Vermont 3SquaresVT

A healthy diet helps us stay strong, active, and independent as we get older. 3SquaresVT (formerly known as Food Stamps and nationally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Vermont afford nutritious food and eat better on a budget.

If you're approved for 3SquaresVT benefits, you’ll get an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Vermont EBT Card. This card works just like a prepaid debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Vermont to buy food. You can also make 3SquaresVT food purchases on Amazon.

It’s worth checking 3SquaresVT eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.Find out if you’re eligible right now by using the screening tool (click here).

Frequently asked questions

• How does 3SquaresVT food assistance work?

• What is the 3SquaresVT application process like in Vermont?

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

• How do I apply for 3SquaresVT in Vermont?

• What happens after I apply for 3SquaresVT in Vermont?

• How can I get help with my application?

• Other important tips to know

How does 3SquaresVT Food Assistance work?

3SquaresVT helps people with low income afford the food they need to stay healthy. If you’re eligible, you can use your benefits to buy groceries each month, like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, bread, and seeds to grow food. 3SquaresVT can help free up money in your budget for other needs, like utility bills, prescriptions, and medical care.

This food assistance program is run by the Vermont Agency of Human Services Department for Children and Families, Economic Services Division (ESD). Local ESD offices help people apply for 3SquaresVT, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions.

What is the 3SquaresVT application process like in Vermont?

Applying for 3SquaresVT is easier than you may think. A friend, family member, or ESD case worker can help you through the process.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for 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. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You don’t need any documents to start the application, but you must complete and submit your application before you can get 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 reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you need food now, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster.

• Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for 3SquaresVT benefits, you will receive your Vermont EBT Card in the mail.

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, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

• 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 (and sometimes asset) guidelines. Special rules apply to households with older adults (60+) and people with disabilities. This can make it easier to qualify, even if your income looks too high.

What are the 3SquaresVT work requirements in Vermont?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP (3SquaresVT) work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. The age limit for these rules used to be 55.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get 3SquaresVT benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local ESD office to find out what these new work rules mean for you.

How much can I get in 3SquaresVT benefits?

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

If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP (3SquaresVT) benefit for a one-person household is $188.

What are the 3SquaresVT food assistance income limits?

There are income guidelines to qualify for 3SquaresVT. In Vermont, most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. But special SNAP give more flexibility to people who are age 60+ or have a disability. That’s why many older adults are surprised they qualify for help and get more than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.

The general SNAP guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Your local ESD office can tell you if you qualify. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum gross monthly income (185% FPL)

1 $ 2,414

2 $ 3,262

3 $ 4,109

4 $ 4,958

5 $ 5,805

For each additional person, add: +$ 849

Source: 3SquaresVT - SNAP Eligibility (October 2025)

Some SNAP households may also have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home). Your ESD worker will tell you if an asset limit applies to your household.

How do I apply for 3SquaresVT in Vermont?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and your benefit amount. Before you start, gather the following to make things easier:

• 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 want a friend or family member to help you gather documents, complete your SNAP application, and join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative.

Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for 3SquaresVT is online through the MyBenefits portal. All your personal information is kept 100% private and protected by special security technology.

Apply on MyBenefits portal

To apply online:

• Go to the MyBenefits portal.

• 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 info and log back in later 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. You can save your application 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 ‘Languages’ at the top right of your screen. On the next screen, choose your correct language from the drop-down menu. 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.

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 food assistance benefits. You can apply for 3SquaresVT (and ECP fuel benefits) at the same time.

After your 3SNP application is approved, you are automatically enrolled in 3 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 you need food now. 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.

• Call or stop by your local ESD office.

• 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 the Vermont Foodbank website and fill out this form. Someone will contact you.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-855-534-1245](tel:+18555341245) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.

What happens after I apply for 3SquaresVT in Vermont?

It can take up to 30 days to review your 3SquaresVT application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited/faster 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 have an interview. This 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 your local office, check your mail regularly and pick up the phone, even if you don’t recognize the number.

What can I expect during my 3SquaresVT interview?

Don’t worry. The interview is not a test. The worker is just checking the information you already gave. Your ESD case worker can also explain the program, answer your questions, and help you get any papers you’re having trouble finding.

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?

Practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with someone else. It will help you feel less nervous and answer all questions correctly.

Once all your information is received, you will get a letter telling you if you were approved or denied for 3SquaresVT benefits. If you are approved, the notice will show your benefit amount and when benefits will start. If you are denied, the notice will tell you why.

What happens after I am approved for 3SquaresVT?

If you are approved for 3SquaresVT, the letter you get will show your monthly benefit amount and how long you’ll get benefits for. For most households in Vermont, that period is 12 months. People age 60+ and those with disabilities on fixed incomes may get benefits for 24 months. Households that qualify for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP can get food benefits for 3 years.

You will receive your Vermont EBT Card in the mail. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. 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?

If your application for 3SquaresVT is denied and you disagree with the reason, you can request an appeal. A judge will review your case. The letter you receive from ESD will tell you how to ask for an appeal.

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?…