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3SquaresVT Updates

This page is updated regularly with the latest news and information about 3SquaresVT. If you have questions about the information on this page, contact Ivy at ienoch@hungerfreevt.org.

Last updated: February 11, 2026

 

Important! Report work or exemption to keep 3SquaresVT +

Starting March 1st, 3,000 people could lose 3SquaresVT unless they report information to Economic Services about work, volunteer hours, or share info that excuses them from reporting work.

This is because there is a work reporting requirement for people who are 18-64 and are not disabled, pregnant,or caring for kids under 14. To get more than 3 months of benefits, you may have to report work, volunteer activity, or be excused from the work rule by meeting an exemption.

There are many ways to be exempt, including facing personal barriers to work, like experiencing homelessness, struggling with transportation for work, grieving a loss, and many other reasons.

For most people, simply providing info to Economic Services will prevent this loss of benefits. To learn more about how to report work or get an exemption:

FAQs: 3SquaresVT Work Reporting Requirement +

How do I know if I have to report information?

  • Economic Services sends 3SquaresVT households a notice in the mail ("Consolidated Work Notice") letting you know who has to report information.

  • Call ESD to talk about your case at 1-800-479-6151. For translation and interpretation services, call 1-855-247-3092.

  • Check out this screener to see if you may be subject to the rules. It's important to know that ESD may need information that they don't yet have to show you are exempt!

What are the exemptions?

  • Working 30hrs/wk OR earning $217.50/wk or $935.25/mo
  • Applied or approved for Unemployment
  • Enrolled in any Reach Up program
  • Care for child under 6 or someone who needs help caring for themself
  • Doctor says you can’t work for physical or mental reasons
  • In treatment for alcohol or drugs
  • Student studying half time or more
  • 16 or 17 and living with parent or caregiver
  • Under 18, over 64
  • Pregnant or live with a child under 14
  • Native American eligible for Indian Health Services
  • Have a personal obstacle or barrier to work

I have a personal barrier to work, what do I need to report?

You can get excused with a complete Form 210A. A community partner or service provider (someone from Vermont Foodbank, Community Action Organization, housing caseworker, social worker, etc.) can help you get excused for up to 12 months if you have a personal barrier to work.

They will need to fill out page 2 of the form for you, and upload it to the Document Uploader.

People are here to support you! Connect with a community partner:

  • Vermont Foodbank 3SquaresVT Team

If I'm not exempt, what do I need to report?

  • Report work hours for 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month
    • Work = employed, self-employed, unpaid work, or in-kind work
  • Report volunteer activity - hours based on benefit amount
  • Take part in approved job training program for 80hrs/month

What you have to report depends on how you meet the work rule. Note: There is no monthly reporting requirement. Info will be reviewed again at your renewal.

  • Employed: Submit 30 days of pay stubs or employer statement (Form 218E).
  • In-kind Work: Provide statement from the person or organization
  • Self-Employment: Self-declared income and hours (Form 204B).
  • Job Training Program: Provide statement from program or Form 218EPV
  • Volunteering/Workfare: Provide statement from the site or Form 218WFV

3SVT Work Rules Resources for Partners +

Help spread the word to make sure 3,000 Vermonters do not lose some or all of their grocery money on March 1st by staying enrolled in 3SquaresVT. Share any of the following messages on Front Porch Forum, local papers, social media, bulletins and more!

Simple Messages - Copy and paste to your Front Porch Forum, Newsletters, Social Media

Social Media Graphics

Flyers

County Sheets - coming soon

  • Addison
  • Bennington
  • Calendonia
  • Chittenden
  • Essex
  • Franklin
  • Grand Isle
  • Lamoille
  • Orange
  • Orleans
  • Rutland
  • Washington
  • Windham
  • Windsor
 

New Eligibility for Immigrant Households +

We have good news!

  • The federal government shared new rules for immigrants getting 3SquaresVT on December 9–10, 2025.
  • These rules explain that some people--including some Lawful Permanent Residents and Special Immigrant Visa holders who have been in the U.S. less than five years--can now get 3SquaresVT.
  • Some households that were told they were not eligible, and who lost benefits before, are now eligible.

What this means:

  • While only some immigrant households are newly eligible again, about 90 individuals will get their 3SquaresVT benefits back.
  • If a household was getting 3SquaresVT and their case was closed because of the federal rule change in immigrant eligibiltiy, their case will be reopened automatically. They will also get any back benefits they are owed.
  • This means no one will need to re-apply to get their benefits, and they will get benefits for the months their case was closed.

Households who were not getting 3SquaresVT before should apply now.

Note: If families got regular help in the form of money from community groups while not on 3SquaresVT, that money may count as income and should be reported. One-time payments do not count as income and don't need to be reported.

What to do:

  • If you think you are part of the automatic fix, wait for a notice in the mail.
  • If you have questions or changes to report, call Economic Services at 1-800-479-6151. You can call 1-855-247-3092 for a spoken language interpreter.

Protect your 3SquaresVT Benefits from Scammers! +

Heads up! We've learned that a new scam is going around Vermont right now, trying 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.

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.

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.