Vermont 3SquaresVT Calculator (FY 2026)

3SquaresVT Guide: Understanding Your Eligibility for FY 2026

Effective Dates: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026

Vermont’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is known as 3SquaresVT. This program is designed to help Vermonters stretch their food budgets and put three healthy meals on the table every day. Unlike many other states, Vermont has expanded eligibility rules that make it easier for working families and seniors to qualify.

How Eligibility Works in Vermont

The calculator above estimates your benefits based on the Fiscal Year 2026 federal and state guidelines. Here is a breakdown of the specific rules used in the calculation:

1. The 185% Income Rule (Gross Income Test)

Most households in Vermont are categorically eligible if their gross monthly income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

• If your income is under this limit, there is no asset test. You do not need to count your savings or bank accounts.

• FY 2026 Limit Example: A household of 3 can earn up to $4,109 per month and still potentially qualify.

2. Rules for Seniors (60+) and Persons with Disabilities

If your household includes someone who is 60 or older or receives disability benefits, the rules are even more flexible:

• You may qualify even if your gross income is over the 185% limit.

• If your income is over the limit, the state will look at your assets (resources). The resource limit for FY 2026 is generally $4,500.

• Medical Deductions: You can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $35/month, which can significantly increase your benefit amount.

Unique Feature: “Cash-Out” Benefits

Vermont is one of the few states that offers a “Cash-Out” option for specific households.

• Who Qualifies: If everyone in your household is age 65 or older OR receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

• How it Works: Instead of receiving an EBT card that can only be used at specific stores, your benefits are deposited directly into your bank account as cash. This allows you to buy food anywhere or use the funds for prepared meals.

Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) for 2026

In addition to monthly 3SquaresVT benefits, families with school-aged children may be eligible for Summer EBT (also known as SUN Bucks).

• Benefit Amount: A one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child.

• Timing: Distributed during the summer months of 2026 when children are out of school and miss access to free school lunches.

• Eligibility: Generally automatic for families already receiving 3SquaresVT.

How This Calculator Works

This tool mimics the official “budget worksheet” used by Vermont caseworkers. While the math can seem complicated, it follows a standard four-step process to determine how much food assistance you qualify for.

Step 1: The Gross Income Test
First, the calculator compares your total monthly income (before taxes) against the 185% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) limit for your household size.

• Most Households: If you make less than this limit, you pass the first hurdle. Vermont considers you “Categorically Eligible,” meaning you generally do not need to pass an asset test (savings are ignored).

• Elderly/Disabled: If you are over this limit but have a senior or disabled member, the calculator moves you to a different test where your assets are counted, but you may still qualify.

Step 2: Applying Deductions
SNAP assumes you cannot spend all your money on food because you have other bills. The calculator subtracts these amounts from your income to find your “Net Income”:

• Standard Deduction: A flat amount subtracted for everyone (e.g., $209+ depending on household size).

• Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your wages are deducted to encourage work.

• Shelter Deduction: If your rent and utilities take up more than half of your income after other deductions, you get a credit for those costs (up to a specific cap, unless you are elderly/disabled).

• Medical/Childcare: Out-of-pocket medical costs (for seniors) and childcare costs are subtracted.

Step 3: Calculating “Net Income”
After subtracting all the deductions above from your Gross Income, we get your Net Income. This is the amount of money the government thinks you actually have available to spend on food.

Step 4: The Benefit Amount
The government expects you to spend roughly 30% of your Net Income on food.

• The calculator takes the Maximum Benefit for your household size.

• It subtracts 30% of your Net Income.

• The Result: The difference is your estimated monthly 3SquaresVT benefit.

Real World Example: The “Miller” Family

To help you understand how the numbers come together, let’s look at a hypothetical example for Fiscal Year 2026.

The Situation:

• Household: Jane (Mom) and her 6-year-old son (Household Size: 2).

• Employment: Jane works part-time and earns $2,000/month (Gross Income).

• Expenses: She pays $1,100/month for rent and heating.

The Calculation:

1. Gross Income Test: The limit for a family of 2 is $3,261. Jane earns $2,000, so she PASSES Step 1.

2. Deductions:

   • Standard Deduction: -$209 (Standard FY 2026 rate).

   • Earned Income Deduction: -$400 (20% of her wages).

   • Adjusted Income: $2,000 – $209 – 

     $400=\ast \ast$

     1,391**.

3. Shelter Deduction:

   • Half of Jane’s Adjusted Income is $695.50.

   • Her shelter cost is $1,100.

   • The “Excess Shelter” deduction is $1,100 – 

     $695.50=\ast \ast$

     404.50**.

4. Net Income:

   • $1,391 (Adjusted Income) – 

     $404.50(ShelterDeduction)=\ast \ast$

     986.50** (Net Income).

5. Final Benefit Calculation:

   • The government expects Jane to spend 30% of her Net Income on food: $296.

   • The Maximum Benefit for a household of 2 is $546.

   • $546 (Max Benefit) 

How to Apply for 3SquaresVT

Once you have used the calculator to see your potential benefit, you can apply through one of the following official channels:

1. Apply Online (Fastest): Visit myBenefits.vt.gov to submit your application electronically.

2. Apply by Mail: Download the “Application for Benefits” from the Vermont DCF website, print it, and mail it to the address listed on the form.

3. In-Person: Visit your local Economic Services Division (ESD) District Office.

4. 3SquaresVT in a SNAP (Simplified): If your household consists only of people 60+ or receiving SSI, ask for the shorter, 3-page application form.

Important Contact Numbers

• Benefits Service Center: Call 1-800-479-6151 for help with your application or to check the status of your case.

• Senior Helpline: Vermonters age 60+ can call 1-800-642-5119 for personalized assistance and advocacy.

• EBT Balance Check: Visit ebtEdge.com or call 1-800-914-8605 to check your card balance.

Disclaimer: This page provides an educational estimate based on USDA and Vermont DCF public data for Fiscal Year 2026. It is not a final determination of benefits. Please apply through the official Vermont Department for Children and Families channels to get a formal decision.