Older Vermonters

How does it work? +

For many older Vermonters, there is no limit to the resources you may have, like owning a car or house or having a certain amount of savings. If everyone in a Vermont household is 65+ or receives Supplemental Security Income, 3SquaresVT benefits are deposited as cash directly into a bank account.

You may be able to get a higher monthly 3SquaresVT benefit each month if you have medical costs not covered by insurance. Medical costs are things like:

• Over-the-counter medications
• Insurance premiums
• Medical supplies
• Dentures
• Prescriptions
• Home health aid (nurse)

Once you’re approved for benefits, you will be mailed an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card that looks and works like a debit card. Your monthly benefits will be automatically loaded onto the card. If you live in a household where everyone is 65+, you can get 3SquaresVT benefits in the form of cash deposited to your bank account. You can use cash or a check to buy food. If you do not have a bank account, you can get 3SquaresVT benefits in the form of cash on the 3SquaresVT card.

How much can I get? +

Monthly benefit amounts are based on households' net income and expenses. Check out the 3SquaresVT Eligibiltiy Screener to see how much you may be eligible to receive.

These limits are effective October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024

Where can I use 3SquaresVT? +

A trip to the grocery store with 3SquaresVT looks the same as anyone else. Simply go to your favorite grocery store and shop for groceries like:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• 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. If you receive your 3SquaresVT benefits as cash into your bank account, simply use your debit card or pay with cash.

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. Click here to find a store near you that accepts 3SquaresVT benefits as payment. Click here to learn more about buying food at farmers markets!

Maintaining 3SquaresVT Benefits +

If your application is approved, you will not need to reapply for benefits until the end of your certification period. If everyone in your 3SquaresVT household is 65 or older or has a disability, you will be able to get 3SquaresVT benefits for up to 3 years before you will be asked to fill out another application.

Halfway through your certification period, you’ll need to complete an interim report (unless you enrolled via 3SquaresVT in a SNAP), which is a short paper form. This form will ask if any of your information has changed since applying. At this time you can report any changes. It must be returned to Economic Services before the deadline or benefits will stop. There is no interview at this time.

Six weeks before the end of your certification period, you will be mailed a recertification form (202 Form); complete and return it to Economic Services for review. If your recertification is approved, you will be approved for another certification of 3SquaresVT benefits. If denied, you will have an interview with a caseworker. The following changes must be reported within 10 days after the month in which the change occured:

• If anyone in the household is newly employed or self-employed
• If anyone in the household moves in/out
• If anyone in the household has a baby