3SquaresVT helps Vermonters stretch their food budgets and put three square meals a day on their tables. Program benefits include:

• Monthly nutrition benefit. This is the main program benefit — and the one most people are familiar with. It is a monthly payment to supplement your food budget so you can buy more and better food.
   
• Free school meals for your school-age children. Your children can get free meals at school if their schools participate in the federal meal programs. Over a year, this can save you up to $700 per child, and you won’t have to fill out the school’s meal application form. Depending on when you apply for 3SquaresVT, either we will notify the school that your child qualifies for free meals or you can give a copy of your eligibility grant notice to the school.
   
• Help with your phone bills.You can get a credit of at least $13 off your monthly phone bill and a credit of up to $30 towards the cost of getting a phone line installed.

Who is eligible for 3SquaresVT?
How does the monthly nutrition benefit work?
Where can I get more information?
How do I apply?

Who is eligible for 3SquaresVT?

The income limits have been increased so more Vermonters may be eligible for benefits. If you meet those limits, we will review your situation to see if you qualify.

1. Gross Income Test.
   The first step in determining eligibility is the gross income test. You may be eligible for 3SquaresVT if your gross household income is equal to or less than 185% of federal poverty level based on your household size. For example, as of January 2009, that limit is $1,604 a month for a single person or $3,269 a month for a family of four.
    
2. Net Income Test.
   If your household passes the 185% gross income test, whatever you have for “resources”, such as a bank savings account, will not be counted. This means the next step is the net income test. To get a monthly nutrition benefit, your net income (gross household income minus allowable deductions) must be less than 100% of federal poverty level based on your household size.

Allowable deductions include:

• A standard deduction based on the size of your household;
• An earned income deduction (20% of earned income);
• The cost of child/dependent care;
• Court-ordered child support paid to another household; and
• Shelter expenses (like rent or mortgage payments) up to a standard amount.

Exception for households that include a person who is aged 60 or older or who has a disability:

Households with someone aged 60+ or with a disability may qualify for 3SquaresVT even if they do not meet the gross income limit. Here's how:

1. Resource Test.
   If your household income is above the 185% of federal poverty level based on household size, the first step in determining eligibility is the resource test. We will not count resources such as your home, certain retirement accounts, and college savings accounts.
    
2. Net Income Test.
   The next step is the net income test. To get a monthly nutrition benefit, your net income (gross household income minus allowable deductions) must be less than 100% of federal poverty level based on your household size.

 Allowable deductions include:

• A standard deduction based on the size of your household;
• An earned income deduction (20% of earned income);
• The cost of child/dependent care;
• Court-ordered child support paid to another household;
• Shelter expenses up to a calculated amount; and
• Some medical expenses for household members age 60+ or with a disability.

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How does the monthly nutrition benefit work?

The nutrition benefit amount depends on household size, countable income, and expenses. Some households may be eligible for 3SquaresVT, but only for a $0 monthly benefit. It may still be worthwhile for them to enroll in the program as they may qualify for the other benefits mentioned above.

Also, if you are enrolled in the program and your income goes down, you may qualify for a higher monthly nutrition benefit amount.

If you get a monthly nutrition benefit, you will get a plastic card (called Vermont Express) that looks and works like a debit card. This card is known as an Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT card. Your monthly benefit will be added to your EBT card at the beginning of every month.

When you use your card, the cost of the food you buy is subtracted from your 3SquaresVT account. The cash register receipt will give you your account balance. You also can call 1-800-914-8605 to find out how much is left on your card.

You can use your card to buy food at most stores that sell food, much the same way that you would use a bankcard or credit card. For a list of locations that accept the cards, click here. For a list of farmers' markets in Vermont that currently accept the cards, click here.

If everyone living in your household is 65 or older, or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or a combination of both, your benefits may be deposited as cash directly into your bank account. This gives you complete privacy when you shop because you can use cash or a check to pay for your food. 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.

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Where can I get more information?

We now have an Automated Information System you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-479-6151 toll free to:

• Get general information about 3SquaresVT and other programs;
• Order an application form;
• Get specific information about your case, including the status of your application and benefit details;and
• Speak to a Customer Service Agent — weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

You can also visit the vermontfoodhelp.com website to find out if you may be eligible, get information about 3SquaresVT in other languages, get help applying, and get information about other programs that can help you make ends meet.

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How do I apply?

Click here for an application you can print, fill out, and bring or mail to your Economic Services District Office. If you are not sure which district office serves your town, click here to find out.  An interview will be scheduled so a worker can review the application with you and tell you if there are additional documents you need to provide. The interview is usually done by telephone unless you ask to do it in person.

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3SquaresVT for Immigrants

You may be able to get 3SquaresVT even if you were not eligible for food stamps before. If you are a documented resident of the U.S., you may also be able to get benefits. Getting 3SquaresVT depends on many factors including how long you have lived in the U.S., your income and expenses, the money you have saved, and how many people live in your household.

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.