Food & Nutrition

Vermont 3SquaresVT

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

3SquaresVT (formerly known as Food Stamps and federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Vermont pay for food.

If you're approved for 3SquaresVT benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Vermont EBT Card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your Vermont EBT Card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Vermont to buy program-approved food items. You can also make 3SquaresVT purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does 3SquaresVT Food Assistance work?

3SquaresVT is run by the Vermont Agency of Human Services Department for Children and Families, Economic Services Division (ESD). ESD county offices across the state provide local support for people who receive 3SquaresVT and other types of public assistance.

3SquaresVT can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are 3SquaresVT-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the 3SquaresVT application process like in Vermont?

While the idea of applying for 3SquaresVT may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or ESD case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for 3SquaresVT food assistance:

Check your eligibility: Answer a few quick questions on the Vermont Food Help website to see if you may qualify for food assistance.
Fill out an application: You can apply for 3SquaresVT online, in person, or by mail. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have an in-person or phone interview with an ESD case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most Vermont 3SquaresVT applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for 3SquaresVT benefits, you will receive your Vermont EBT Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for 3SquaresVT?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for 3SquaresVT, you and all household members applying for benefits must meet the following requirements:

You are a resident of Vermont.
You are a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen meeting other eligibility rules.
You have a Social Security number (or have applied for one).
You meet any work requirements currently in place for able-bodied adults.
You meet the income guidelines.

The amount of money you will get in 3SquaresVT benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the 3SquaresVT food assistance income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get 3SquaresVT benefits. In Vermont, most households must meet a gross income limit of 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and a net income limit of 100% FPL.

NOTE: If your household earns more than the gross monthly income limits, you still may be eligible for food assistance if you received the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) last year or are over 60 years old or getting disability benefits.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the 3SquaresVT income limit. A case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

A standard deduction based on household size
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 maximum amount
Some medical expenses for household members age 60+ or with a disability

What are the 3SquaresVT resource limits?

Resources refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate).

There is generally no resource limit for 3SquaresVT in Vermont. If your household has a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability, and you did not meet the gross income test, you can alternatively qualify under the federal SNAP rules. Under these rules, there is no gross income limit, but there is a resource limit of $4,500.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. To apply for 3SquaresVT, you will need the following for everyone in your household (try to gather as much of it as possible):

Identification for you or the head of the household (a driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
Social Security numbers, birthdates, and proof of citizenship status for each person in the household
Proof of earned income for each person (pay stubs, etc.)
Proof of any unearned income you receive, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Your household's monthly bills, including child care, child support, and dependent care services for adults with disabilities
Medical bills for anyone over 60 or who has a disability
How much money each household member has in cash, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, etc. (in certain cases)

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your 3SquaresVT application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your 3SquaresVT application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for 3SquaresVT in Vermont?

There are several ways to apply for 3SquaresVT. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for 3SquaresVT is online through the MyBenefits portal. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply on MyBenefits portal

To apply online:

Go to the MyBenefits portal and click ‘Get Started.’
- If you already have an account, click ‘MyBenefits Application.’
- If you do not have an account, click the link under ‘Create an Account.’
Once you’ve logged in to your account, click ‘Apply for Benefits.’ On the next screen, click ‘Begin a new application.’
Follow the prompts to complete your benefits application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
For help, call the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151.
If English is not your primary language, click on the drop-down menu at the top right of your screen and choose the correct language. If you need an interpreter, call 1-855-247-3092.

APPLY BY MAIL

To apply for 3SquaresVT by mail, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the benefits application that you can download and print out at home:

Application for Benefits (English)

Once you have completed the application, you may then drop it off or mail it to your local ESD district office, or to:

DCF, Economic Services Division
Application and Document Processing Center
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1500

You can also submit your completed benefits application online by using the online document uploader.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP

Is everyone in your household age 60 or older, or receiving disability benefits, with no earned income? If so, 3SquaresVT in a SNAP (3SNP) is the easiest way to apply for and receive 3SquaresVT benefits. You can apply for 3SquaresVT (and ECP fuel benefits) all in one simple application.

After your 3SNP application is approved, you are automatically enrolled in three years of benefits. No additional paperwork is needed. Note: If you don't qualify for 3SNP, you may still qualify for 3SquaresVT.

To apply for 3SNP, download and print the application or call 1-800-479-6151 to request a copy be mailed to you. The completed application can then be mailed, dropped off, or uploaded online per the ‘Apply by Mail’ instructions above.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get expedited (fast) 3SquaresVT benefits (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You must meet at least one of the following conditions to receive expedited benefits:

Your income is less than $150 per month and you have less than $100 on hand or in the bank right now.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and have little or no income right now.
Your monthly rent or mortgage plus utilities cost more than your monthly income plus any cash you have on hand or in the bank.

Need food today? Visit the Vermont Foodbank website to find local resources while you wait for your 3SquaresVT application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your 3SquaresVT application. You can:

Call the EDS Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151.
Dial 2-1-1 or text ‘VFBSNAP’ to 85511. If you are age 60 or older, call the Vermont Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for personalized assistance.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for 3SquaresVT in Vermont?

It can take up to 30 days to process your 3SquaresVT application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you will need to complete an interview. This interview can take place in person at your local district office or over the phone. ESD can interview you—or someone you choose to represent you.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from ESD, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my 3SquaresVT interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your ESD case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your 3SquaresVT interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for 3SquaresVT benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for 3SquaresVT?

If you are approved for 3SquaresVT, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Vermont, that period is 12 months. People age 60 and older and those with disabilities on fixed incomes may have a certification period of 24 months. Households that qualify for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP automatically have a certification period of 3 years.

Shortly after you are approved for 3SquaresVT, you will receive your Vermont EBT Card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, 3SquaresVT benefits will be deposited on the 1st of every month. Note: If everyone in your household is age 65 or older or receiving SSI, your benefits will be deposited into your bank account as cash.

Other important tips to know

What if my 3SquaresVT application is denied?

Your 3SquaresVT decision notice will include instructions for requesting an appeal if you do not agree with the decision. You have 90 days to make this request.

How can I view my 3SquaresVT benefits information?

You can log in to the MyBenefits website to check the status of your 3SquaresVT application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my Vermont EBT card?

The best way to know your EBT card balance is to keep your last store receipt. If you lose your last receipt and need to know your balance, call EBT Customer Service (24/7) at 1-800-914-8605. You can also visit the ebtEDGE website. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your 3SquaresVT benefit amount within 10 days of the change. This can be done by completing an Agreement to Report Changes form. Reportable changes may include:

A change in household size
An increase in household income
Reduced work hours

When should you renew your 3SquaresVT benefits in Vermont?

Vermont food assistance households must complete the recertification process at the end of their certification period in order to continue receiving benefits. Toward the end of your certification period, you will receive a renewal package. It will contain information on how to renew your benefits, which can be done online, in person, or by mail.

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