The official State website for food stamps in Vermont (called 3SquaresVT).

3SquaresVT can help you stretch your food budget and put three square meals a day on your table. Benefits may include:

• A monthly payment to help you buy more and better food;
• Free school meals for your school-age children; and 
• Help with your phone bills, including up to $13 off your monthly bill and up to $30 to get a phone line installed. 

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible:

• If your gross household income is equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level, based on household size — regardless of the resources you own. Click here to see the current income guidelines.
   
• If you have children and get the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit.
   
• If your household includes someone aged 60+ or with a disability — even if your gross household income is over 185% of the federal poverty level. However, we will consider the resources you have (exceptions include your home, certain retirement accounts, and college savings accounts).

The best way to find out if you are eligible is to apply! We will review your situation and let you know if you qualify. Click here to go to a screening tool (on the vermontfoodhelp.com website) that can help you find out if you may be eligible for 3SquaresVT.

Top

How do I apply?

1. Click here to go to our online application. Or call our Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 to request a paper application.
    
2. If you need help applying, contact your local Community Action Agency. Vermonters age 60 and older may also call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for assistance.  
   

What happens after I apply?

• We will contact you to set up a time to talk with a worker (your interview).
   
• If you are found eligible for 3SquaresVT, have a school-age child, AND your child's school participates in a federal meals program, we will notify the school that your child qualifies for free meals (unless you ask us not to). You don't have to fill out the school's meal application form.
  

How much can I get?

The benefits you may receive will depend on your household size, income, and expenses.

To get a monthly payment, your net household income (gross household income minus allowable deductions) must be less than 100% of the federal poverty level based on household size.  Click here to see what those income limits are now.

How does the monthly payment work?

If you get a monthly payment, you will receive an EBT card called Vermont Express. You can use this card to buy food at most stores that sell food, much the same way you would use a bankcard or credit card. Click here to get more information about how the card works and where you can use.

If everyone living in your household is 65 or older and/or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payments may be deposited as cash directly into your bank account. If you do not have a bank account and do not want to open one, you can get your 3SquaresVT benefits on the EBT card.

^{In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability.}

^{To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 ( TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.}