SNAP Benefits in Vermont: How to Apply and Qualify

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps you and your family afford healthy food. This federal program provides monthly funds to low-income Vermont households to purchase groceries and eat well.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Vermont

To determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Vermont, the program looks at your household's gross monthly income. Vermont uses a guideline called “expanded categorical eligibility,” which sets the income limit at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level for most households.

Maximum benefit amounts are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture each year. The figures below are for the 2025 fiscal year, running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Vermont SNAP benefits 2026 amounts will be updated closer to that time.

Household of 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,322
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $292 per month
Household of 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,152
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $535 per month
Household of 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,981
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $766 per month
Household of 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,810
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $975 per month
Household of 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,640
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,155 per month
Household of 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $6,469
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,386 per month
Household of 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $7,299
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,532 per month
Household of 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,128
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,751 per month
Household of 9:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,958
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,971 per month
Household of 10:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $9,788
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $2,191 per month

For households larger than ten, add $830 to the gross monthly income limit for each additional person. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra member.

Program rules can change. For the most current details on income guidelines, allowable deductions, and net-income tests, please visit the official Vermont SNAP site.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Vermont

To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for Vermont, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross and net monthly income must fall below specific amounts, although most households do not have an asset limit.
Residency Requirements: You must live in Vermont and intend to purchase and prepare your food in the state.
Citizenship Status: At least one person in your household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, such as a refugee or asylee.
Work Requirements: Most adults must follow general work rules, while able-bodied adults without dependents face time-limited benefits unless they meet specific exemptions.
Special Conditions: Different rules affect Vermont SNAP benefits eligibility for seniors, people with disabilities, and students, and households on SSI or Reach Up automatically pass the gross income test.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Vermont

You can apply for SNAP benefits, known as 3SquaresVT, online, by mail, or in person. Each method requires you to provide information about your household, income, and expenses to determine your eligibility.

Apply Online

Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the application at your own pace, save your progress, and upload required documents directly through the state's web portal.

Visit the official 3SquaresVT website to start.
Create an account to fill out the application form.
Submit your application along with electronic copies of any necessary documents.

Apply In Person

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply at any of the 12 Economic Services Division (ESD) district offices. Staff can help you fill out the form and answer any questions you may have.

Find your nearest district office location and hours online.
Bring identification and any documents you have regarding income, expenses, and household members.

Apply By Mail

Applying by mail is a good option if you lack reliable internet access or cannot visit an office. You can download the application form online or request that one be mailed to you.

Download and print the application form from the Vermont DCF website.
Fill it out completely and mail it to the Economic Services Division.
Remember to include copies of any required documents with your application.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Vermont

For help with your application, call the Economic Services Division at 1-800-479-6151. Representatives can assist with applications, recertifications, and benefit questions.
Staff are available Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

See Vermont EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Vermont

After approval, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, covering what you can purchase and where to shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it like a debit card, but specifically for your food assistance funds. This card, also known as the Vermont EBT Card, allows you to purchase groceries at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe or insert your card into the reader and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card to pay for your eligible food items.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items for your household. This includes most groceries that you would prepare at home. You can easily track your SNAP balance for these purchases using the Benny app.

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your SNAP benefits. The restrictions generally apply to non-food items, alcohol, and foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. Ineligible items include:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods sold to be eaten in the store
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your food assistance. This includes checking your balance and knowing your deposit schedule.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Vermont

In Vermont, SNAP benefits are deposited on the first of every month for all households. This simple schedule makes it easy to plan your monthly grocery budget without checking case numbers or last names.

You can check your specific payment date in our Vermont deposit schedule.

See Vermont EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You have several ways to check your balance, including the online portal, the phone number on your card, your last store or ATM receipt, or an app like Benny, which also offers cashback.

Check out our guide that covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your Vermont EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

In Vermont, you typically need to recertify your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The state will mail you a recertification packet that includes your specific deadline. Submitting your renewal application on time prevents any interruption in receiving your monthly food assistance.

You will need to provide updated documents, such as recent pay stubs, proof of housing expenses like rent or mortgage, and utility bills. You can submit your recertification online, by mail, or in person at your local district office.

Special SNAP Services in Vermont

Vermont offers special SNAP services for residents in unique situations. These programs can provide emergency food assistance, replace lost food, or simplify the application process.

Expedited 3SquaresVT (Emergency SNAP)

This service provides your first month of benefits within seven days if you have little to no cash. It helps you buy food immediately after a crisis like job loss or sudden hardship.

You may qualify with very low income, if housing costs exceed your income, or if you are a migrant farmworker. Apply for 3SquaresVT and then call 1-800-479-6151 to request expedited service.

Replacement SNAP Benefits After Food Loss

If food you bought with SNAP is destroyed by a disaster like a flood, fire, or power outage, this service restores your benefits so your household does not go hungry.

Current 3SquaresVT households can request replacement benefits. You must report the loss within 10 days by calling 1-800-479-6151 or submitting the required loss report form.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

After a major disaster is declared by the president, D-SNAP offers temporary food aid. It helps households that do not normally qualify for SNAP buy groceries while they recover from the disaster.

Eligibility is based on disaster-related expenses or lost income in affected counties. The state will announce application details. Check for program updates on the USDA site.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP (Simplified Senior/Disabled Process)

This program simplifies SNAP for households where every member is over 60 or has a disability and has no earned income. It reduces paperwork and provides a three-year certification period.

To apply, your household must meet the age or disability criteria and have no wages. You can request an application by calling 1-800-479-6151. Find full details online.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps you and your family afford healthy food. This federal program provides monthly funds to low-income Vermont households to purchase groceries and eat well.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Vermont

To determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Vermont, the program looks at your household's gross monthly income. Vermont uses a guideline called “expanded categorical eligibility,” which sets the income limit at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level for most households.

Maximum benefit amounts are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture each year. The figures below are for the 2025 fiscal year, running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Vermont SNAP benefits 2026 amounts will be updated closer to that time.

Household of 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,322
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $292 per month
Household of 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,152
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $535 per month
Household of 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,981
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $766 per month
Household of 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,810
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $975 per month
Household of 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,640
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,155 per month
Household of 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $6,469
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,386 per month
Household of 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $7,299
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,532 per month
Household of 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,128
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,751 per month
Household of 9:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,958
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,971 per month
Household of 10:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $9,788
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $2,191 per month

For households larger than ten, add $830 to the gross monthly income limit for each additional person. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra member.

Program rules can change. For the most current details on income guidelines, allowable deductions, and net-income tests, please visit the official Vermont SNAP site.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Vermont

To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for Vermont, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross and net monthly income must fall below specific amounts, although most households do not have an asset limit.
Residency Requirements: You must live in Vermont and intend to purchase and prepare your food in the state.
Citizenship Status: At least one person in your household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, such as a refugee or asylee.
Work Requirements: Most adults must follow general work rules, while able-bodied adults without dependents face time-limited benefits unless they meet specific exemptions.
Special Conditions: Different rules affect Vermont SNAP benefits eligibility for seniors, people with disabilities, and students, and households on SSI or Reach Up automatically pass the gross income test.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Vermont

You can apply for SNAP benefits, known as 3SquaresVT, online, by mail, or in person. Each method requires you to provide information about your household, income, and expenses to determine your eligibility.

Apply Online

Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the application at your own pace, save your progress, and upload required documents directly through the state's web portal.

Visit the official 3SquaresVT website to start.
Create an account to fill out the application form.
Submit your application along with electronic copies of any necessary documents.

Apply In Person

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply at any of the 12 Economic Services Division (ESD) district offices. Staff can help you fill out the form and answer any questions you may have.

Find your nearest district office location and hours online.
Bring identification and any documents you have regarding income, expenses, and household members.

Apply By Mail

Applying by mail is a good option if you lack reliable internet access or cannot visit an office. You can download the application form online or request that one be mailed to you.

Download and print the application form from the Vermont DCF website.
Fill it out completely and mail it to the Economic Services Division.
Remember to include copies of any required documents with your application.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Vermont

For help with your application, call the Economic Services Division at 1-800-479-6151. Representatives can assist with applications, recertifications, and benefit questions.
Staff are available Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

See Vermont EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Vermont

After approval, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, covering what you can purchase and where to shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it like a debit card, but specifically for your food assistance funds. This card, also known as the Vermont EBT Card, allows you to purchase groceries at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe or insert your card into the reader and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card to pay for your eligible food items.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items for your household. This includes most groceries that you would prepare at home. You can easily track your SNAP balance for these purchases using the Benny app.

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your SNAP benefits. The restrictions generally apply to non-food items, alcohol, and foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. Ineligible items include:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods sold to be eaten in the store
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your food assistance. This includes checking your balance and knowing your deposit schedule.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Vermont

In Vermont, SNAP benefits are deposited on the first of every month for all households. This simple schedule makes it easy to plan your monthly grocery budget without checking case numbers or last names.

You can check your specific payment date in our Vermont deposit schedule.

See Vermont EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You have several ways to check your balance, including the online portal, the phone number on your card, your last store or ATM receipt, or an app like Benny, which also offers cashback.

Check out our guide that covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your Vermont EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

In Vermont, you typically need to recertify your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The state will mail you a recertification packet that includes your specific deadline. Submitting your renewal application on time prevents any interruption in receiving your monthly food assistance.

You will need to provide updated documents, such as recent pay stubs, proof of housing expenses like rent or mortgage, and utility bills. You can submit your recertification online, by mail, or in person at your local district office.

Special SNAP Services in Vermont

Vermont offers special SNAP services for residents in unique situations. These programs can provide emergency food assistance, replace lost food, or simplify the application process.

Expedited 3SquaresVT (Emergency SNAP)

This service provides your first month of benefits within seven days if you have little to no cash. It helps you buy food immediately after a crisis like job loss or sudden hardship.

You may qualify with very low income, if housing costs exceed your income, or if you are a migrant farmworker. Apply for 3SquaresVT and then call 1-800-479-6151 to request expedited service.

Replacement SNAP Benefits After Food Loss

If food you bought with SNAP is destroyed by a disaster like a flood, fire, or power outage, this service restores your benefits so your household does not go hungry.

Current 3SquaresVT households can request replacement benefits. You must report the loss within 10 days by calling 1-800-479-6151 or submitting the required loss report form.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

After a major disaster is declared by the president, D-SNAP offers temporary food aid. It helps households that do not normally qualify for SNAP buy groceries while they recover from the disaster.

Eligibility is based on disaster-related expenses or lost income in affected counties. The state will announce application details. Check for program updates on the USDA site.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP (Simplified Senior/Disabled Process)

This program simplifies SNAP for households where every member is over 60 or has a disability and has no earned income. It reduces paperwork and provides a three-year certification period.

To apply, your household must meet the age or disability criteria and have no wages. You can request an application by calling 1-800-479-6151. Find full details online.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps you and your family afford healthy food. This federal program provides monthly funds to low-income Vermont households to purchase groceries and eat well.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Vermont

To determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Vermont, the program looks at your household's gross monthly income. Vermont uses a guideline called “expanded categorical eligibility,” which sets the income limit at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level for most households.

Maximum benefit amounts are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture each year. The figures below are for the 2025 fiscal year, running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Vermont SNAP benefits 2026 amounts will be updated closer to that time.

Household of 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,322
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $292 per month
Household of 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,152
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $535 per month
Household of 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,981
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $766 per month
Household of 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,810
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $975 per month
Household of 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,640
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,155 per month
Household of 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $6,469
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,386 per month
Household of 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $7,299
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,532 per month
Household of 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,128
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,751 per month
Household of 9:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,958
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,971 per month
Household of 10:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $9,788
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $2,191 per month

For households larger than ten, add $830 to the gross monthly income limit for each additional person. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra member.

Program rules can change. For the most current details on income guidelines, allowable deductions, and net-income tests, please visit the official Vermont SNAP site.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Vermont

To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for Vermont, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross and net monthly income must fall below specific amounts, although most households do not have an asset limit.
Residency Requirements: You must live in Vermont and intend to purchase and prepare your food in the state.
Citizenship Status: At least one person in your household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, such as a refugee or asylee.
Work Requirements: Most adults must follow general work rules, while able-bodied adults without dependents face time-limited benefits unless they meet specific exemptions.
Special Conditions: Different rules affect Vermont SNAP benefits eligibility for seniors, people with disabilities, and students, and households on SSI or Reach Up automatically pass the gross income test.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Vermont

You can apply for SNAP benefits, known as 3SquaresVT, online, by mail, or in person. Each method requires you to provide information about your household, income, and expenses to determine your eligibility.

Apply Online

Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the application at your own pace, save your progress, and upload required documents directly through the state's web portal.

Visit the official 3SquaresVT website to start.
Create an account to fill out the application form.
Submit your application along with electronic copies of any necessary documents.

Apply In Person

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply at any of the 12 Economic Services Division (ESD) district offices. Staff can help you fill out the form and answer any questions you may have.

Find your nearest district office location and hours online.
Bring identification and any documents you have regarding income, expenses, and household members.

Apply By Mail

Applying by mail is a good option if you lack reliable internet access or cannot visit an office. You can download the application form online or request that one be mailed to you.

Download and print the application form from the Vermont DCF website.
Fill it out completely and mail it to the Economic Services Division.
Remember to include copies of any required documents with your application.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Vermont

For help with your application, call the Economic Services Division at 1-800-479-6151. Representatives can assist with applications, recertifications, and benefit questions.
Staff are available Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

See Vermont EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Vermont

After approval, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, covering what you can purchase and where to shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it like a debit card, but specifically for your food assistance funds. This card, also known as the Vermont EBT Card, allows you to purchase groceries at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe or insert your card into the reader and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card to pay for your eligible food items.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items for your household. This includes most groceries that you would prepare at home. You can easily track your SNAP balance for these purchases using the Benny app.

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your SNAP benefits. The restrictions generally apply to non-food items, alcohol, and foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. Ineligible items include:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods sold to be eaten in the store
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your food assistance. This includes checking your balance and knowing your deposit schedule.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Vermont

In Vermont, SNAP benefits are deposited on the first of every month for all households. This simple schedule makes it easy to plan your monthly grocery budget without checking case numbers or last names.

You can check your specific payment date in our Vermont deposit schedule.

See Vermont EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You have several ways to check your balance, including the online portal, the phone number on your card, your last store or ATM receipt, or an app like Benny, which also offers cashback.

Check out our guide that covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your Vermont EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

In Vermont, you typically need to recertify your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The state will mail you a recertification packet that includes your specific deadline. Submitting your renewal application on time prevents any interruption in receiving your monthly food assistance.

You will need to provide updated documents, such as recent pay stubs, proof of housing expenses like rent or mortgage, and utility bills. You can submit your recertification online, by mail, or in person at your local district office.

Special SNAP Services in Vermont

Vermont offers special SNAP services for residents in unique situations. These programs can provide emergency food assistance, replace lost food, or simplify the application process.

Expedited 3SquaresVT (Emergency SNAP)

This service provides your first month of benefits within seven days if you have little to no cash. It helps you buy food immediately after a crisis like job loss or sudden hardship.

You may qualify with very low income, if housing costs exceed your income, or if you are a migrant farmworker. Apply for 3SquaresVT and then call 1-800-479-6151 to request expedited service.

Replacement SNAP Benefits After Food Loss

If food you bought with SNAP is destroyed by a disaster like a flood, fire, or power outage, this service restores your benefits so your household does not go hungry.

Current 3SquaresVT households can request replacement benefits. You must report the loss within 10 days by calling 1-800-479-6151 or submitting the required loss report form.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

After a major disaster is declared by the president, D-SNAP offers temporary food aid. It helps households that do not normally qualify for SNAP buy groceries while they recover from the disaster.

Eligibility is based on disaster-related expenses or lost income in affected counties. The state will announce application details. Check for program updates on the USDA site.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP (Simplified Senior/Disabled Process)

This program simplifies SNAP for households where every member is over 60 or has a disability and has no earned income. It reduces paperwork and provides a three-year certification period.

To apply, your household must meet the age or disability criteria and have no wages. You can request an application by calling 1-800-479-6151. Find full details online.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps you and your family afford healthy food. This federal program provides monthly funds to low-income Vermont households to purchase groceries and eat well.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Vermont

To determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Vermont, the program looks at your household's gross monthly income. Vermont uses a guideline called “expanded categorical eligibility,” which sets the income limit at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level for most households.

Maximum benefit amounts are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture each year. The figures below are for the 2025 fiscal year, running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Vermont SNAP benefits 2026 amounts will be updated closer to that time.

Household of 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,322
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $292 per month
Household of 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,152
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $535 per month
Household of 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,981
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $766 per month
Household of 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,810
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $975 per month
Household of 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,640
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,155 per month
Household of 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $6,469
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,386 per month
Household of 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $7,299
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,532 per month
Household of 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,128
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,751 per month
Household of 9:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,958
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,971 per month
Household of 10:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $9,788
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $2,191 per month

For households larger than ten, add $830 to the gross monthly income limit for each additional person. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra member.

Program rules can change. For the most current details on income guidelines, allowable deductions, and net-income tests, please visit the official Vermont SNAP site.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Vermont

To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for Vermont, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross and net monthly income must fall below specific amounts, although most households do not have an asset limit.
Residency Requirements: You must live in Vermont and intend to purchase and prepare your food in the state.
Citizenship Status: At least one person in your household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, such as a refugee or asylee.
Work Requirements: Most adults must follow general work rules, while able-bodied adults without dependents face time-limited benefits unless they meet specific exemptions.
Special Conditions: Different rules affect Vermont SNAP benefits eligibility for seniors, people with disabilities, and students, and households on SSI or Reach Up automatically pass the gross income test.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Vermont

You can apply for SNAP benefits, known as 3SquaresVT, online, by mail, or in person. Each method requires you to provide information about your household, income, and expenses to determine your eligibility.

Apply Online

Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the application at your own pace, save your progress, and upload required documents directly through the state's web portal.

Visit the official 3SquaresVT website to start.
Create an account to fill out the application form.
Submit your application along with electronic copies of any necessary documents.

Apply In Person

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply at any of the 12 Economic Services Division (ESD) district offices. Staff can help you fill out the form and answer any questions you may have.

Find your nearest district office location and hours online.
Bring identification and any documents you have regarding income, expenses, and household members.

Apply By Mail

Applying by mail is a good option if you lack reliable internet access or cannot visit an office. You can download the application form online or request that one be mailed to you.

Download and print the application form from the Vermont DCF website.
Fill it out completely and mail it to the Economic Services Division.
Remember to include copies of any required documents with your application.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Vermont

For help with your application, call the Economic Services Division at 1-800-479-6151. Representatives can assist with applications, recertifications, and benefit questions.
Staff are available Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

See Vermont EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Vermont

After approval, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, covering what you can purchase and where to shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it like a debit card, but specifically for your food assistance funds. This card, also known as the Vermont EBT Card, allows you to purchase groceries at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe or insert your card into the reader and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card to pay for your eligible food items.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items for your household. This includes most groceries that you would prepare at home. You can easily track your SNAP balance for these purchases using the Benny app.

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your SNAP benefits. The restrictions generally apply to non-food items, alcohol, and foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. Ineligible items include:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods sold to be eaten in the store
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your food assistance. This includes checking your balance and knowing your deposit schedule.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Vermont

In Vermont, SNAP benefits are deposited on the first of every month for all households. This simple schedule makes it easy to plan your monthly grocery budget without checking case numbers or last names.

You can check your specific payment date in our Vermont deposit schedule.

See Vermont EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You have several ways to check your balance, including the online portal, the phone number on your card, your last store or ATM receipt, or an app like Benny, which also offers cashback.

Check out our guide that covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your Vermont EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

In Vermont, you typically need to recertify your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The state will mail you a recertification packet that includes your specific deadline. Submitting your renewal application on time prevents any interruption in receiving your monthly food assistance.

You will need to provide updated documents, such as recent pay stubs, proof of housing expenses like rent or mortgage, and utility bills. You can submit your recertification online, by mail, or in person at your local district office.

Special SNAP Services in Vermont

Vermont offers special SNAP services for residents in unique situations. These programs can provide emergency food assistance, replace lost food, or simplify the application process.

Expedited 3SquaresVT (Emergency SNAP)

This service provides your first month of benefits within seven days if you have little to no cash. It helps you buy food immediately after a crisis like job loss or sudden hardship.

You may qualify with very low income, if housing costs exceed your income, or if you are a migrant farmworker. Apply for 3SquaresVT and then call 1-800-479-6151 to request expedited service.

Replacement SNAP Benefits After Food Loss

If food you bought with SNAP is destroyed by a disaster like a flood, fire, or power outage, this service restores your benefits so your household does not go hungry.

Current 3SquaresVT households can request replacement benefits. You must report the loss within 10 days by calling 1-800-479-6151 or submitting the required loss report form.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

After a major disaster is declared by the president, D-SNAP offers temporary food aid. It helps households that do not normally qualify for SNAP buy groceries while they recover from the disaster.

Eligibility is based on disaster-related expenses or lost income in affected counties. The state will announce application details. Check for program updates on the USDA site.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP (Simplified Senior/Disabled Process)

This program simplifies SNAP for households where every member is over 60 or has a disability and has no earned income. It reduces paperwork and provides a three-year certification period.

To apply, your household must meet the age or disability criteria and have no wages. You can request an application by calling 1-800-479-6151. Find full details online.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps you and your family afford healthy food. This federal program provides monthly funds to low-income Vermont households to purchase groceries and eat well.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Vermont

To determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Vermont, the program looks at your household's gross monthly income. Vermont uses a guideline called “expanded categorical eligibility,” which sets the income limit at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level for most households.

Maximum benefit amounts are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture each year. The figures below are for the 2025 fiscal year, running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Vermont SNAP benefits 2026 amounts will be updated closer to that time.

Household of 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,322
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $292 per month
Household of 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,152
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $535 per month
Household of 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,981
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $766 per month
Household of 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,810
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $975 per month
Household of 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,640
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,155 per month
Household of 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $6,469
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,386 per month
Household of 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $7,299
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,532 per month
Household of 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,128
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,751 per month
Household of 9:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $8,958
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $1,971 per month
Household of 10:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $9,788
Maximum Benefit Amount: up to $2,191 per month

For households larger than ten, add $830 to the gross monthly income limit for each additional person. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra member.

Program rules can change. For the most current details on income guidelines, allowable deductions, and net-income tests, please visit the official Vermont SNAP site.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Vermont

To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for Vermont, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross and net monthly income must fall below specific amounts, although most households do not have an asset limit.
Residency Requirements: You must live in Vermont and intend to purchase and prepare your food in the state.
Citizenship Status: At least one person in your household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, such as a refugee or asylee.
Work Requirements: Most adults must follow general work rules, while able-bodied adults without dependents face time-limited benefits unless they meet specific exemptions.
Special Conditions: Different rules affect Vermont SNAP benefits eligibility for seniors, people with disabilities, and students, and households on SSI or Reach Up automatically pass the gross income test.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Vermont

You can apply for SNAP benefits, known as 3SquaresVT, online, by mail, or in person. Each method requires you to provide information about your household, income, and expenses to determine your eligibility.

Apply Online

Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the application at your own pace, save your progress, and upload required documents directly through the state's web portal.

Visit the official 3SquaresVT website to start.
Create an account to fill out the application form.
Submit your application along with electronic copies of any necessary documents.

Apply In Person

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply at any of the 12 Economic Services Division (ESD) district offices. Staff can help you fill out the form and answer any questions you may have.

Find your nearest district office location and hours online.
Bring identification and any documents you have regarding income, expenses, and household members.

Apply By Mail

Applying by mail is a good option if you lack reliable internet access or cannot visit an office. You can download the application form online or request that one be mailed to you.

Download and print the application form from the Vermont DCF website.
Fill it out completely and mail it to the Economic Services Division.
Remember to include copies of any required documents with your application.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Vermont

For help with your application, call the Economic Services Division at 1-800-479-6151. Representatives can assist with applications, recertifications, and benefit questions.
Staff are available Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

See Vermont EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Vermont

After approval, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, covering what you can purchase and where to shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it like a debit card, but specifically for your food assistance funds. This card, also known as the Vermont EBT Card, allows you to purchase groceries at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe or insert your card into the reader and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card to pay for your eligible food items.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items for your household. This includes most groceries that you would prepare at home. You can easily track your SNAP balance for these purchases using the Benny app.

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your SNAP benefits. The restrictions generally apply to non-food items, alcohol, and foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. Ineligible items include:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods sold to be eaten in the store
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your food assistance. This includes checking your balance and knowing your deposit schedule.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Vermont

In Vermont, SNAP benefits are deposited on the first of every month for all households. This simple schedule makes it easy to plan your monthly grocery budget without checking case numbers or last names.

You can check your specific payment date in our Vermont deposit schedule.

See Vermont EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You have several ways to check your balance, including the online portal, the phone number on your card, your last store or ATM receipt, or an app like Benny, which also offers cashback.

Check out our guide that covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your Vermont EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

In Vermont, you typically need to recertify your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The state will mail you a recertification packet that includes your specific deadline. Submitting your renewal application on time prevents any interruption in receiving your monthly food assistance.

You will need to provide updated documents, such as recent pay stubs, proof of housing expenses like rent or mortgage, and utility bills. You can submit your recertification online, by mail, or in person at your local district office.

Special SNAP Services in Vermont

Vermont offers special SNAP services for residents in unique situations. These programs can provide emergency food assistance, replace lost food, or simplify the application process.

Expedited 3SquaresVT (Emergency SNAP)

This service provides your first month of benefits within seven days if you have little to no cash. It helps you buy food immediately after a crisis like job loss or sudden hardship.

You may qualify with very low income, if housing costs exceed your income, or if you are a migrant farmworker. Apply for 3SquaresVT and then call 1-800-479-6151 to request expedited service.

Replacement SNAP Benefits After Food Loss

If food you bought with SNAP is destroyed by a disaster like a flood, fire, or power outage, this service restores your benefits so your household does not go hungry.

Current 3SquaresVT households can request replacement benefits. You must report the loss within 10 days by calling 1-800-479-6151 or submitting the required loss report form.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

After a major disaster is declared by the president, D-SNAP offers temporary food aid. It helps households that do not normally qualify for SNAP buy groceries while they recover from the disaster.

Eligibility is based on disaster-related expenses or lost income in affected counties. The state will announce application details. Check for program updates on the USDA site.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP (Simplified Senior/Disabled Process)

This program simplifies SNAP for households where every member is over 60 or has a disability and has no earned income. It reduces paperwork and provides a three-year certification period.

To apply, your household must meet the age or disability criteria and have no wages. You can request an application by calling 1-800-479-6151. Find full details online.