Home > Applicants & Participants > College Students
College & Graduate
Students
No one should have to choose between textbooks and food. 3SquaresVT is here for all of us when we need help stretching our food budgets.
It’s like financial aid for groceries.
Text ‘VFBSNAP’ to 85511 or call 855-855-6181 for more information and help applying for 3SquaresVT.
Did you know that college & graduate students can qualify for 3SquaresVT?
3SquaresVT is a program that gives income-eligible people money every month on an EBT card which looks and works just like a debit card. With an EBT card, you can buy food at grocery and convenience stores, co-ops, and many farmers markets! You get to shop when and where you want for the food that’s right for you.
Important Note! Some changes to 3SquaresVT occurred on June 9th, 2023 that may impact you!
Usually, college & graduate students (enrolled at least 1/2 time in classes) must meet a work requirement or qualify for an exemption to be excused from the work requirement to get 3SquaresVT.
During the federal public health emergency, two additional exemptions to the work requirement were temporarily put in place for 1) students with an Expected Family Contribution of $0 and 2) students eligible for state or federal work study.
These temporary ways to be excused from the work requirement expired on June 10, 2023 but college and graduate students will still be able to apply under the regular rules.
If you participate in 3SquaresVT as a college or graduate student right now and have questions about your benefits, call the Benefits Specialist Line at 1-800-479-6151.
Do I qualify? +
As a college student you may be eligible for 3SquaresVT if:
- Your monthly income is at or below the income limit for your household size. ‘Household’ is defined as the number of people in your house with whom you regularly buy and cook food. Housemates or roommates qualify as additional household members only if you buy, cook, and eat meals together.
AND if you meet a student work requirement or work exemption.
- Ways to meet a student work requirement
- Participate in work study (any number of hours)
- Employed/self-employed for an average of 20 hours/week
- Participate in an on-the-job training program
- Ways to meet a student work exemption
- Caring for a dependent child under 12
- Receiving Reach-Up/PSE
- Are 17 or younger, or 50 or older
- Have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working
- Assigned or placed in a higher education institution through Work Force Investment Act, Employment & Training Program, or Trade Act Program
Check out our 3SquaresVT Eligibility Calculator!
How much can I get? +
Monthly benefit amounts are based on income and expenses like rent or mortgage payments, childcare, and medical expenses. Below are the maximum benefit amounts a household may receive.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| For each additional member | add $219 |
These limits are effective October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024
How does it work? +
When your 3SquaresVT application is approved, you will get an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card in the mail that looks and works just like a debit card. Your 3SquaresVT benefits are added to your card at the beginning of every month. Unused benefits roll over into the next month and remain on your card for up to nine months. You can use the card to buy food online, and at most grocery and convenience stores, farmers markets, and co-ops.
What can I buy with 3SquaresVT? +
You can use your 3SquaresVT benefits at over 600 retailers and 40 farmers markets in VT, and anywhere in the U.S. that accepts EBT. Click here to find a store near you that accepts 3SquaresVT benefits as payment. Click here to learn more about buying food at farmers markets!
A trip to the grocery store with a 3SquaresVT EBT card looks the same as anyone else paying with a debit or credit card. Simply walk into the store and shop for groceries like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods such as snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for you to eat!
When you’re ready to check out, use your 3SquaresVT EBT card at the register just like a debit card. When prompted, pay as you usually would for any other chosen products.
When you pay for groceries with your EBT card, the cost is automatically subtracted from your 3SquaresVT account. Your receipt tells you how much you have left in your 3SquaresVT account. You can also call 1-800-914-8605, visit this website, or download the Fresh EBT app to your phone to find out how much money is left on your card.
Maintaining 3SquaresVT benefits +
It can be hard to keep up with the forms you need to submit in order to keep your benefits, but you will receive notices when there’s an upcoming deadline. That’s why it’s important to keep your address up to date!
Once approved for 3SquaresVT, you will receive notices and forms throughout your certification period. In order to continue receiving 3SquaresVT, you’ll need to respond before the deadline that is included.
Reporting Changes:
There are some changes that you’ll need to report within 10 days, like if you move. Some changes may make you eligible for a higher monthly benefit (like if your income goes down). Click here to learn what you must report and how to report changes.
Interim Reports:
Most students are certified for 12 months. Halfway through your certification period, you’ll have an interim report which is a short form that asks if any of your information has changed since applying. You’ll need to return the form to Economic Services before the deadline or benefits will stop.
Continuing Benefits (Recertification):
At the end of your certification period, you'll need to recertify in order to continue receiving benefits. Six weeks before your benefits are due to end, you will receive a notice to recertify.
If you have questions about reporting changes, to report changes over the phone, or to get a form, call Economic Services at 1-800-479-6151. For help with your paperwork dial 2-1-1 to connect to local assistance.
FAQs +
What if I have a meal plan?
If you get fewer than half of your meals from a meal plan, you may still qualify for 3SquaresVT. You can’t use 3SquaresVT benefits to buy food in a dining hall.
What if I receive financial aid?
You may still get 3SquaresVT if you receive financial aid. Most state and federal financial aid, like Perkins and Federal Direct loans, Pell Grants, or private loans/grants used for education-related expenses do not count as income.
How much can I get?
It depends on a couple of different factors including income, household size, and expenses. A single eligible person could get up to $291 a month to put towards groceries.
Where can I use 3SquaresVT? Can I use these benefits to buy a meal plan on campus?
You can use 3SquaresVT anywhere EBT and 3SquaresVT benefits are accepted including many grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, and co-ops. Benefits can be used in any state. However, they cannot be used to purchase a meal plan on campus or to purchase hot prepared foods.
Can I get 3SquaresVT benefits if I live in a dorm?
If you live on campus and eat more than half of your meals from a student meal plan on campus, you do not qualify for 3SquaresVT.
I live with roommates, can I get 3SquaresVT?
You can apply for 3SquaresVT on your own if you have roommates but you purchase and prepare your meals separately. If you purchase and prepare most of your meals with your roommates, you have to apply for 3SquaresVT with your roommates and they must also meet eligibility guidelines.
Can I get 3SquaresVT if I live at home with my parents?
If you are 18-22 you can apply for 3SquaresVT with your family but you cannot apply on your own, even if you purchase and prepare meals separately. If you are 22 or older and purchase and prepare meals on your own, you can apply separately for 3SquaresVT.
Can I get 3SquaresVT if I'm an international student?
If you are an international student who does not meet the citizenship requirement, you do not qualify for 3SquaresVT.