Waterbury, VT—Vermont households that received 3SquaresVT benefits (food stamps) during August of 2011 and then lost food during Tropical Storm Irene — either because their homes were flooded or they lost power for four or more hours — have been granted an extension to request extra benefits to help replenish their food supplies.

The deadline for requesting a replacement benefit has been extended to September 23, 2011.

How to Request a Replacement Benefit

3SquaresVT households should call the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) at 1-800-479-6151 to make a request. Calls will be routed to the nearest district office, based on the phone number they are calling from.

The process for applying is slightly different depending on where the household is located.

1. Households in counties that have been declared a federal disaster area can make a verbal declaration about the loss of food purchased with their August benefits.  These counties include Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille, Orleans, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor. 
    
2. Households in Essex and Grand Isle counties must submit a signed declaration about the food they lost to be eligible for replacement benefits. 

Vermonters interested in learning more about 3SquaresVT can visit the department’s website at http://dcf.vermont.gov/mybenefits or www.vermontfoodhelp.com. Seniors can also call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119. 

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Released: September 19, 2011