SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Vermont

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (Vermont)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Vermont with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in Vermont. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In Vermont, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in Vermont includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In Vermont, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in Vermont, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in Vermont includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in Vermont include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in Vermont to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in Vermont. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in Vermont. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In Vermont, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in Vermont if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in Vermont. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in Vermont, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

Is 3SquaresVT the same as SNAP in Vermont?

Yes. SNAP in Vermont is called 3SquaresVT. It is the same federal SNAP program, just Vermont’s state name for it.

What are the SNAP income limits in Vermont?

Vermont uses the federal SNAP income limits. The calculator checks gross income, net income, and deductions automatically based on household size.

How much can 1 person get in 3SquaresVT benefits in Vermont?

A 1-person household could receive up to around $291/month maximum in FY2025, but actual benefit depends on deductions and net income.

Can I qualify for 3SquaresVT if I just lost my job in Vermont?

Yes. Eligibility is based on monthly income — not employment status. The calculator supports zero-income entries.

Do rent, heat and utility bills affect SNAP benefit amounts in Vermont?

Yes. Vermont uses Standard Utility Allowances. Rent + utilities lower your net income — increasing the estimated benefit amount.

Do Social Security and SSI count as income for 3SquaresVT in Vermont?

Yes — Social Security, SSDI and SSI count as unearned income. They must be included in the calculator for accurate results.

Can seniors on fixed Social Security qualify for SNAP in Vermont?

Yes — seniors often qualify because medical deductions and shelter deductions reduce net income — increasing the benefit estimate.

Do college students qualify for 3SquaresVT in Vermont?

Yes — but they must meet student exemptions such as work hours, work-study, disability, or caring for children. The calculator screens student rules.

Can I still qualify if I rent a room but buy my own food in Vermont?

Yes — if you buy and prepare food separately you can be considered your own SNAP household in Vermont.

Does 3SquaresVT in Vermont have an asset limit?

Most Vermont households do not have an asset limit due to categorical eligibility — some elderly/disabled cases may still have resource rules.

Does child support paid lower countable income in Vermont SNAP?

Yes — legally owed child support payments are deductions. Entering them in the calculator may lower your net income.

Can gig income like Uber or DoorDash affect SNAP in Vermont?

Yes — gig earnings are counted as earned income. The calculator allows you to enter monthly average gig income.

Does 3SquaresVT update benefit amounts every year in Vermont?

Yes — SNAP/3SquaresVT limits and benefit amounts update each October. The calculator uses current fiscal year numbers.

Do medical costs help increase SNAP benefits in Vermont?

Yes — if a household has someone 60+ or disabled — allowable medical expenses can increase deductions in the calculator.

Where do I apply after using the Vermont SNAP calculator?

You apply through the Vermont Department for Children & Families (DCF) — online, mail, fax or in-person — after applying, a required interview is scheduled.