For people 60 and over or who have a disability, you may claim your out-of-pocket medical costs as a deduction. This can help increase your monthly 3SquaresVT (food stamp) benefits, giving you more money each month to buy food.
Questions 42-44 on the 3SquaresVT paper application asks about medical expenses. Attach additional sheets of paper to the application if you need more room.
What expenses can I claim?
Any medically related cost that your insurance does not pay can be counted. Examples include:
- Premiums and prescription co-pays
- Over-the-counter medications
- Hearing aids, eye glasses and dentures
- Home health care and medical Lifeline service
- Transportation to and from the doctor, dentist, hospital or pharmacy
- And much more!
See this flyer for a full listing of possible expenses.
How do I claim medical expenses?
You must document at least $35 in expenses. If you have many monthly expenses, document them all to get the highest benefit. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Billing statements
- Itemized receipts
- Health insurance policy showing premiums
- Payment agreement with a physician or hospital
- Receipts or bills for prescribed equipment or services
- Pharmacy receipt circling over-the-counter medications
- Estimated miles to the drug store, doctor, dentist or hospital
- Bill statement for mail-order medications
Send in your documentation with your application or separately. Include your name and address and mail to:
DCF/Economic Services Division
Application and Document Processing Center
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671-1500
Get Help
Unsure how to claim your expenses? Have a question about an expense? Want help with the application? Call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-641-5119 or DCF at 1-800-479-6151. You can also contact us with your question.
April 1: Small Benefit Decrease for Some Households
On April 1st, some 3SquaresVT households will see a slight decrease in benefits of only $1 or $2. This is because Vermont must lower its standard deduction for fuel and utilities. If this change affects your household’s benefits, you will receive a notice in the mail. If you have additional questions, call the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151.