3SquaresVT (SNAP Food Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
3SquaresVT is Vermont's name for SNAP, the federal food program. It puts money for food on a Vermont EBT card that you use like a debit card. If anyone in your home is under 65, the money goes on the EBT card. If everyone in the home is 65 or older or gets SSI, the money comes as cash into a bank account instead.
The main income line is simple to check. You may qualify if your gross household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. You may also qualify if you have children and get the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit. Gross income means your pay before taxes and other amounts come out.
There is a second door for some homes. If your income is over the line but someone in your home is 60 or older or has a disability, you may still qualify. In that case the state looks at the resources you own, with a few things left out, like your home and certain retirement accounts. So apply even if you think you earn too much.
Some adults have a work rule. If you get 3SquaresVT and are between 16 and 59, you may need to meet work rules, unless you are exempt or excused. Ask your worker if this applies to you, since many people are excused.
You can apply in more than one way. Apply online through the myBenefits portal, or use paper Form 202. To get the form, print it yourself or call the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151. Send the paper form through the document uploader, by mail, or at a district office. If you are 60 or older, you can also call 1-800-642-5119.
3SquaresVT opens other help too. You get free job training support through ICAN, your children may get free meals at school, and you can get Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus at farmers markets through NOFA-VT. If food is short today, dial 2-1-1 for local help while your application is reviewed.
Phone 1-800-479-6151
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- You may qualify if your gross household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or you have children and get the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit
- Households with someone 60 or older or with a disability may still qualify over the income limit, based on a review of countable resources; people 16 to 59 may need to meet work rules unless exempt
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the myBenefits portal, or ask for paper Form 202 by calling 1-800-479-6151.
- 2
Check the income line: gross income at or below 185 percent of poverty, or you have children and get the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit.
- 3
If your income is over the line and someone in your home is 60 or older or has a disability, apply anyway; the state reviews what you own.
- 4
Send Form 202 through the document uploader, by mail, or at a district office, and finish your interview.
- 5
Set up your Vermont EBT card once your case is approved.
What to have ready
- Photo ID for the person applying
- Proof of income for your household
- Proof of where you live. Your district office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for 3SquaresVT?
Gross household income at or below 185 percent of poverty. You may also qualify if you have children and get the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit.
Can I qualify if I earn a little too much?
Maybe. If someone in your home is 60 or older or has a disability, you may still qualify. The state then looks at the resources you own, with some things left out.
How do the benefits reach me?
On a Vermont EBT card if anyone in the home is under 65. If everyone is 65 or older or gets SSI, the money comes as cash to a bank account.
How do I apply?
Online through myBenefits, or by paper Form 202 sent through the document uploader, by mail, or at a district office. Call 1-800-479-6151 for a form.
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