Vermont

Vermont Reach Up (TANF)

Reach Up is Vermont’s welfare-to-work program that provides cash assistance to families with children to help cover basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, and utilities.

Vermont’s Reach Up program requires most adult recipients who are not exempt to participate in work-related activities to maintain eligibility.

Eligible families of three with little or no income may receive up to $856 per month, but the actual amount may vary based on income, resources, living expenses, ability to work, and other factors.

If you need short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance, you may request for one lump-sum payment through Reach First .

How do I apply for cash assistance in Vermont?

You can apply for cash assistance in Vermont through myBenefits  which is the official online portal for residents to apply for public assistance programs, including Reach Up.

Vermont Department for Children and Families
Benefits Service Center
(800) 479-6151

Vermont 3SquaresVT (SNAP)

3SquaresVT is Vermont’s food assistance program that provides monthly benefits to low-income households to help cover the cost of food.

The amount of benefits you may receive depends on your household size, income, and allowable expenses. For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 per month.

Children in households that receive 3SquaresVT benefits are automatically eligible for free school meals if their school participates in the federal school breakfast or lunch program.

What is the income limit for food stamps in Vermont?

How do I apply for food stamps in Vermont?

Applications for 3SquaresVT can be made online through myBenefits . After your application is submitted, an interview will be scheduled, either by phone or in person, to determine your eligibility.

Vermont Department for Children and Families
Benefits Service Center
(800) 479-6151

Vermont Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Vermont WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children.

It does this by providing nutrition and breastfeeding education, nutritious foods, counseling, and referrals to needed services, at no cost, to eligible families.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Vermont.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Vermont?

WIC is available to Vermont families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a single mother of two.

How much does WIC pay per month in Vermont?

Children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in Vermont?

To apply for WIC, complete the WIC Online Application form . Once you submit your initial application, a staff member from your local office will contact you to schedule an enrollment appointment.

Vermont Department of Health
WIC Nutrition Program
(800) 464-4343

Vermont SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a new federal program that helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer break when school meals aren’t available.

Families that qualify will receive $120 per eligible child for healthy summer foods. The benefits will be added to an existing EBT card or a newly issued Summer EBT card.

Many families will automatically get Summer EBT benefits if they already receive other benefits like 3SquaresVT, Reach Up or Medicaid.

Families who are not automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks can apply online  to confirm their eligibility and access benefits if they qualify.

Vermont Department for Children and Families
Summer EBT Helpline
(888) 354-0012

Vermont Free School Lunch Program

Vermont’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally-subsidized meal program that provides nutritious, low-cost or free lunches to eligible students each day.

Before the pandemic, children from households with incomes of less than or equal to the income criteria may be eligible for either free or reduced priced meals.

As of mid-2023, Vermont passed a law making free school meals available to all public-school students regardless of family income, replacing the old income-based eligibility system for free or reduced-price meals.

Is Vermont offering free or reduced lunch?

Yes, Vermont is the 6th state to make universal free meals permanent where every student attending a public school in Vermont can now get free breakfast and lunch daily at school, regardless of their parents’ income. ¹

The state joins California, Colorado, New Mexico, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan and Minnesota in offering universal free school meals on a permanent basis.

Vermont Medicaid

Starting October 1, 2026, certain non-citizens may no longer qualify for adult Medicaid, though these changes do not affect Dr. Dynasaur for children or pregnant individuals.²

Medicaid is a health coverage program for low-income individuals and families. In Vermont, Medicaid is provided through Green Mountain Care, the state’s health coverage program.

Vermont Medicaid covers essential health services, including hospital care, doctor visits, preventive care, dental and vision care, and emergency services.

A new 1115 waiver allows Medicaid to cover short-term rent (up to 6 months) and medical respite for members at risk of homelessness.³

What are the income qualifications for Medicaid in Vermont?

As Vermont is expanding Medicaid coverage, many previously uninsured adults age 19—64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level may now gain coverage.

Pregnant women with incomes up to 213% of the federal poverty level are also eligible for coverage through Dr. Dynasaur, a threshold that was set to include prenatal care and postpartum support.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Vermont?

Vermont is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Vermont Health Connect  through which you can apply for Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur or other private health insurance.

Open enrollment is from November 1 to January 15 every year. During this time, you can sign up for a new health plan or change your existing one.

Department of Vermont Health Access
Customer Support Center
(855) 899-9600

Vermont Dr. Dynasaur (SCHIP)

Vermont’s Dr. Dynasaur offers affordable, low-cost health insurance for the uninsured children of Vermont from birth through age 18.

Benefits include, but are not limited to, doctor visits, prescription medicines, dental & vision care, immunizations and special services for pregnant women such as lab work and tests, prenatal vitamins and among others.

Depending on household income, children under age 19 and pregnant women may have a monthly premium up to $60 per household with no co-payments.

What is the income limit for Dr. Dynasaur in Vermont?

Dr. Dynasaur is available to the children in families with incomes up to at least 317% of the poverty level. That’s about $7,040 per month for a family of three.

Dr. Dynasaur is also free for pregnant women with qualifying household incomes, offering free coverage for 12-month after the pregnancy ends.

Department of Vermont Health Access
Customer Support Center
(855) 899-9600

Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance

Child Care Financial Assistance, also known as child care subsidy, is a program that helps eligible families pay for care for children from birth through age 12.

Eligibility is based upon the family’s gross monthly income, family size, and ability to meet all technical eligibility requirements.

The state pays a portion of the cost of child care, while the parent is responsible to pay a co-payment  to the provider of their choice each month.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Vermont?

The current income eligibility for families is capped at 575% of the federal poverty level or about $12,770 per month for a family of three, making nearly all families eligible for at least partial support.

Families with an income under 175% of the federal poverty level, or about $3,886 per month for a family of three, will have no copayment.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Vermont?

If you need help paying for child care, you may ubmit an online application through the Child Development Division Information System (CDDIS) Parent Portal .

If you are receiving Reach Up, ask your case manager whether they can authorize Child Care Financial Assistance for you.

Vermont Department for Children and Families
Benefits Service Center
(800) 479-6151

STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS)

Use the STARS to find a quality child care provider near you. The STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) is Vermont’s quality recognition system for child care, preschool, and afterschool programs.

You may pay less for child care if you receive child care financial assistance AND use a program that has stars as well as a tax credit on your Vermont state income tax if you choose a program that has 3, 4, or 5 stars.

For general questions about STARS, please contact
(800) 649-2642

Vermont Fuel Assistance Program

Fuel Assistance (also called Home Heating Assistance) helps low-income households in Vermont cover a portion of their home heating costs, offering crucial support during cold months.

Priority is given to low-income residents living in public housing, subsidized housing, or Section 8 units where heat is included in the rent.

Eligible families may receive a one-time credit of up to $1,843 for heating assistance and up to $1,664 for crisis assistance, depending on available funding.

What is the monthly income limit for LIHEAP in Vermont?

Families with a household income equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level may qualify for LIHEAP. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three in Vermont.

How do I apply for fuel assistance in Vermont?

Applications for LIHEAP in Vermont are accepted year-round based on availability of funds through myBenefits  portal or at your local district office .

Vermont Department for Children and Families
Fuel Assistance / LIHEAP
(800) 479-6151

Vermont Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Vermont LIHWAP helps eligible households catch up on past-due water bills, cover the cost of one future bill, or relieve late fees associated with a missed bill.

In order to qualify, households must have an income at or below 185% of the state median income. Priority will be given to households that have been disconnected or are at risk of being disconnected.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Vermont?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, please submit your application along a copy of a current water/wasterwater bill with your name on it and mail it to:

ADPC - Economic Services Division
280 State Drive, Waterbury
VT 05671-1500

For assistance, please call (800) 339-6433.

Vermont Rental Assistance Program

VERAP is no longer taking new applications for rent.

Vermont Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) provides rental subsidy to help eligible low-income families live in safe and decent housing of their choice. Participants pay 30% of income towards rent, and the state covers the difference.

Many beneficiaries of the program are families with children, the elderly, and the disabled whose income falls within the income guidelines.

How can I get help with rent in Vermont?

To apply for rental assistance, please complete the application form (here ) and mail it to:

Vermont State Housing Authority
1 Prospect Street
Montpelier, VT 05602

Vermont Unemployment Insurance

Vermont Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides short-term replacement of lost wages to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. earned at least the required minimum earnings in one quarter of the base period (this amount may change  each July if the minimum wage increases), and
2. wages in the other three quarters of the base period equal to at least 40% of your highest-paid quarter.

For example, if your highest-paid quarter was $4,000, you must have at least $1,600 in wages across the other three quarters combined (40% of $4,000), and you must meet the state’s minimum-quarter earnings requirement in at least one quarter to qualify.

How much unemployment benefits can I get in Vermont?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $757 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

How do I apply for unemployment in Vermont?

Applications for UI benefits can be filed through Vermont’s Claimant Portal  or if you wish to file your claim over the phone, please call (877) 214-3330.

Vermont Department of Labor
Claimant Assistance
(877) 214-3332

Vermont Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a federal program designed to help people whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.

There is no work search requirement for employees who are temporarily laid off for 10 weeks or less. Individuals filing for benefits will need to provide an estimated return-to-work date in order to have the work search requirement waived.

If you believe you may qualify for DUA, file an initial unemployment insurance (UI) claim online through Vermont’s Claimant Portal  or by calling (877) 214-3330.

Vermont Department of Labor
Claimant Assistance
(877) 214-3332

Vermont Lifeline

As of November 1, 2017, you’ll no longer be able to use Fuel Assistance or Reach Up to prove your eligibility for Lifeline.

This Vermont program entitles low-income Vermonters up to a $13 reduction off their monthly phone bill. The credit appears each month on the recipient’s bill.

If you are eligible for other government benefits, you may automatically qualify for this program. Eligibility is also based on income criteria that may change from year to year.

For additional information, call
The Economic Services Division
(800) 775-0507

Vermont Incentive Grant

Vermont Incentive Grant is available for Vermont residents with demonstrated financial need who are enrolled full-time at an in-state postsecondary institution.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, eligible students may receive up to $15,350 per academic year. Exact amounts vary based on financial need, tuition costs, and available state funding.

To be considered for Vermont Incentive Grant, you must first file your FAFSA AND complete a Vermont Grant application by logging your MyVSAC  account.

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)
General Grants & Student Aid
(800) 642-3177

Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit

A proposal has been made to increase the Vermont EITC to 55% for families with children. This change would increase the state EITC by $2,380 for a family with one child and $4,425 for a family with three children.⁴

EITC offers working families in Vermont a credit of up to $8,046 to help make ends meet. A single mother of two earning under $57,310 is eligible to claim it.

As one of 31 states that supplement the federal EITC with their own, Vermont piggybacks onto the federal EITC by adding an additional 38% to the federal credit, and is fully refundable for all qualifying filers. That’s an additional $3,057 for a family of three or more.

How much is Vermont Earned Income Credit?

For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, workers without qualifying children receive a credit equal to 100% of the federal EITC amount.⁵ For all other eligible filers, it is 38% of the federal amount.

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Vermont?

If your Vermont EITC is $3,057 and you owe $2,000 in state income tax, the credit cancels your tax bill and you receive the remaining $1,057 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

In addition, any family with dependent children who receives the Vermont EITC is automatically income eligible for food benefits through 3SquaresVT.

Vermont Department of Taxes
Individual Income Tax Division
(802) 828-2865