Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Vermont Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) mission is to foster the healthy development, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Vermonters. The Department is structured around six Divisions that deliver programs and services to Vermonters; one of those Divisions is the Economic Services Division (“ESD”). ESD administers several benefits programs that help Vermonters meet their basic needs. As part of this work, ESD administers the Reach Up program, Vermont’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.Reach Up’s vision is that families will be empowered, connected, and thriving. The mission of the Reach Up program is to join families on their journey to overcome obstacles, explore opportunities, improve their finances and reach their goals. The Reach Up program provides cash assistance to eligible families to meet their basic needs, case management services, and resources and opportunities for families which enable to them to work towards financial stability and employment. Reach Up participants are supported in their individual goals to obtain employment skills by engaging in work activities.ESD is seeking to enter into a contract or contracts with one or more vendors to provide Social Security Administration benefits application assistance to individuals who receive Reach Up benefits and may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
