3SquaresVT
(formerly Food Stamps)
http://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/3SquaresVT
3SquaresVT helps Vermonters to
stretch their food budgets so they can buy more and better food and put three
square meals on their tables.
If you meet
certain guidelines, you can get 3SquaresVT. It's that simple.
Of course, you do need to apply.
Thousands of
Vermonters are eligible to get 3SquaresVT and don't even know
it. Don't miss this opportunity!
Call
1-800-287-0589 today or visit vermontfoodhelp.com to find out more.
Additional Benefits
- Free school meals for your
children.
Taking part in 3SquaresVT automatically qualifies your
children for free school meals if their school participates in the federal
breakfast or lunch program. You still need to fill out the school meal
application for, which you can submit at any time during the school year.
The form is available at school. Filling out the form is easy because you
provide your 3SquaresVT case number instead of listing
details about household income. For more information, contact the food
service director at school.
- Help with your phone bills. Taking part in 3SquaresVT
makes you automatically eligible for both Lifeline (a monthly
credit of at least $13 off your monthly phone bill) and Link Up
Vermont (a credit of up to $30 towards the cost of getting a phone
line installed).
Who is Eligible
Eligibility
depends on your income and expenses, the money you have saved, and how many
people live in your household.
***Important
Changes To Eligibility***
Effective
January 1, 2009:
- Increased income limits: Gross income limits were
increased from 130% to 185% of poverty—making more Vermonters eligible for
benefits. (Households that include someone aged 60+ or with a disability
have no income limit; however, they may have to meet a resource limit if
their household income is more than 185% of poverty.)
- Asset Test Eliminated: For those who are income
eligible, the asset test will be eliminated; meaning that resources like
savings accounts will no longer count against you. This means that you can
have money in the bank and still qualify for 3SquaresVT.
Effective
October 1, 2008:
- Deductions: You can now deduct all child
and dependent care costs from your gross income. This may increase your
benefit amount and help you buy more food each month.
- Assets: Resources like retirement
accounts and college savings accounts no longer count against you. If you
have these kinds of savings, you may now be eligible for the program even
if you were not in the past.
How 3SquaresVT Works
Benefits are
distributed through electronic benefit
transfer (EBT) cards (called Vermont Express). You can use your Vermont
Express Card at most stores that sell food — much the same way that you would
use a bankcard or credit card.
Your benefits
are added to your card at the beginning of every month. Every time you use your
card, the cost of food is subtracted from your 3SquaresVT
account. The cash register receipt tells you your account balance. You can also
call 1-800-914-8605 to find out how much money is left on your card.
If you are 65 or
older or have a disability, your benefits may be deposited as cash directly into
your bank account.
How to Get More Information and Apply
1.
By Phone or In Person:
Call or
visit our local Economic
Services District Office. A worker will review your situation and tell
you what documents you need to provide. CVOEO is at 86 North Main Street in St.
Albans. Call them at
527-7392.
2.
On the Web.
Visit the vermontfoodhelp.com website
to learn more about 3SquaresVT, find out if you may be
eligible, print an application form, and get help applying. It also has
information about other programs that can help you make ends meet.
3SquaresVT for Immigrants
The rules for
immigrants have changed. You may be able to get 3SquaresVT
even if you were not eligible for food stamps before. If you are a documented
resident of the U.S., you may also be able to get benefits.
Getting 3SquaresVT
also depends on your income and expenses, the money you have saved, and how
many people live in your household.
100% percent of program benefits are funded by the USDA (United
States Department of Agriculture). This means that when you get 3SquaresVT you
are bringing federal dollars into the state, which helps support local
businesses, jobs, and the economy.
“In
accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this
institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability.”
“To file a
complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272
(voice) or (202) 720-6382 ( TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and
employer
For more
information contact:
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
1295 Ballard
Road
Georgia,
Vermont
802-527-7694
cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us