The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) announced that the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits will be available to Vermonters left without work due to the severe flooding that occurred in Vermont beginning on July 7, 2023.
Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit #
Vermont is 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 — one of the highest of any state.
This year, the EITC can help working families in Vermont make ends meet with a credit up to $7,430. A single mother of two earning under $52,918 is eligible to claim.
How much is Vermont Earned Income Credit?
- NO. OF CHILD Maximum EIC
- 0 $228
- 1 $1,518
- 2 $2,509
- 3 or more $2,823
In addition, any family with dependent children who receives the Vermont EITC is automatically income eligible for food benefits through 3SquaresVT.
Vermont Reach Up #
Reach Up, the State of Vermont’s welfare-to-work program, helps families with children in Vermont by providing cash assistance for basic necessities and services that support work and self-sufficiency.
Eligibility depends on your income, resources, living expenses, who lives with you, your ability to work, and other factors. Eligible families of three may receive up to $811 per month.
If you’re a single mother with a child under 6 years old, you’re expected, as a condition of eligibility, to work 20 hours per week or participate in approved activities that will lead to a job.
How do I apply for welfare in Vermont?
myBenefits is the official State of Vermont’s website to apply for public benefits such as 3SquaresVT, Essential Person, Fuel Assistance, and Reach Up.
Vermont 3SquaresVT (Vermont Food Stamps) #
3SquaresVT is the name for Vermont’s food stamp program. 3SquaresVT provides monthly benefits to low-income Vermonters to help pay for the cost of food. Children whose families get 3SquaresVT, in any amount, automatically get free school meals.
The benefits you may receive largely depend on your household size, income, and other allowable expenses. For example, families of three with no income may receive up to $740 in monthly benefits.
- Family Size SNAP Benefits
- 1 $281
- 2 $516
- 3 $740
- 4 $939
- 5 $1,116
- 6 $1,339
- 7 $1,480
- 8 $1,691
The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household's net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits.
How do I apply for food stamps in Vermont?
Application for 3SquaresVT can be made online via myBenefits or in person at your local district office. After your application is filed, an interview will be arranged, either by phone or in person, to determine your eligibility.
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.
Parents had to fill out forms to determine if they were eligible for free meals and if not, it cost just over $2 a day for lunch.
Is Vermont offering free or reduced lunch?
Yes, every student attending a public school in Vermont can now get breakfast and lunch for free, regardless of their parents' income.
Vermont Medicaid #
Medicaid is a health insurance program for the low-income families. Vermont Medicaid is also referred to as Green Mountain Care where Vermonters receive universal health care coverage.
Vermont Medicaid includes coverage for all of the basic healthcare services, including but not limited to hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, emergency care, etc.
What are the income qualifications for Medicaid in Vermont?
As Vermont is expanding Medicaid coverage, many previously uninsured Vermonters age 19-64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level may now gain coverage.
Pregnant women with income up to at least 213% are also eligible for coverage through the Dr. Dynasaur (SCHIP).
| Vermont Medicaid | 317% | 213% | 138% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $46,220 | $31,060 | $20,120 |
| 2 | $62,510 | $42,000 | $27,210 |
| 3 | $78,810 | $52,950 | $34,310 |
| 4 | $95,100 | $63,900 | $41,400 |
| 5 | $111,390 | $74,850 | $48,490 |
| 6 | $127,690 | $85,800 | $55,590 |
| 7 | $143,980 | $96,740 | $62,680 |
| 8 | $160,280 | $107,690 | $69,770 |
A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.
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.
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.
What is the income limit for Dr. Dynasaur in Vermont?
Dr. Dynasaur is available to the children in families with income up to at least 317% of the poverty level. That's about $78,810 for a family of three.
- Family Size Income Limit
- 1 $46,220
- 2 $62,510
- 3 $78,810
- 4 $95,100
- 5 $111,390
- 6 $127,690
- 7 $143,980
- 8 $160,280
A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.
Dr. Dynasaur is free for pregnant women with qualifying household incomes. Depending on household income, children under age 19 may have premiums of $0 - $60 per month for Dr. Dynasaur.
Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance #
Child Care Financial Assistance — also known as child care subsidy, is a program that helps eligible families with the cost of child care. The subsidy is paid directly to a qualified child care provider and the recipient pays the remaining cost.
The amount of assistance you may receive is based on your family size and gross monthly income, before taxes and other deductions. Families with lower incomes receive more assistance.
What is the income limit for child care assistance in Vermont?
The income eligibility cap for financial assistance will expand to 575% of the federal poverty level or $11,913 for a family of three in October, 2024.
The current income eligibility for families is capped at 350% of the federal poverty level or $7,251 a month for a family of three. Families with an income under 150% of the federal poverty level or $3,108 will have no copayment.
- Family Size Income Limit
- 2 $5,752
- 3 $7,251
- 4 $8,750
- 5 $10,249
- 6 $11,748
- 7 $13,248
- 8 $14,747
How do I apply for child care assistance in Vermont?
If you need help paying for child care, you may request an application from the community child care support agency in your area and ask for the eligibility specialist.
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
1-800-649-2642
Vermont Fuel Assistance Program #
Fuel Assistance (also known as Home Heating Assistance) can help eligible households in Vermont pay part of their home heating bills.
Priority is granted to low-income Vermonters who live in public, subsidized, or Section 8 housing where rent includes the cost of heat.
Families with a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify. Depending on the availability of funding, eligible families may receive a one-time credit of up to $2,785.
- Family Size Income Limit
- 1 $2,248
- 2 $3,040
- 3 $3,833
- 4 $4,625
- 5 $5,418
- 6 $6,210
- 7 $7,003
- 8 $7,795
How do I apply for fuel assistance in Vermont?
Application starts from the last Monday in November to the last Friday in April. Application is accepted online or in-person at your local district office.
If you need assistance, please call 1-800-479-6151.
Vermont Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #
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 60% 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 1-800-339-6433.
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. It is NOT intended to be a permanent source of income.
If you become unemployed and have worked in Vermont in the past 18 months, you may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance.
Typically the weekly benefit amount is computed by dividing the total wages paid in the two highest quarters in the worker’s base period by 45.
How much are Vermont unemployment benefits?
The current maximum weekly benefit amount is $705 for the period beginning July 1st through June 30th of the following year.
How do I apply for unemployment in Vermont?
Application for UI benefits can be done via Vermont’s Claimant Portal or if you wish to file your claim over the phone, please call 1-877-214-3330.
Vermont Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) #
The Department of Labor has extended the application deadline for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Program to ensure that Vermonters affected by the recent flooding can access these important benefits.
Individuals within all affected counties now have until September 29, 2023, to file their initial claims.
The following counties are eligible for DUA: Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor.
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 1-877-214-3330.
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
1-800-775-0507
Vermont Incentive Grant #
Vermont Incentive Grant is available for Vermont residents with financial need who are enrolled full-time at any postsecondary institution that participates in the federal Pell grant program.
The grant award amount is based on financial need and the actual cost of attendance — ranging from $1,000 to $14,000. The award amounts are determined annually based on funding availability.
Vermont Part-Time Grant is for Vermont residents enrolled in fewer than 12 credits per term. The amount of each award varies based on the number of credit hours — ranging from $500 to $10,500.