Am I Eligible? +

People admitted for lawful residence as one of the following statuses are eligible so long as they meet this non-citizen criteria:

Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) are eligible for 3SquaresVT if:

• They've lived in the U.S. for 5 years, or
• They, their parents, and/or spouse have worked in the U.S. for 10 years total, or
• They meet military requirements (active duty, Veteran)
• They're receiving disability benefits, or
• They're under 18 (even if parents are ineligible)

Other non-citizens may be eligible for 3SquaresVT if they meet one of the following:

• Amerasian
• COFA Citizen
• Canadian Born Native American
• Cuban Entrant
• Haitian Entrant
• Hmong or Highland Laotian Tribal Member

These groups of non-citizens enrolled in 3SquaresVT retain their eligibilty without having to meet the LPR requirements fi or when their immigration status is converted to LPR.

Mixed Status Families: If someone isn't eligible, it is allowable to get 3SquaresVT for other eligible family members, such as their child who is a U.S. citizen. Parents or guardians may complete applications for children without applying for benefits for themselves. They will be considered "ineligible members."

Ineligible members will not have to give a social security number or answer questions about their immigration status, nor will anyone else who lives in the house who is not applying to get benefits.

ESD is is not allowed to ask for more information than is required to determine eligibility and can't ask the guardians applying on behalf of children any additional questions about their status. ESD does not store information about the non-applicants' immigration status.

Note: Changes to immigrant eligibility went into effect on October 1, 2025. This page reflects those changes.

To apply, click here.

FAQs +

• Will I have problems getting my green card if I get 3SquaresVT benefits?
  No. Getting 3SquaresVT benefits or other non-cash assistance will not count against you when you apply for your green card.

• Can my child get 3SquaresVT benefits even if I do not qualify?
  Yes. Even if you can't get 3SquaresVT benefits for yourself, your lawfully residing child under 18 can get benefits. If you apply for 3SquaresVT on behalf of your child, you will not have to give a social security number or answer questions about your immigration status. However, you will have to give information about your income and resources.

• If I apply for 3SquaresVT, will the people who live with me have to answer questions about their immigration status?
  People who live in the house but do not want or are not eligible for 3SquaresVT benefits will not have to show any immigration papers or give their social security number. Those who do not provide their SSN (or citizenship documentation) will be excluded from the household, however their income and resources may count.

• Will the Department for Children and Families Economic Services Division (ESD) report me to Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) if I refuse to answer questions about my immigration status?
  No. If you do not want to answer questions about your immigration status, DCF and ESD are not allowed to ask you any more questions or try to find out about your immigration status from anyone else. They will not report you to ICE.

• Can I get an interpreter to help me apply for 3SquaresVT benefits?
  Yes. If you need someone to help you communicate, you can ask for a spoken language interpreter, and ESD will pay for it. Call 1-855-247-3092 for a spoken language interpreter.

• I applied for 3SquaresVT and was denied. What can I do?
  If you think you are eligible for 3SquaresVT benefits, you can call the Benefits Center and ask for an explanation. You can also appeal ESD’s decision, you must file for an appeal within 90 days by writing or calling the ESD office (writing is the best way). Vermont Law Help can give you a lawyer or paralegal to talk with you, call 1-800-747-5022 to learn more.

If you need help or have questions, please call the Benefits Service Center at 1-855-247-3092.

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 learn more about shopping with 3SquaresVT.