How To Apply For Food Stamps In Vermont

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a Vermont Express Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in Vermont. If you have additional questions or concerns about the Vermont SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the Vermont Department of Families and Children for assistance.

Who is eligible for Vermont Food Stamps?
You may be eligible for 3SquaresVT if:

• Your gross household income is equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) - regardless of the resources you own.
• Your gross household income is over 185% of FPL but your household includes someone age 60+ or with a disability. They will consider the resources you own (e.g., bank accounts and vehicles) with some exceptions (e.g., your home and certain retirement accounts).
• You have children and get the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit.

Income Guidelines for 3SquaresVT
To get a monthly payment, your net household income must be less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) based on household size. Net household income = gross income minus allowable deductions.

Allowable Deductions
Allowable 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); and
• Some medical expenses for household members age 60+ or with a disability.

How do I apply for 3SquaresVT?

Apply one of three ways

• ONLINE: Click here to go to our online application.
• BY MAIL: Call 1-800-479-6151 or visit a district office to get a paper application. Or click here to download the Vermont food stamp application online.
• IN PERSON: Apply in person at your local district office.

Participate in an interview
You'll have to complete an interview - by phone or in person - before they can make a decision about your eligibility. They will tell you about the interview process after you apply.

• Send any additional documents requested.
• After you submit your application, They may ask you to provide additional documents to verify certain information. Please send copies. Originals may not be returned.

What if I have questions? Need help applying?

• Call 1-800-479-6151 (Monday to Thursday, 8AM to 5:45 PM and Friday, 8AM - 4:15 PM);
• Visit a district office during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 7:45AM to 4:30 PM);

How much can I get?
The benefits you may receive will depend on your household size, income, and expenses. The average monthly benefit per household is about $235.

How does the monthly payment work?
If anyone in your household is under 65, your monthly benefit will be added to an EBT card called Vermont Express. It can be used to buy food at many stores and farmers' markets much like you'd use a bankcard or credit card. Click here to get more information about how the card works and where you can use it. If everyone in your household is 65 or older or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your benefits will be deposited as cash directly into your bank account. Using 3SquaresVT to buy food is easy and convenient.

Additional Benefit For Families with School-Age Children
If you're eligible for a monthly benefit, have a school-age child, AND your child's school participates in a federal meals program, they will notify the school that your child qualifies for free meals, unless you ask them not to. You won't have to fill out the school's meal application form.

The Vermont SNAP Application Process

Step One: Gather information about the people living in your home.

• Dates of birth and Social Security numbers for those applying for benefits
• Pay stubs for earned income
• Check stubs for unearned income (e.g., alimony, child support, Unemployment Insurance, Workers Comp)
• Information about your resources (e.g., bank accounts, investment accounts property)
• Household bills (e.g., fuel, phone, and electric)

Step Two: Read the information below.

• To get the ball rolling sooner, you may choose to submit an incomplete application as long as it includes your name, address, and electronic signature. Complete submit the rest of the application soon after.
• If you're applying for 3SquaresVT, they'll ask you questions to see if you're eligible for benefits within 7 days.
• You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for each person applying for benefits.
• While you don’t have to provide SSNs for people not applying, you do need to give information such as their incomes and resources.
• Only U.S. citizens and certain legal immigrants can get benefits. If your household includes people not eligible because of their immigration status, you can still apply for those who are eligible.
• You don’t have to provide immigration information for people not applying, but you do need to give information such as their incomes and resources.

Step Three: Complete Submit the Application

• Answer the questions completely and honestly. They'll verify the information you provide with other sources, including federal, state, and local agencies.
• Complete all information marked with a red asterisk*.
• Be sure to read your rights and responsibilities. Print a copy for your records.
• Sign and submit your application.

Step Four: Participate in an interview and orientation if required.
If you apply for 3SquaresVT or Reach Up, you'll have to complete an interview - by phone or in person - before they can make a decision about your eligibility. They will inform you about the interview process after you apply. Reach Up applicants may also need to attend an orientation.

Step Five: Send any additional documents requested.
After you submit your application, they may ask you to provide further documentation (e.g., driver’s license, ID card, immigration documents, pay stubs, bills, forms, etc.) to verify certain information. Please send copies of personal documents. Originals may not be returned.

Other Things You Should Know About Your Application

• If submitted after 4:30pm or on a weekend/holiday, the filing date is the next business day.
• If not submitted within 30 days, your information will be deleted and you'll have to start over.