Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit #
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Vermont is one of 26 states that supplement the federal EITC with their own. Vermont piggybacks onto the federal EITC by adding an additional 36% 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 $6,935. A single mother of two earning under $47,915 should see if she qualifies.
In addition, any family with dependent children who receives the Vermont EITC is automatically income eligible for food benefits through 3SquaresVT. This helps families save money and put more healthy food on the table.
Vermont Reach Up #
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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) #
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3SquaresVT is the name for Vermont’s food stamp program. It 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 will depend on your household size, income, and expenses. In Vermont, families of three may receive up to $346 in monthly benefits.
If eligible, you will receive an EBT Card, called Vermont Express, which allows food stamp benefits to be issued and accessed electronically, and can be used to buy eligible food items at participating stores and farmers’ markets.
Vermont Foodbank #
Through a network of 270 food shelves, meals sites, senior centers, and after-school programs, VT Foodbank can help you find a food pantry near you.
For more information, contact:
Tom Abbiati
Director of Food Resources
802-477-4107
Vermont Medicaid #
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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.
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.
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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 (see below) or other private health insurance.
Vermont Dr. Dynasaur (SCHIP) #
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Vermont’s Dr. Dynasaur offers affordable, low-cost health insurance for the uninsured children of Vermont from birth through age 18. Pregnant women are also eligible for coverage through the Dr. Dynasaur program.
Benefits include 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.
Pregnant women may pay monthly premiums of up to $15. Families with children may pay monthly premiums of up to $60. There are no co-payments or deductibles.
Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance #
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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.
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.
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 #
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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.
You may be eligible if your gross household income is equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level. Depending on the availability of funding, eligible families may receive up to $543.
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How do I apply for fuel assistance in Vermont?
You can also apply for Crisis Fuel Assistance during winter months. Application starts from the last Monday in November to the last Friday in April.
Call 1-800-479-6151 for assistance.
Vermont Rental Assistance Program #
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Vermont Rental Assistance Program 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.
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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 #
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Unemployment insurance benefits provide short-term replacement of lost wages to workers 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. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $583
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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
UI Claims Center Operating Hours
8:30am – 4:00pm Monday through Thursday
9:00am – 4:00pm Friday
Vermont Lifeline #
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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 #
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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 $12,800. 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 $9,600.