On Your Own; Your Legal Right @ Eighteen On Your Own formatted final version | Page 72

PUBLIC BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Many people run into financial problems at some time in their lives. If you
ever need financial support when you are “on your own,” there may be a
public benefit program available to help you pay for basic living
expenses, healthcare, housing, utilities, or food. The following is a brief
overview of some public benefit programs available to Vermont residents.
It is important to keep in mind that each benefit program has its own
eligibility rules. “Vermont 211” (http://www.vermont211.org/ ) is a great
resource for determining what benefits or services you may be eligible for.
If you are not eligible for one type of benefit, you may still be eligible for
another, even if the programs are run by the same office. The Vermont
Department of Children and Families (DFC) also provides helpful
information on available benefits:
(https://dcf.vermont.gov/mybenefits .
If you apply for a government benefit and are turned down, you always
have the right to appeal that decision. If you want legal advice about
appealing, you should contact Vermont Legal Aid or Legal Services
Vermont (https://vtlawhelp.org/ or 1-800-889-2047).
General Financial Assistance
Reach Up. Low-income households with children can receive services,
case management, and monthly cash payments to help with necessities;
the amount depends on your income, housing costs, and household size.
Apply through the Vermont Department of Children and Families (DCF)
(https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/reachup, or 1-800-479-6151).
Post-Secondary Education Program. Low-income parents who are
attending college may be eligible for monthly payments from this program.
Apply through DCF (https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/reachup/PSE, or 1-
800-479-6151).
Child Care Financial Assistance. Parents may get help paying for child care
under
certain
circumstances.
Apply
through
DCF
(https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/ccfap or 1-800-649-2642). Your local
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