3SquaresVT Updates

Timely Updates +

Changes to 3SquaresVT on October 1, 2024

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

  Click here for new income limits and benefit amounts.

An additional federal change to 3SquaresVT occured on October 1, 2024. The age range of people who are subject to time limited work rules increased from 52 to 54 years old. For more information click here.

Finally, a state change to 3SquaresVT eligibiltiy for Community College of Vermont students occured on October 1, 2024.

• Generally, students enrolled more than half-time in higher ed are only eligible for 3SquaresVT if they meet a student work requirement or exemption, in addition to all other eligibility requirements.
• Students enrolled in one of the following Community College of Vermont programs are newly exempt from the student work rule:
  • A two-year associate degree program (w/ exception of liberal studies program) OR
  • Any certificate program

P-EBT: Pandemic EBT Benefits can still be used if families still have them!

• Did you know that P-EBT Benefits only expire if you don’t use them for 9 months straight?
• If you still have P-EBT Benefits, be sure to USE them! Support our local economy, farmers, and growers--and your grocery budget!
• Don’t know your balance? Need a replacement P-EBT card? Have questions?
  • Call the number on the back of the EBT card or log onto ebtEdge, OR
  • Call 1-800-479-6151 and select option 7 to speak to a customer service representative. They can help you get a replacement P-EBT Card.
  • Visit a local district office near you.

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.

Help Spread the Word about Summer EBT This Summer!

Summer EBT is a program that helps families get groceries during the summer break when school meals aren't available. Families that qualify receive $120 per eligible child to buy groceries!

People who receive 3SquaresVT and have school-aged children will automatically get the benefit. Others may need to apply. To learn more about Summer EBT, click here.

The application for this year’s Summer EBT benefits closed on 9/4/2024. Parents and guardians can apply for the 2024/2025 school year. The state agency will issue the benefits for the 2024/2025 school year during the summer of 2025.

COVID-19 Related Changes to 3SquaresVT +

Last updated: 1/16/24 - no new updates anticipated to this section.

For nearly three years, under the federal public health emergency, there have been certain temporary changes to 3SquaresVT, including more money given to participants, suspended work requirements, and relaxed rules for college students. Some things have changed since Congress passed a big bill at the end of December 2022, and since the federal public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023. These changes will impact everyone enrolled in 3SquaresVT.

• 3SquaresVT Benefits: The monthly 3SquaresVT benefit amount that a household gets on the 1st of the month is based on their monthly income and expenses. There is a minimum benefit amount of $23 and a maximum benefit amount which is different depending on the size of the household. From March 2020 - March 2023, all 3SquaresVT households received an additional benefit mid-way through every month of $95 or more. This additional benefit ended after March 2023.

  Learn more about these changes here. Translated versions of this document can be found here.

• Suspended Work Requirements: Time Limited Benefits for certain households were suspended for the last three years during the public health emergency. They went back into effect on July 1, 2023 Additional changes to Time Limited Benefits occured on September 1 and October 1, 2023. For information about work requirements visit this page.

• Relaxed rules for college students: Under normal rules, college and graduate students enrolled at least 1/2 time must meet a work requirement or qualify for an exemption to be excused from the work requirement. During the federal public health emergency, two exemptions to the work requriement were put in place temporarily for 1) students with an Expected Family Contribution of $0 and 2) students eligible for state or federal work study. These temporary exemptionx expired in June 2023, but college and graduate students will still be able to apply under the regular rules.

Learn more about college student rules here.

How to Apply +

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.