3SquaresVT Updates and Accessing Food During the Government Shutdown

The federal government shutdown officially ended on November 12 when Congress passed a funding bill, resolving the longest shutdown in history, and ensuring that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- the source of 3SquaresVT benefits -- is now fully funded through September 30, 2026. 

However, despite this positive news, the period of uncertainty created by the shutdown, combined with recent changes to eligibility rules, means many recipients are still awaiting critical benefits and finding it difficult to keep track of the facts; in moments like this, clear information and strong community support are essential to help everyone navigate these ongoing challenges.

Find the latest up-to-date information about 3SquaresVT here: vermontfoodhelp.com/3squaresvt-updates
http://hungerfreevt.org/2025-government-shutdown

To learn about 3SquaresVT support at CVOEO, visit our webpage.

What We Know

This summer, the federal government passed a bill that made several changes to SNAP/3SquaresVT. Some Vermonters may see a change in their benefit amount or eligibility as of October 1, 2025.

Then, on that same day, the federal government shut down after Congress did not pass an annual funding bill in time.

The state’s Economic Services Division (ESD), which manages 3SquaresVT, continued to operate. All were encouraged to continue to apply or renew benefits normally. 

State leaders took action to address the 3SquaresVT funding gap during the government shutdown. A board unanimously voted to provide $6.2 million in state-funded SNAP benefits to cover recipients through November 15th (a half-month's worth of benefits). These benefits were loaded onto EBT cards, however, recipients did not receive these benefits on their EBT cards until November 7th due to the necessary back-end coding to process a state-funded benefit. While this action provided temporary relief, the funding only covers through mid-month. With the passed bill on the 12th, full November 3SquaresVT benefits will go out starting November 14th. Clients who receive benefits by direct deposit will receive them on Monday, November 17, due to regular weekend banking schedules.

Changes to SNAP benefits for not English Speakers: Vermont Language Justice Project

Recent Eligibility and Benefit Changes

The changes that took effect on October 1 may impact who qualifies and how benefits are calculated.

• Immigrant eligibility: Eligibility is now limited to people who are lawful permanent residents. Cuban or Haitian entrants, Amerasians, Hmong or Highland Laotian Tribal Members, or COFA citizens are included. Refugees, people granted asylum, other previously eligible non-citizens no longer qualify, but children or other household members may still be eligible.
• Work rules: Adults ages 18–64 may now need to meet work or exemption requirements to keep benefits for more than three months. This includes veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who were in foster care. No one will lose benefits because of this rule before February 2026.
• Utility deductions: Households with an older or disabled member can automatically receive a utility deduction. Others can still qualify if they pay heating or cooling costs, which may increase benefit amounts. For people who have eligible heat/cooling expenses, the reporting on this information will be new.

Be Prepared

If you receive 3SquaresVT:

- Keep using your benefits normally. All benefits should now be issued.

- Write down where your nearest food shelves and community meals are located. Contact Feeding Champlain Valley or Vermont 211 for assistance locating food shelves, hot meals, and other food resources.

- If your situation changes, or if you have questions about your 3SquaresVT benefits or application, contact your local Community Action office.

• Addison County: Mark Demers – 802-388-2285 x204
• Chittenden County: Marcella Gange – 802-863-6248 x756
• Franklin & Grand Isle Counties: Rebecca Moyer – 802-527-7392 x107

You can also find statewide updates and application help through Vermont’s Economic Services Division or by visiting vermontfoodhelp.com.

How You Can Help If You’re Not Receiving 3SquaresVT

Even if you don’t receive 3SquaresVT benefits, you can make a difference in ensuring your community stays fed and informed:

Only share accurate information.
Before spreading news about benefit changes, check reliable sources such as vermontfoodhelp.com, hungerfreevt.org, or cvoeo.org. Please share this information with Vermonters you work with, especially those who may be anxious about repayment or confused about why they received two benefit deposits this month.

- Reinforce that the state-funded emergency payment was provided to ensure continuity of access to food, and that it will not be taken back or deducted from future benefits.

- Encourage individuals to reach out to your local 3SquaresVT provider if they have questions or concerns:

• ESD Benefits Specialist Line: 1-800-479-6151
• For a spoken language interpreter: 1-855-247-3092.
• If you are 60 or older, call the Helpline: 1-800-642-5119 for personalized assistance.

Uplift free food opportunities.
Help promote pantries that offer food choice and hot meals in your area, especially smaller or less visible community venues.

Check in with others.
Reach out to family, friends, and neighbors who rely on food subsidies. Make sure they understand any benefit changes and know where to find local food shelves or meal programs.

Join your community.
Support, donate to programs like Feeding Champlain Valley, and volunteer with organizations offering food access, especially those hosting culturally inclusive, prepared, and choice-based meals. Every effort helps strengthen food security in your neighborhood.

We’ll get through this together by staying informed and connected.

As the situation unfolds, CVOEO and our partners will continue to make sure Vermonters have the information and resources they need. If your benefits change—or if you want to help—reach out, share these resources, and stay connected. No one should go hungry.