WATERBURY-The Department for Children and Families (DCF) is making federally required changes to 3SquaresVT, Vermont's name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Each year, benefit amounts are updated to match federal standards. This year's update also includes new federal rules about how household expenses can be counted.
These changes are required by federal law (H.R.1). They take effect beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1. Notices have been sent to households as of Sept. 6. Because mailing takes several days, not all households received their notices at the same time.
Most of Vermont's 38,755 3SquaresVT households will see their monthly benefit go up slightly or stay the same. More than 34,000 households (more than 90%) will see an average increase of $5 per month. This is part of the regular annual updates to the program.
A smaller number, about 2,600 households, will see an average decrease of $108 per month. A very limited number of 36 households will no longer qualify for SNAP benefits because of changes to how utility costs are counted under the federal rules.
The DCF encourages households negatively affected to contact their Economic Services Division (ESD). Staff can review cases to see whether any corrections or exemptions apply.
"3SquaresVT is a vital resource for many Vermonters," said ESD Deputy Commissioner Miranda Gray in a news release. "We know how much families rely on this program, and even small changes can cause real stress. While the majority of households will not see reductions - for those affected, our staff will be there to walk through the changes, answer questions, and connect households with every resource we can."
DCF is currently manually reviewing cases with non-U.S. citizen household members. Federal law requires citizenship and immigration documentation to be verified, and eligibility to be updated. Households that lose eligibility will get notices in the mail before their benefits end on Oct. 1, 2025.
Starting Sept. 15, DCF made federal changes to work requirements in the eligibility system. Households affected by these rules will get notices by mail in late September. The notices will explain the new rules and options for exemptions.
For more information about 3SquaresVT or help understanding your notice, visit bit.ly/832-snap or call ESD at 800-479-6151 Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for Thursday when the hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.