30, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 2008.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1203. Eligibility

§ 1203. Eligibility
A family shall be eligible for Reach Ahead if the family resides in Vermont and:
(1) has left Reach Up or the postsecondary education program within the prior six months for employment that meets the federal work requirements for the TANF program for the family’s size and composition;
(2) is receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and has employment that meets the work requirements for Reach Up for the family’s size and composition; or
(3) is an individual under 21, has a child, is ineligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits solely because the individual resides with the individual’s parent, and has employment that meets the work requirements for Reach Up for the family’s size and composition. (Added 2007, No. 30, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 2008; amended 2007, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.012; 2009, No. 67 (Adj. Sess.), § 90, eff. Feb. 25, 2010; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 32, eff. May 20, 2014; 2023, No. 78, § E.323.5, eff. July 1, 2023.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1203a. Application of 21 U.S.C. § 862a

§ 1203a. Application of 21 U.S.C. § 862a
An individual domiciled in Vermont shall be exempt from the disqualification provided for in 21 U.S.C. § 862a. (Added 2009, No. 1 (Sp. Sess.), § E.323.2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1204. Food assistance

§ 1204. Food assistance
(a)(1) An eligible family shall receive monthly food assistance equal to $50.00 to be applied to the family’s electronic benefit transfer (EBT) food account for the first 12 months after the family has become eligible for Reach Ahead.
(2) For the 12th through 24th months, the family shall receive a monthly food assistance of $5.00.
(b) Food assistance may be used only to purchase eligible food items as defined in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program federal rules and shall be disregarded as income for the purposes of determining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility and the amount of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
(c) An eligible family shall not be required to assign child support to the Department, and all child support received by the family shall be disregarded as income.
(d) The 12th through 24th months of assistance shall be funded through savings resulting from caseload reductions in the Reach Up program. If there are insufficient savings from caseload reductions to fund the 12th through 24th months of assistance, the assistance shall be suspended or modified. (Added 2007, No. 30, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 2008; amended 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 33, eff. May 20, 2014; 2013, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. July 1, 2015.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1205. Required services to participating families

§ 1205. Required services to participating families
(a) The Commissioner shall provide participating families Reach Ahead services, case management services if necessary, and referral to any agencies or programs, including workforce development, that provide the services needed by participating families to improve the family’s prospects for employment retention. Reach Ahead services shall be provided for 24 months.
(b) A participating family shall be eligible for an Enhanced Child Care Services Subsidy during its 12th through 24th months on the Reach Ahead program pursuant to subsection 3512(b) of this title. (Added 2007, No. 30, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 2008; amended 2013, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. July 1, 2015.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1206. Case management; family development plans; coordinated services

§ 1206. Case management; family development plans; coordinated services
The Commissioner may provide Reach Ahead services to participating families through a case management model. If a family needs case management, the Commissioner may develop a family development plan as provided for in chapters 10 and 11 of this title. If a case manager is assigned to the participating family who has been transferred from Reach First or Reach Up, if practicable, the case manager shall be the same case manager the family was assigned previously. (Added 2007, No. 30, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 2008.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1211. Recertification

§ 1211. Recertification
A family’s hours of employment and other countable work activities shall be verified every six months to determine continuing eligibility for the program. To the extent possible for families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, income verification may be done at the same time as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit recertification or verification of employment hours. (Added 2007, No. 30, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 2008; amended 2007, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.013; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 34, eff. May 20, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1212. Transition to other programs

§ 1212. Transition to other programs
If a family loses employment meeting or exceeding the work requirements for TANF for the family’s size and composition and is financially eligible for Reach Up, the family shall be transferred to Reach First or Reach Up without an additional application process, unless the family chooses not to participate. Verification of income or other documentation may be required as provided for by rule. (Added 2007, No. 30, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 2008; amended 2009, No. 67 (Adj. Sess.), § 93, eff. Feb. 25, 2010; 2023, No. 78, § E.323.6, eff. July 1, 2023.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 12 - Reach Ahead › § 1213. Notice and appeal

§ 1213. Notice and appeal
A participant may appeal decisions in accordance with 3 V.S.A. § 3091. The Commissioner shall provide notice to each participant of the standards and procedures applicable to such appeals. All federal and Agency of Human Services rules regarding conciliation, notice, hearing, and appeal shall be followed in connection with such appeals. (Added 2007, No. 30, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 2008.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1301. Eligibility requirements—general

§ 1301. Eligibility requirements—general
To be eligible for State aid to the aged, blind, or disabled, in addition to the requirements in sections 1301-1303 of this chapter governing eligibility for a specific program, an individual shall:
(1) Be a resident of this State when the person applies.
(2) Not have made a voluntary assignment or transfer of property or income for the purpose of qualifying, nor shall the individual’s spouse have made a voluntary assignment or transfer of property or income for the purpose of qualifying the individual.
(3) Be a recipient of federal Supplemental Security Income, if eligible.
(4) Not have sufficient income or other resources to provide a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health, and not be receiving or able to secure support from persons legally responsible for the individual’s support. In determining whether the income of an applicant for or a recipient of aid is sufficient, the Department for Children and Families may disregard, within the limits of available funds, income used to further the purposes of rehabilitation and self-support. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 3; amended 1969, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. April 6, 1970; 1973, No. 75, § 1, eff. January 1, 1974; 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 16, eff. April 14, 1974; 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 85; 2021, No. 20, § 288.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1302. State aid to the aged

§ 1302. State aid to the aged
State aid to the aged shall be granted to an individual who meets the eligibility requirements of section 1301 of this title and who in addition:
(1) has attained 65 years of age; and
(2) is not a patient in a public institution, except a public medical institution. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 3; amended 1969, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 7(b), eff. April 6, 1970; 1973, No. 75, § 2, eff. January 1, 1974; 2021, No. 20, § 289.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1303. State aid to the disabled

§ 1303. State aid to the disabled
(a) State aid to the disabled shall be granted to an individual who meets the eligibility requirements of section 1301 of this title and who in addition:
(1) is permanently and totally disabled as defined in Title XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended; and
(2) is not, at the date of receiving aid, an inmate of any public institution.
(b) An individual is also considered disabled for purposes of this chapter if the individual was disabled as defined under this chapter and the rules in effect under this chapter on December 31, 1973 and received aid under this chapter for December 1973, provided the individual has been, since that time, continuously disabled. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 3; amended 1973, No. 75, § 3, eff. January 1, 1974; 1973, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 35, eff. May 20, 2014; 2021, No. 20, § 290.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1304. State aid to the blind

§ 1304. State aid to the blind
(a) State aid to the blind shall be granted to an individual who meets the eligibility requirements of section 1301 of this title and in addition:
(1) is blind as defined in Title XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended; and
(2) is not, at the date of receiving aid, an inmate of any public institution.
(b) An individual is also considered blind for purposes of this chapter if the individual was blind as defined under this chapter and the rules in effect under this chapter on December 31, 1973 and received aid under this chapter for December 1973, provided the individual has been, since that time, continuously blind. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 3; amended 1969, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 7(b), eff. April 16, 1970; 1973, No. 75, § 4, eff. January 1, 1974; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 36, eff. May 20, 2014; 2021, No. 20, § 291.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1305. Disqualifications

§ 1305. Disqualifications
State aid to the aged, blind, and disabled shall not be granted to any individual who has real or personal property in excess of that permitted for eligibility for Supplemental Security Income under the Social Security Act as amended. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 3; amended 1973, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2021, No. 20, § 292.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1306. Application and investigation

§ 1306. Application and investigation
Applications for State aid to the aged, blind, or disabled may be made at any office of the Department for Children and Families. Upon receipt of an application, the Commissioner for Children and Families shall investigate and prescribe the amount of the grant to be given, if any. No individual shall receive more than one type of grant or aid under this chapter. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 3; amended 1973, No. 75, § 5, eff. January 1, 1974; 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 17, eff. April 14, 1974; 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 86; 2021, No. 20, § 293.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1307. Amount of State aid

§ 1307. Amount of State aid
The amount of State aid to which an eligible individual is entitled shall be determined with due regard to the income, resources, and maintenance available to the individual and, when an eligible individual lives with the individual’s ineligible spouse or a needy essential person, or both, as defined by the Commissioner, with due regard to the needs of the ineligible spouse and with due regard to the needs, income, and resources of the needy essential person. To the extent funds are available, aid shall provide a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health. The Commissioner for Children and Families may by rule fix maximum amounts of aid and take measures to ensure that the expenditures for the programs shall not exceed the funds provided for them. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 3; amended 1973, No. 75, § 6, eff. January 1, 1974; 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 18, eff. April 14, 1974; 1977, No. 186 (Adj. Sess.); 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 87; 2021, No. 20, § 294.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1308. Rules

§ 1308. Rules
In fixing standards and adopting rules under this chapter, the Commissioner for Children and Families shall be guided by the statutory standards set forth in this chapter, which standards shall not be deemed necessarily to incorporate by reference decisional or statutory law applicable to the aid to the aged, blind, and disabled program in effect prior to January 1, 1974. (Added 1973, No. 75, § 7, eff. January 1, 1974; amended 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19, eff. April 14, 1974; 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 88; 2021, No. 20, § 295.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 13 - Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled › § 1309. Agreements

§ 1309. Agreements
(a) The Secretary of Human Services may enter into agreements by which an agency of the federal government or other public or private entity administers any or all parts of the State aid to the aged, blind, and disabled program.
(b) In cases in which the Secretary enters into such agreements with an agency of the federal government, any requirement set forth in this chapter that is inconsistent with the statutes and regulations of the federal government regarding federal administration of State supplementation of benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act shall be waived.
(c) The Secretary shall monitor the performance of the agency of the federal government or other public or private entity administering any or all parts of the State aid to the aged, blind, and disabled program. In the event the Secretary determines, in the Secretary’s best judgment, that administration by an agency of the federal government or other public or private entity is not in the best interests of the citizens of Vermont, the Secretary is hereby authorized to terminate such agreements.
(d) The Department shall, upon request of any individual, provide information or assist that individual in transactions with the federal agency or other public or private entity administering any or all parts of the State aid to the aged, blind, and disabled program. (Added 1973, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 1995, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), § 305; 2021, No. 20, § 296.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 15 - Special Services for Persons Who Are Blind › § 1501. Register

§ 1501. Register
The Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living may prepare and maintain a register of persons who are blind in the State. It shall describe their condition, cause of blindness, capacity for education and vocational training, and other pertinent data. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 2; amended 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. April 14, 1974; 1981, No. 69; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 89; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 202.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 15 - Special Services for Persons Who Are Blind › § 1502. Services for persons who are blind

§ 1502. Services for persons who are blind
For the rehabilitation or amelioration of the condition of persons who are blind, the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living may:
(1) Ameliorate the condition of persons who are blind by devising means for their adjustment, care, instruction, and well-being, including the distribution of books, promotion of visits to elders who are blind, and by other expedient and proper means and methods.
(2) Furnish medical examinations, physical restoration, guidance and counseling, vocational training, maintenance and transportation, occupational materials, tools, equipment, and licenses.
(3) Assist persons who are blind in developing home industries and small business enterprises and marketing their products.
(4) Act as an intermediary between persons who are blind and otherwise have a disability and industry for the purpose of arranging industrial homework of a subcontract nature, and pay inherent costs such as workers’ compensation insurance and Social Security taxes.
(5) Contribute to the support of persons who are blind from this State who are receiving instruction or training in schools or institutions outside the State.
(6) [Repealed.] (Added 1967, No. 147, § 2; amended 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. April 14, 1974; 1981, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 90; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 202; 2017, No. 3, § 66, eff. March 2, 2017.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 16 - Vermont Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind Advisory Council › § 1601. Definitions

§ 1601. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Communication or language mode” means verbal or nonverbal communication that includes listening, speaking, American Sign Language (ASL), Signed English, Signed Support, reading, and writing in all domains of a language. Reference to the communication mode of individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind distinguishes between modality and language. Systems that assist individuals using a particular modality or language include ASL, spoken English, Signed English, sign-supported speech, speech or lip reading, cued speech, and assistive technology.
(2) “Deaf” means having a severe or complete absence of auditory sensitivity that impairs processing of linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification or cochlear implants. Participation in Deaf Community culture and use of ASL are characteristic of persons who identify as Deaf.
(3) “DeafBlind” means having concomitant hearing and visual impairments.
(4) “Department” means the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living.
(5) “Hard of Hearing” means a reduced level of functional hearing and reliance on residual hearing and technology, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM listening systems, and other types of assistive listening devices to communicate via verbal language, with or without use of ASL. (Added 2015, No. 107 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 12, 2016.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 17 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program › § 1701. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

§ 1701. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(a) The State of Vermont may participate in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) pursuant to 7 U.S.C. chapter 51. The purpose of SNAP is to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among households with low income by increasing their food purchasing power and access to nutritious, safe food.
(b) An individual domiciled in Vermont shall be exempt from the disqualification provided for in 21 U.S.C. § 862a.
(c) The Commissioner may adopt, amend, or repeal rules governing the operation of the Program in the State pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25.
(d) As used in this chapter, “Commissioner” means the Commissioner for Children and Families and “Department” means the Department for Children and Families. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 2; amended 1969, No. 169 (Adj. Sess.), eff. Feb. 16, 1970; 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 29, eff. April 14, 1974; 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 91, 140; 2009, No. 1 (Sp. Sess.), § E.322; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 37, eff. May 20, 2014; 2017, No. 104 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 17 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program › § 1702. Payment error rate report

§ 1702. Payment error rate report
On or before January 1 of the year following any federal fiscal year in which the State of Vermont receives a federal sanction for a payment error rate greater than the federal threshold in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Department for Children and Families shall report to the Senate Committee on Appropriations regarding:
(1) the number of households that received SNAP benefits and were discovered to have an overpayment or underpayment in the sanction year due to agency error, including the average amount of the overpayments and underpayments and the total amount of each; and
(2) the Department’s specific plans for sanction reinvestment to improve its error rate for the next federal fiscal year and prevent sanction in the future. (Added 2013, No. 179 (Adj. Sess.), § E.316; amended 2017, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. May 21, 2018.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 17 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program › § 1703. Changes to program administration

§ 1703. Changes to program administration
(a)(1) The Department shall report to the Chairs of the House Committee on Human Services and the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare and any interested stakeholders within 30 days after any substantive change in the federal law governing SNAP that:
(A) restricts or improves eligibility;
(B) increases or reduces barriers or creates or eliminates hardships to access; or
(C) inhibits or increases benefit usage.
(2) Within 90 days after a change described pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, the Department shall provide an analysis to the Chairs of any anticipated administrative costs to the Department and any impacts on SNAP applicants and participants as a result of the change.
(b) The Commissioner may convene a meeting of interested stakeholders to discuss a change listed in subsection (a) of this section. (Added 2017, No. 104 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 33 - Human Services › Chapter 18 - Public-Private Universal Health Care System › § 1801. Purpose

§ 1801. Purpose
(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly to establish a Vermont Health Benefit Exchange which meets the policy established in 18 V.S.A. § 9401 and, to the extent allowable under federal law or a waiver of federal law, becomes the mechanism to create Green Mountain Care.
(b) The purpose of the Vermont Health Benefit Exchange is to facilitate the purchase of affordable, qualified health benefit plans in the individual and group markets in this State in order to reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured; to reduce disruption when individuals lose employer-based insurance; to reduce administrative costs in the insurance market; to contain costs; to promote health, prevention, and healthy lifestyles by individuals; and to improve quality of health care.
(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to reduce, diminish, or otherwise infringe upon the benefits provided to eligible individuals under Medicare. (Added 2011, No. 48, § 4.)