A Guide to Vermont's Assistance Programs for Food, Housing, and Healthcare

Seeking assistance during times of financial hardship can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The process of identifying available programs, understanding complex eligibility rules, and navigating applications adds a significant burden when resources are already strained. This resource serves as a clear roadmap for Vermonters, simplifying the landscape of available support. It provides actionable steps to secure the help needed for food, housing, healthcare, and financial stability.

The State of Vermont, through its Agency of Human Services (AHS), oversees a wide array of programs designed to meet the unique needs of its residents. Established by the legislature in 1969, AHS is the umbrella organization for most state-run social services. It develops and executes policies that govern all human service activities within the state. Its departments offer a broad spectrum of support, from healthcare and housing assistance to programs promoting economic stability and family well-being. 

Your First Call for Help: Vermont 211

For individuals and families unsure where to begin, the most valuable first step is to contact Vermont 211. This free, confidential information and referral service is operated by the United Ways of Vermont. It functions as a central clearinghouse for thousands of community, health, and human services across the state.

Available 24/7 with language translation services, Vermont 211 connects callers with trained specialists for personalized assistance. Whether the need is for financial help with utility bills, food, or housing, specialists can provide targeted referrals to the appropriate agencies. The service is a highly recommended starting point for anyone needing help with applications for programs like 3SquaresVT. By simply dialing 2-1-1, Vermonters gain immediate access to a guided entry point into the state's support network.

Key State Agencies and Online Tools

While Vermont 211 provides the initial connection, the administration of most core assistance programs resides within specific state agencies.

• Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS): As the state's primary human services agency, AHS encompasses several departments that manage distinct areas of support. These include health, mental health, family services, and assistance for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
• Department for Children and Families (DCF): A department within AHS, DCF is the central administrator for many of the state's most critical benefit programs. Its Economic Services Division (ESD) is the operational hub for programs such as 3SquaresVT (food assistance), Seasonal Fuel Assistance, and Reach Up (cash assistance).
• The my Benefits Portal: To streamline access, the state has developed the my Benefits portal. This is the official website where residents can apply for multiple benefits, track the status of their applications, and manage their cases online.

Your Local Partners: Community Action Agencies (CAAs)

Working in close partnership with the state are Vermont's five regional Community Action Agencies (CAAs). These non-profit organizations are on-the-ground hubs for direct service delivery and are essential for anyone facing an immediate crisis.

CAAs are the designated application points for emergency programs like Crisis Fuel Assistance. They also provide invaluable support for navigating and applying for a wide range of state programs. Their services often extend to housing counseling, financial literacy, tax preparation, and connecting residents to local food resources.

The state is divided into five service regions, each served by a specific CAA:

• BROC - Community Action in Southwestern Vermont: Serves Rutland and Bennington Counties.
• Capstone Community Action: Serves Washington, Orange, and Lamoille Counties, plus several towns in adjacent counties.
• Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO): Serves Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties.
• Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA): Serves Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia Counties.
• Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA): Serves Windham and Windsor Counties.

A "No Wrong Door" System

Vermont's support network is designed to be flexible and accessible. A resident can begin their journey at the state level through the DCF's my Benefits portal, make a general inquiry through the Vermont 211 hotline, or walk into their local Community Action Agency office.

These are not siloed systems but interconnected entry points designed to guide individuals to the same core benefits. For instance, DCF's official website lists CAAs and Vermont 211 as "Key Partners" and directs residents to them for assistance. This "no wrong door" approach ensures that no matter where a person in crisis first turns, they can be connected to the full spectrum of available support.

Vermont's Key Assistance Contacts

Food Security Programs: Ensuring Access to Healthy Meals

Maintaining access to nutritious food is a fundamental need. Vermont offers a robust network of programs designed to help individuals and families put healthy meals on the table. These programs are primarily administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF).

3SquaresVT (SNAP): Vermont's Premier Food Assistance Program

3SquaresVT is Vermont's name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation's largest anti-hunger program. It is a nutrition program designed to supplement a household's food budget, not a welfare program.

Benefits are provided monthly on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a debit card. It can be used to purchase groceries at most supermarkets, convenience stores, and many farmers markets. For certain households, benefits can be deposited directly as cash into a bank account.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for 3SquaresVT is primarily based on household income and size.

• Gross Income Test: A household's total monthly income before deductions must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
• Net Income Test: To qualify for a monthly benefit, the household's income after allowable deductions must be below 100% of the FPL. Allowable deductions include costs for childcare, a portion of shelter and utility expenses, and certain medical expenses for elderly or disabled members.
• Resource Limit: For most households, there is no limit on assets like savings or vehicles. However, a resource limit of $4,250 applies to households with an elderly or disabled member whose gross income is above the 185% FPL threshold. Retirement accounts are generally not counted.
• Work Requirements: Federal rules may require able-bodied adults between 16 and 59 to meet certain work requirements, though exemptions are available.

3SquaresVT Monthly Income Guidelines (Effective Oct. 2025)

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application process is designed to be accessible through multiple channels.

1. How to Apply: The fastest way is to apply online using the my Benefits portal. You can also request a paper application by calling 1-800-479-6151 or apply in person at a local DCF office. Free application assistance is available by dialing 2-1-1 or contacting the Vermont Foodbank.
2. Required Information: Gather key documents beforehand, including dates of birth, Social Security numbers, proof of income, and copies of household bills.
3. The Interview: After submitting an application, the state will conduct a 15-30 minute interview. This can be done over the phone by calling 877-403-7668 or in person. The interview is to review the application and clarify information.
4. Emergency 3SquaresVT: Households in dire situations may qualify for expedited benefits. This applies if monthly income is less than $150 with less than $100 in cash, or if housing and utility costs exceed monthly income.

Special Provision: 3SquaresVT in a SNAP

To simplify the process for certain populations, Vermont offers 3SquaresVT in a SNAP. This program is for households where every member is either age 60 or older or is receiving disability benefits, and the household has no income from a job.

It features a shorter application and provides benefits for three years without requiring annual recertification. A key feature is the ability to deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 per month, which can significantly increase the monthly food benefit.

Maximizing Your Benefits

Vermont's assistance programs are often designed to work together. For example, when a household is approved for Seasonal Fuel Assistance, that benefit is not counted as income for 3SquaresVT. However, the heating costs it helps cover can be claimed as a shelter expense deduction. This lowers the household's net income, which can increase its monthly 3SquaresVT benefit.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

The WIC program provides vital support for pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children up to age five. WIC offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services. Participants receive benefits for specific healthy foods. Families already receiving 3SquaresVT are automatically income-eligible for WIC. To apply, call 1-800-464-4343 or text 'APPLY' to 1-844-TEXT-WIC. 

Additional Food Resources

Beyond state-administered programs, a network of community initiatives helps fill nutritional gaps.

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Provides a monthly box of free, shelf-stable food to income-eligible individuals, primarily seniors.
• Farm to Family & Crop Cash: These programs enhance 3SquaresVT benefits at farmers markets, providing coupons and dollar-for-dollar matches for fresh, local produce.
• Vermont Foodbank: As the state's largest hunger-relief organization, the Vermont Foodbank partners with a network of over 300 food shelves and meal sites. Its website is a central resource for finding local food programs.

Housing Stability: Assistance for Rent, Shelter, and Home Safety

Stable housing is the foundation of well-being. Vermont's support system for housing is multifaceted, offering emergency shelter, rental subsidies, and assistance for home repairs. Unlike food and energy assistance, housing support is administered across several different agencies, which can make it more complex to navigate.

Emergency Housing & Homelessness Prevention

For those facing an immediate housing crisis, such as homelessness or imminent eviction, help is available.

• Emergency Housing Program: Administered by the DCF, this program provides temporary emergency shelter, often in a hotel. Eligibility is for households that cannot afford housing and have experienced a catastrophic event or include a vulnerable member. To apply, call the Emergency Housing Line at 1-800-775-0506.
• Community Action Agencies (CAAs): The five CAAs are critical partners in homelessness prevention. They provide housing counseling, case management, and financial assistance to help stabilize housing for those at risk.

Subsidized Housing: Making Rent Affordable

Subsidized housing programs help low-income households by capping a tenant's rent contribution at a percentage of their income, typically 30%.

Tenant-Based Subsidies (Vouchers)

With tenant-based subsidies, the financial assistance is tied to the family or individual. The most well-known program is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. A household with a voucher can find a rental unit from a private landlord who agrees to participate. If the family moves, the voucher moves with them. Applications are managed by the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA), but waiting lists are often long and frequently closed.

Site-Specific Subsidies

With this type of assistance, the subsidy is attached to a specific apartment unit. If a tenant moves out, the subsidy remains with the apartment for the next eligible tenant. To get this assistance, applicants must apply directly to the management of the specific housing project.

To find listings of affordable and subsidized rental properties, residents can consult the Vermont Housing Finance Agency's (VHFA) directory and resources from regional organizations like the Champlain Housing Trust.

Home Repair and Improvement Programs

Several state programs offer financial assistance to property owners to maintain and improve safe, affordable housing.

• Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) 2.0: Provides grants and 0% interest loans up to $50,000 per unit to property owners for rehabilitating units or creating new affordable rentals.
• Manufactured Home Programs (MHIR & MHIP): Offer assistance to owners of manufactured home communities and individual homeowners for critical repairs and preparing lots for new homes. 
• Healthy Homes Funding: The Vermont Department of Health offers grants and loans to help homeowners address environmental health hazards like lead paint, radon, and mold, and to repair or replace failed water wells and septic systems.

Energy and Utilities: Keeping Your Home Warm and Powered

Vermont's cold winters make home heating a critical and often costly necessity. The state offers a two-track system of energy assistance: proactive programs to manage winter costs and reactive programs to address immediate emergencies.

Seasonal Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)

The Seasonal Fuel Assistance program is the state's primary proactive tool for managing heating costs.

• Purpose: This program helps pay a portion of a household's home heating bills through the winter. It is available to both homeowners and renters and covers all primary fuel types.
• Eligibility: Eligibility is based on a household's gross monthly income, which must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. A household's assets are not considered.
• Application Process: New applicants can apply online through the my Benefits portal, request a paper application by calling 1-800-479-6151, or apply in person at a local DCF office.

Crisis Fuel Assistance

For households facing an immediate heating emergency, the Crisis Fuel Assistance program provides reactive support.

• Purpose: This program is for situations where a household has run out of fuel, is close to running out with no money to buy more, or is facing a utility disconnection.
• Eligibility: The income limit is higher than for the seasonal program, set at 200% of the FPL. The household must be in a verifiable heating crisis.
• Application Process: Applications for Crisis Fuel must be made in person at a local Community Action Agency. It is essential to call the local CAA first. In most cases, a household must have already applied for Seasonal Fuel Assistance to be eligible for Crisis Fuel.

Utility Bill Discounts

Vermont's major utility companies offer monthly discounts in partnership with the state.

• Green Mountain Power (GMP): Eligible customers can receive a 25% discount on their monthly electric bill.
• Vermont Gas (VGS): Eligible customers can receive a 20% discount on their monthly natural gas bill.
• Eligibility and Application: For both programs, household income must be at or below 185% of the FPL. A single application form submitted to DCF covers both programs.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program is a powerful tool for reducing long-term energy costs. This free program provides comprehensive home energy efficiency improvements to income-eligible households, permanently lowering their heating bills.

Services can include adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and repairing heating systems. Any household approved for Seasonal Fuel Assistance is also eligible for these free weatherization services.

Healthcare Access: Green Mountain Care and Beyond

Vermont is committed to ensuring residents have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. The state's system is anchored by Vermont Health Connect, the single portal for enrolling in a range of health coverage options.

Vermont Health Connect: Your Gateway to Coverage

Vermont Health Connect (VHC) is the state's official health insurance marketplace. It is the only place where Vermonters can access financial help, such as premium tax credits, to lower the cost of a private health plan. VHC is also the entry point for enrolling in Vermont's public health insurance programs, Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur.

The annual open enrollment period for private plans typically runs from November 1 to January 15. However, enrollment in Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur is open year-round for those who qualify.

Medicaid (Green Mountain Care)

Vermont's Medicaid program, known as Green Mountain Care, provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income Vermonters.

• Eligibility: For adults aged 19-64, eligibility is based on income, with a limit of 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Separate rules exist for individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled.  
• Covered Services: Green Mountain Care offers comprehensive benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and mental health services. While some services may have small co-payments, these are waived for many populations.

Dr. Dynasaur (CHIP): Comprehensive Coverage for Children and Pregnant Individuals

Dr. Dynasaur is Vermont's version of the federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Created in 1989, the program has been instrumental in achieving near-universal health coverage for children in the state.

• Eligibility: Dr. Dynasaur provides coverage for children up to age 19 and for pregnant individuals. The income limits are significantly more generous than for adult Medicaid.
• For children and teens, the household income limit is 317% of the FPL.
• For pregnant individuals, the household income limit is 213% of the FPL.
• There is no asset test for eligibility.
• Benefits: The program provides comprehensive coverage with a strong emphasis on preventive care, including routine check-ups, immunizations, and dental and vision care. Coverage for pregnant individuals continues for a full 12 months postpartum.

Many working families may mistakenly believe they earn too much to qualify. The high income thresholds for Dr. Dynasaur mean that many more families are eligible than they might assume.

Dr. Dynasaur Monthly Income Guidelines (2025)

Other Health Resources

• Office of the Health Care Advocate (HCA): Housed within Vermont Legal Aid, the HCA is a free resource for all Vermonters. Advocates can help with applying for coverage, resolving billing problems, and appealing insurance denials. The HCA Help Line is 1-800-917-7787.
• Hospital Financial Assistance: All hospitals in Vermont must offer financial assistance programs that provide free or discounted care to eligible patients. Eligibility for free care often extends to patients with incomes up to 250% of the FPL.
• Prescription Assistance: Vermont offers prescription assistance for some uninsured residents and those on Medicare. The University of Vermont Health Network also runs a program to help eligible families obtain necessary medications at no cost.

Financial Support for Families with Children

Vermont provides programs specifically designed to promote the financial stability of families with minor children. These programs offer direct cash assistance, help with childcare costs, and case management to support parents.

Reach Up (TANF): A Pathway to Financial Stability

Reach Up is Vermont's version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Its core mission is to partner with families to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their long-term financial goals.

• Benefits: Participants receive monthly cash assistance for basic necessities and case management to help create a personalized plan for reaching goals related to education, job training, and employment.
• Eligibility: Eligibility is determined based on an assessment of a family's income, living expenses, assets, and household size. The program is for parents with minor, dependent children.   
• Application Process: Families can apply online via the my Benefits portal, by requesting a paper application (1-800-479-6151), or in person at a local DCF office.
• Child Support Interaction: When a parent receives Reach Up, they assign their right to collect child support to the state. The family receives the first $100 of any child support paid each month, and the state retains the rest to help offset the cost of the grant. A waiver can be requested if pursuing child support poses a safety risk.

Program Challenges

While the mission of Reach Up is to empower families, the program faces challenges. Advocacy groups note that the financial grants are calculated using outdated cost-of-living data, with housing costs based on figures from 2001. This amount is then subject to a "ratable reduction," effectively cutting the grant in half.

This leaves families with a monthly grant far below what is needed to meet basic needs, forcing them to rely on other crisis services. This funding structure can undermine the program's goal of promoting stability. There are ongoing legislative efforts to reform the grant calculation to better reflect the true cost of living in Vermont.

Reach Up Child-Only

A distinct branch of the program, Reach Up Child-Only, provides financial support when a child is being cared for by a relative or family friend who is not their legal parent. This is often referred to as kinship care.

• Eligibility: Eligibility is based on the child's circumstances, not the caregiver's. The child must be under 18, have little or no income, not be in foster care, and not be receiving SSI benefits.
• Benefits: The caregiver receives a monthly cash payment to help with the costs of caring for the child. Children in this program may also be eligible for Dr. Dynasaur and free school meals.
• Application: A separate application form is available for the Reach Up Child-Only program.

Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)

The high cost of childcare is a significant barrier to employment. The Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) helps make childcare more affordable for working families.

• Eligibility: A family must meet income guidelines and have a demonstrated "service need" for childcare, such as employment or participation in an approved training program.
• Benefits: The state pays a portion of the weekly childcare cost directly to the provider. The family is responsible for the remaining balance.
• Application: The program is administered through regional partner organizations. Families apply through their local partner, providing documentation to verify income and employment.

Other Key Assistance Programs

Several other programs provide targeted assistance to meet specific needs.

• Transportation Assistance: Regional providers like Green Mountain Transit (GMT) and Tri-Valley Transit operate programs that provide rides for medical appointments, as well as dial-a-ride services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Volunteer driver programs also play a crucial role.
• Lifeline Support: Lifeline is a federal benefit that provides a monthly discount on either telephone service or broadband internet service for low-income households.
• VSNIP (Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program): VSNIP provides financial assistance to lower-income Vermonters to help cover the cost of spaying or neutering their dogs and cats.

Appendix: Directory of Vermont Assistance Resources

This directory provides a quick reference for the primary programs and contact points discussed.

General Information & Referral

• Program: Vermont 211
• Agency: United Ways of Vermont
• Phone: 2-1-1 or 866-652-4636
• Website: vermont211.org

Food Assistance

• Program: 3SquaresVT (SNAP) & 3SquaresVT in a SNAP
• Agency: DCF Economic Services Division
• Phone: 1-800-479-6151 (Senior Helpline: 1-800-642-5119)
• Website: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT
• Program: WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
• Agency: Vermont Department of Health
• Phone: 1-800-464-4343
• Website: healthvermont.gov/family/wic
• Program: Food Shelves & Meal Sites
• Agency: Vermont Foodbank
• Phone: 855-855-6181
• Website: vtfoodbank.org

Housing Assistance

• Program: Emergency Housing
• Agency: DCF Economic Services Division
• Phone: 1-800-775-0506 (Emergency Housing Line)
• Website: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/crisis-housing
• Program: Subsidized Housing (Section 8 Vouchers, etc.)
• Agency: Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA)
• Phone: 802-828-3295
• Website: vsha.org
• Program: Affordable Rental Directory
• Agency: Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)
• Website: housingdata.org

Energy & Utility Assistance

• Program: Seasonal Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)
• Agency: DCF Economic Services Division
• Phone: 1-800-479-6151
• Website: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/fuel
• Program: Crisis Fuel Assistance
• Agency: Local Community Action Agencies (see table in Section I)
• Phone: Contact local CAA
• Website: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/crisis-fuel
• Program: GMP & VGS Utility Discounts
• Agency: DCF Economic Services Division
• Phone: 1-800-775-0516
• Website: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/eap
• Program: Weatherization Assistance
• Agency: Local Weatherization Agencies (often CAAs)
• Phone: Contact local CAA
• Website: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/weatherization

Healthcare Assistance

• Program: Health Insurance Marketplace (Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur, QHPs)
• Agency: Vermont Health Connect
• Phone: 1-855-899-9600
• Website: info.healthconnect.vermont.gov
• Program: Healthcare Advocacy & Problem Solving
• Agency: Office of the Health Care Advocate (Vermont Legal Aid)
• Phone: 1-800-917-7787
• Website: vtlawhelp.org/health

Family & Financial Assistance

• Program: Reach Up & Reach Up Child-Only (TANF)
• Agency: DCF Economic Services Division
• Phone: 1-800-479-6151
• Website: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/reachup
• Program: Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)
• Agency: Local Partner Organizations
• Phone: Varies by region (see Section VI)
• Website: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/ccfap

Frequently Asked Questions