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Individuals & Families
Shopping with 3SquaresVT lets us buy the food we want, and the foods we know our kids and family like—all while supporting our local farmers, growers, and business owners.
To qualify for 3SquaresVT, an individual or family must meet income limits based on the number of people in the household.
Eligibility for 3SquaresVT benefits is based on household size, monthly expenses, and income. If you live with other people but buy and cook your food separately, you can apply separately. For income limits, click here.
Costs like rent or child care are considered when your 3SquaresVT benefit amount is determined and can give you a higher benefit amount. Resources like money in a savings account or property you own aren’t considered if your monthly income falls below the limit for your household size.
There are special rules that help military families and people who do not have a regular fixed nighttime residence. Click here to learn more about these special rules and requirements.
How does it work? +
When your 3SquaresVT application is approved, you will get an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card in the mail that looks and works like a debit card. 3SquaresVT benefits are added to your card at the beginning of every month. Unused benefits roll over into the next month and remain on your card for up to one year. You can use the card to buy food at grocery and convenience stores, farmers markets, and co-ops.
When you pay for groceries with your EBT card, the cost is automatically subtracted from your 3SquaresVT account. Your receipt tells you how much you have left in your 3SquaresVT account. You can also call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-914-8605, visit this website, or download the Providers app to your phone to find out how much money is left on your card.
How much can I get? +
Monthly benefit amounts are based on net monthly income and expenses like rent or mortgage payments, childcare, and medical expenses. Below are the maximum benefit amounts a household may receive.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| For each additional member | add $219 |
These limits are effective October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024
Where can I use 3SquaresVT? +
A trip to the grocery store with a 3SquaresVT EBT card looks the same as anyone else paying with a debit or credit card. Shop for foods like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Meat and dairy alternatives
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods such as snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for you to eat!
When you’re ready to check out, use your 3SquaresVT EBT card at the register just like a debit card. Pay as you usually would for any other chosen products that aren’t covered by 3SquaresVT benefits (like laundry detergent and pet food, for example).
You can use your 3SquaresVT benefits at over 600 retailers and 40 farmers markets in VT, and anywhere in the U.S. that accepts EBT.
Learn more about where to shop with 3SquaresVT.
Maintaining 3SquaresVT Benefits +
Once approved for 3SquaresVT, you will receive notices and forms throughout your certification period. In order to continue receiving 3SquaresVT, you’ll need to respond before the deadline that is included. Most households are certified for one year and your approval notice will tell you how long you are certified to receive benefits.
Reporting Changes:
Did you move? Did your income or housing costs go up or down? Has anyone joined or left your household? There are some changes that you must report within 10 days. Some changes may make you eligible for a higher monthly benefit. Click here to learn what you must report and how to report changes.
Interim Reports:
Most 3SquaresVT households will get an interim report halfway through their certification period. This short form will ask if any of your information has changed since applying. At this time you can report any changes. The form must be returned to Economic Services before the deadline or benefits will stop. There is no interview at this time.
Continuing Benefits (Recertification):
At the end of your certification period, you need to recertify in order to continue receiving benefits. Six weeks before your benefits are due to end, you will automatically receive a new application by mail. After you return your completed application, you will be contacted about an interview. The worker will tell you what documentation you need to resubmit during the interview.
Important Note:
Send in completed forms as soon as you can. If you do not return your recertification forms by the 15th of the last month of your certification period, your benefits may be stopped.
If you receive or are eligible for 3SquaresVT benefits, you may be eligible for many other programs that could help you and your family with additional costs including school meals, fuel assistance, and more. Learn more about other program benefits.