3SquaresVT Updates

The Government Shutdown +

On October 1, 2025 the federal government shut down because they did not pass an annual funding bill in time. 3SquaresVT benefits were issued for October and can be used normally. The state SNAP agency (ESD) is still operating as usual. WIC benefits and funding for school meal programs are also operating as usual.

Here are some more things to know...

• You can still apply for 3SquaresVT during a shutdown.
• If your case has to be renewed, please complete that process as you normally would.
• You can still use your October 3SquaresVT benefits as normal.

What about November benefits?

We wanted to provide an update on the most recent information we know about potential impacts to November 3SquaresVT benefits at this current moment.Here is what we know right now:

• Benefits: The Department for Children and Families (DCF) issued a press release on 10/22 stating that, due to the ongoing federal shutdown, November benefits may not be issued by the federal government.

• EBT Processors: DCF has reason to believe that the system used to process EBT transactions MAY be disabled starting November 1st if the federal government remains shut down. They have no confirmation at this time but want folks to be aware of the possibility.

• DCF is still open: DCF is still accepting 3SquaresVT applications and recertification paperwork. It is important for people to keep applying for benefits because if they are found to be eligible for benefits, they will receive them as backdated when the government reopens.

• State Action: Vermont state officials are working hard right now to make sure Vermonters have their food needs met in November in the event that the federal government remains shut down. This may include leveraging state funding in place of a lapse in federal benefits. We are not sure at this time what the process will be, and it may take a few weeks to be finalized.

We will likely have more information early next week. We will do everything we can to share the most updated, accurate information possible.

Tracking Federal Changes to 3SquaresVT +

Last updated: October 21, 2025

This summer, the federal government passed a bill that made changes to SNAP/3SquaresVT.

Changes: Some people may have seen changes in their benefits or eligiblity on October 1, 2025.

• For a one-page summary of eligibility changes to 3SquaresVT, including dates of when these changes will occur, click here. If you can't access this document, please scroll down.

If you have questions about your eligibility, call

• ESD Benefits Specialist Line: 1-800-479-6151

• For a spoken language interpreter: 1-855-247-3092.

• If you are 60 or older, call the Helpline: 1-800-642-5119 for personalized assistance.

For multilingual videos about changes to eligibility for immigrants, click here.

Federal changes to 3SquaresVT will impact people in Vermont.

Here is what we know now:

• Changes to 3SquaresVT went into effect on October 1st, 2025. This may have impacted your monthly benefit amount or eligibility for 3SquaresVT.

  • Did your benefit go up? This may have been because of automatic annual changes to 3SquaresVT that occur to reflect adjustments in cost of living.

  • Did your benefit go down? This may have been because of a change to 3SquaresVT by the federal government that adjusted what ESD counts as your utility cost, or because someone in your household does not meet non-citizen eligibility anymore.

  • Did your case close? This may have been because you no longer qualified for a benefit amount based on changes to 3SquaresVT by the federal government related to how utility costs are counted, or non-citizen eligibility.

• You have a right to appeal changes or decisions about your case.
• If you think you qualify for 3SquaresVT, it’s worth it to learn more.

3SquaresVT Eligibility for Immigrants

• Eligibility for immigrants will be limited to:
  • Lawful Permanent Residents if:
    • disabled,
    • under 18,
    • have legally resided in the U.S. for 5 years
    • Active-duty military or veterans including spouses and dependent children
  • Cuban and Haitian entrants,
  • Amerasians,
  • Hmong or Highland Laotian Tribal Members, and
  • COFA citizens.
• Refugees, people granted asylum, and other previously eligible immigrants will no longer qualify.
• Children or other eligible household members may still qualify even if their parents or household members no longer qualify.

3SquaresVT Work Rules

• Some adults on 3SquaresVT without disabilities have to report work to keep benefits for more than 3 months, unless they meet an exemption. DCF-ESD calls this the “Time Limited Benefit Work Requirement.” This rule was expanded to more people who will need to report to DCF-ESD if they are meeting the work rule or meet an exemption:

  • Adults 18-64
  • Adults living with children 14 and older
  • Veterans
  • People experiencing homelessness
  • People under 25 who were in foster care at age 18

• No one is at risk of losing 3SquaresVT because of work rules until February 2026, but it’s important for people to let DCF-ESD know if they are exempt, because it may help them keep benefits for longer. Learn more about work rules here.

3SquaresVT Utility Expenses

Everyone used to get an automatic utility deduction (Standard Utility Allowance), which simplified paperwork and often provided a higher benefit amount. Now, only households with an older or disabled member automatically get the utility deduction. For all other households, this deduction is available if you pay any amount of heating or cooling, and it may give you a higher benefit amount.

Annual Changes to 3SquaresVT 10/1/25 +

Every year, the 3SquaresVT program is updated to reflect changes to the program with federal annual cost of living adjustments. Changes include

• Income Eligibility Limits
• Monthly Benefit Amounts
• Some changes to Deductions

This year, income limits and benefit amounts have increased modestly.

Don't let your 3SquaresVT Benefits expire! +

Did you know that 3SquaresVT Benefits only expire if you don't use your EBT Card at all for 9 months?

If your Benefits are at risk of expiring (or being "expunged"), you will receive a notice in the mail from ESD stating that your Benefits may be expunged.

It's easy prevent your Benefits from expiring: just use your EBT card at least once to be sure 9 months don't pass without you using it.

You have multiple ways to find out your EBT Card balance:

• Call the number on the back of the EBT card or log onto ebtEdge, or
• Call  1-800-479-6151 and speak to a customer service representative, or
• Visit a local district office.

Protect your 3SquaresVT Benefits from Scammers! +

Heads up! Scammers are on the prowl, and may try to steal your 3SquaresVT benefits. They may call, text, or email you.

Remember, NEVER share your EBT card number or personal info unless YOU are the preson reaching out directly to an ESD worker.

If you receive any suspicious emails or calls asking for this info, remember: it's a scam! Spread the word and keep your benefits safe.

If you suspect you are a victim of a scam and have had benefits stolen, click here to learn more or call 1-800-479-6151 and speak to a customer service representative.

How to Apply for 3SquaresVT +

Current economic hardship is impacting all of us, and many people who have not used 3SquaresVT in the past are newly eligible. If your financial situation has changed, you may be eligible for 3SquaresVT.

To get help applying

• Call 2-1-1
• Text ‘VFBSNAP’ to 85511
• If you are 60 or older, call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for personalized assistance.
• For information and help in other languages call 1-855-247-3092.
• If you have questions and need to speak with a state Benefits Specalist, call the helpline at (800) 479-6151.

For more information about the 3SquaresVT application, click here.

For frequently asked questions, click here.