How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Vermont

Applying for SNAP in Vermont is straightforward. You can submit your application online, in person at a local office, or by mail.

The online portal is the quickest way to apply. You can complete the form, upload documents, and submit your application from home, saving you a trip to a district office. It's available 24/7.

Applying in person allows you to get direct assistance from staff at your local Economic Services Division office. This is a good option if you have questions or need help filling out the forms.

If you prefer a paper-based process, you can download, print, and mail your application. This method is useful if you lack reliable internet access or prefer to complete the paperwork at your own pace.

Online Application

The fastest way to apply is online. Before you start, review the eligibility rules below to see if your household qualifies. These requirements are the same for all application methods.

• Income Limits: Your household’s gross and net monthly income must be below certain limits, which are based on the Federal Poverty Level. For example, a one-person household must have a gross income at or below $2,322.

• Residency: You must live in Vermont and plan to buy and prepare your food in the state.

• Citizenship: At least one person in your household must be a U.S. citizen or a “qualified” non-citizen, such as a lawful permanent resident with five years’ presence or a refugee.

In-Person Application

When applying in person, you must meet the same work requirements as other applicants. Most adults aged 16-59 must accept suitable work and report their employment status to the Economic Services Division.

Able-bodied adults without dependents, aged 18-54, are typically limited to three months of benefits unless they work, volunteer, or train for at least 80 hours per month. Exemptions for this time-limited rule are available.

Application by Mail

When mailing your application, be aware of special conditions that may affect your eligibility. Seniors and people with disabilities can use a simplified application and may qualify even if their gross income is higher than the standard limit.

Most households do not have an asset limit. However, resources are reviewed if a household includes an elderly or disabled member and has a gross income over 185% of the FPL. For the latest rules, visit the official 3SquaresVT website.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Vermont

• Application Help: Call the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 for questions about applications, recertifications, and your benefits.

• Hours: Representatives are available Monday to Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

See Vermont EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Vermont

Once you're approved for SNAP, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An EBT card, short for Electronic Benefits Transfer, is how you'll access your SNAP funds. Think of it like a debit card. Each month, your benefits are automatically loaded onto the card for you to use.

When you're ready to pay for groceries at an approved store, you simply swipe your card at the checkout terminal and enter your personal PIN. The cost of eligible food items is then taken from your account.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are for purchasing food items that you will prepare and eat at home. This includes most staple groceries you would find in a supermarket, helping you put healthy meals on the table for your family.

While you can buy a wide range of foods, some items are not covered. Here’s a general guide to what is eligible and what is not:

• Eligible foods include: Fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Ineligible items include: Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, hot foods, and non-food products like cleaning supplies or pet food.

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on top of your budget and know when your monthly funds will arrive.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

Keeping track of your EBT card balance is simple. You can check it by calling the customer service number on the back of your card or by looking at your last grocery receipt.

Another way to see your balance is through a third-party app. For example, the Benny app lets you view your real-time SNAP and cash balance directly on your phone.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Vermont

In Vermont, SNAP benefits are deposited on the 1st of every month for all households. This simple schedule means you don't need to track your case number, making it easier to plan your grocery budget.

You can check your specific payment date in our Vermont deposit schedule.

See Vermont EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your balance through the state's online portal, by calling the number on your card, or on any ATM or grocery receipt. Apps like Benny also show your real-time SNAP and cash balance on your phone.

Check out our guide covering each method on how to check EBT balance.

Check Your Vermont EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and others.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more from your EBT benefits.