Vermont Approves a Partial State-Funded Benefit Amid Federal Government Shutdown and Lapse in Funding for 3SquaresVT
Vermont Business Magazine In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the resulting delay in federal 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits, Governor Phil Scott, in coordination with key legislative leaders, has approved a temporary, state-funded contingency benefit to ensure Vermonters maintain access to food.
The approved emergency measure provides a one-time benefit covering the first 15 days of November 3SquaresVT benefits for all November 1 eligible households. Payments are expected to be issued on or before November 7, 2025, and will reach more than 38,000 Vermont households. Households will receive these state-funded benefits on their EBT card, or by direct deposit, in the same way that 3SquaresVT benefits are delivered to them.
Today a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to continue SNAP benefits.
How Vermonters will get their benefits:
If you already receive 3SquaresVT, nothing is changing — you’ll get your benefits the same way you always have.
- If you use an EBT card, your benefits will be added to that card.
- If you get 3SquaresVT cash benefits, they’ll be sent the usual way — either by direct deposit or added to your EBT card, depending on what you normally use.
- If you’re newly approved and don’t have an EBT card yet, one will be mailed to you.
- If you’re getting cash benefits and chose direct deposit, your benefits will go straight to your bank account.
In addition, the group has also directed $250,000 to the Vermont Foodbank to issue out assistance for local food shelves, ensuring that households have continued access to food in the event of delays in benefit distribution. Both the contingency benefit and foodbank funding will only be issued if the federal government remains shut down and before these benefits are operationalized by the State.
The emergency measure aims to:
- Maintain food access and stability for Vermont households.
- Stabilize small and mid-sized grocery retailers that depend on 3SquaresVT spending.
- Reduce pressure on local food shelves and community support networks.
Households can find food resources and local food shelves at https://vermont211.org/ or by calling 211. Vermonters are reminded that:
- October and prior EBT balances remain usable for eligible purchases.
- EBT account balances can be checked at www.ebtedge.com or by calling 1-800-914-8605.
- The 3SquaresVT Program is now using automated phone calls and text messages to share important updates with clients. If you received one of these messages, please know it was official communication from the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) and not part of a scam.
Future updates will be shared publicly on the DCF website at https://dcf.vermont.gov/content/dcf-news. Households eligible for 3SquaresVT will receive automated phone calls or text messages from DCF with updates. DCF will also mail notices to households regarding their state-funded emergency benefit information.
The Vermont Department for Children and Families delivers a wide array of programs and services to Vermonters in areas such as child care, child development, child protection, child support, disability determination, and economic benefits that help meet basic needs.
10.31.2025. Vermont Department for Children and Families www.DCF.vermont.gov
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