Waterbury, VT— The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 ends extra 3SquaresVT benefits in March 2023. This extra help began in March 2020 due to the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The assistance has been a temporary increase from the federal government to help those affected by the pandemic and did not permanently change a household’s monthly benefit.
Since March 2020, the extra 3SquaresVT benefits have reached over 40,000 Vermont households comprised of over 68,000 individuals. To date, Vermont has issued over $175 million in emergency payments. This additional federal funding has supplemented food budgets during the pandemic.
3SquaresVT households have received information by mail on the forthcoming changes. Recipients will still receive their regular 3SquaresVT benefit on the 1st of each month. 3SquaresVT households are encouraged to contact Economic Services Division’s Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 to report changes that may increase their monthly benefit, such as decrease in income or increase in out-of-pocket medical or child care expenses. The Economic Services Division Benefits Center will be able to provide information about other available food resources or programs that can help to cover household expenses.
The remaining months of extra food benefits will be issued in January, February, and March 2023. March 2023 will be the last extra benefit.
Information on remaining extra payments:
Households at a zero benefit will not receive a benefit. Everyone else will receive the maximum benefit for their household size.
Maximum Allotments:
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1 person = $281
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2 people = $516
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3 people = $740
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4 people = $939
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5 people = $1,116
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6 people = $1,339
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7 people = $1,480
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Each additional person = +$211
Households already at the maximum allotment will receive an additional $95. All other households, except for those receiving a zero benefit, will receive at least $95 as their maximum allotment benefit.
3SquaresVT households don’t need to do anything to receive this increased benefit. If eligible, they’ll automatically receive it the same way they receive their benefits now: on an EBT card, through direct deposit, or by check.
If Eligible: Benefit Will Be Available:
In December 2022 On 1/13 by EBT, 1/17 by direct deposit, or when check arrives.
In January 2023 On 2/15 by EBT, 2/17 by direct deposit, or when check arrives.
In February 2023 On 3/15 by EBT, 3/17 by direct deposit, or when check arrives.
If you need more help with food
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2-1-1: The Vermont 211 database contains detailed descriptions of programs and services available. Visit https://vermont211.org/ or call 2-1-1.
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The Vermont Foodbank can connect you with statewide and local food resources. Visit http://www.vtfoodbank.org/coronavirus-services-for-individuals or call 1-800-585-2265.
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WIC offers healthy food and support for you if you are pregnant or a parent or caregiver for a child under the age of 5. Call 1-800-649-4357 or text VTWIC to 855-11.
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Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Older Vermonters (age 60+) who meet income requirements can get a box of non-perishable food items from various locations across the state. Call 1-800-214-4648 or visit https://www.vtfoodbank.org/share-food/csfp.
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Meals on Wheels: If you are age 60 or older, you may be able to pick up meals to go or have meals delivered to your home. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-642-5119.
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Meals for children 18 and under, call 2-1-1 or visit the USDA Meal Finder.
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Crop Cash: When you spend $10 of your 3SquaresVT at participating farmers markets, you get up to $10 free to spend on fruits, vegetables, and herbs. For a list of participating farmers markets visit nofavt.org/cropcash.
Learn more about 3SquaresVT at https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT.
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