3SquaresVT Updates

The Government Shutdown +

November 13th Update:

Last night, Congress ended the longest government shutdown in the history of our country by passing a funding bill. That means that SNAP is fully funded for the year, through September 30, 2026.

Full November 3SquaresVT benefits will go out starting November 14th.

If you usually get 3SquaresVT benefits on your EBT Card, you will get that as you usually would tomorrow, November 14th.

If you usually get 3SquaresVT benefits as direct deposit, you will get that as you usually would on Monday, November 17th. This is because of banking schedules over the weekend.

Everyone will get 100% of their full monthly 3SquaresVT benefits because federal funding has resumed.

Even if you received the first half of your benefit on November 7th (this was state funded because there was a lapse in federal funding), you will still get a full monthly benefit amount beginning November 14th.

So, if you usually get $200 a month, you can expect to get $200 on your EBT Card tomorrow (Friday, November 14), or direct deposit on Monday (November 17th).

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.