Important Changes As of January 1, 2009:

Gross income limits increased so more Vermonters may be eligible for benefits.

Current Gross Income Limits
Household Size Monthly Gross Income Limit
1 $1,671
2 $2,248
3 $2,824
4 $3,401
5 $3,978
6 $4,553
For each additional person Add $577 per person

The asset test was eliminated for most households. If you are income eligible, resources like savings accounts no longer count against you. Even if you have money in the bank, you may still qualify for 3SquaresVT benefits. 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.

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.

Remember:

Even if you are eligible under the gross income limit, your income minus deductions must be less than 100% of the federal poverty level for your household size to receive an actual dollar benefit. Allowable deductions include:

  • 20% of earned income
  • A standard deduction based on the size of your household
  • The costs of child/dependent care
  • Child support paid to another household
  • Medical expenses for household members who are over age 60 or who have a disability
  • Shelter expenses up to a standard amount
Even you don't get a monthly dollar benefit, you may still find it worthwhile to apply and take part in the program, which makes you eligible to get other important benefits that can help make it easier to make ends meet.

If you have children in school or daycare, each of them will be eligible to get free meals, snacks, and nutrition education, which could help you save money you would other have had to spend on those things. You may also be eligible to receive a discount of over $13 per month on your telephone charges. These savings can really add up to help you keep more cash in your pocket to use to pay for other household needs.

If you received the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit, Reach Up, or SSI, you may be eligible for 3SquaresVT, no matter what your income or assets are! Households that include someone aged 60+ or with a disability have no income limit, but may have to meet a resource limit if income is more than the January amount above.

**To find out how much you might be able to receive in benefits now, close this window and click the 'how much can I get?' link.**