(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.)