Once you’re on the AHS website, click anywhere that says “My Benefits,” “Click Here to Log in,” “Apply for Benefits” or “Begin a New Application.” You may have to navigate through multiple pages before you get to the application. Once you get to the application, fill in as much information as you can. When you’re ready to go to the next page, click “Next.”

If you have trouble logging in, try clicking the “Forgot Password?” link on the login page. Follow the steps to reset your password. If you do not get a password reset link or have other problems, you can create a new account with a different email address, or visit: https://info.my.vermont.gov/help-benefits (here you will find instructions on how to email ESD for help with your account). You can also contact our team at Vermont Foodbank for help.

On the “Sign & Submit” page, follow the steps to sign. You will have to click the link to read the “Rights and Responsibilities” before you can check the box that shows you have read them! Next, click “Finish.” When you see a reference number, you have successfully submitted your application.

ESD may mail you additional forms to fill out. You can find a list of common forms here. You only need to submit forms if ESD asks for them. Here are a few examples of the additional forms many people are asked to submit:

• End of Employment: If you have ended or paused a job in the past 60 days, they may ask you for form 218ET- End of Employment Verification Form.
• Self-Employment: If you are self-employed, ESD will likely ask you for a copy of last year’s taxes. If you don’t have that, they will ask for form  204B- Business Income and Expense Form.
• Students: If you are at least a half-time student, ESD will likely ask you for form 216- Student Self Declaration of Financial Aid and Expenses Form.
• Direct Deposit: If everyone in your household is over 65 and/or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can have your 3SVT benefits put directly into your bank account. To enroll, submit form 201DD- Direct Deposit Form.

If you are 60 or older or an adult living with a disability, you can submit medical expenses you pay for out of pocket, and these expenses may help you get a bigger benefit. Many medical expenses can be counted! Here is a list of medical expenses you can claim. If only some people in your household are an adult over 60 or a person living with a disability, those individuals can still submit medical expenses. Have questions or want to learn more? Please contact our team at Vermont Foodbank for help.

You may qualify for 3SquaresVT benefits as a college or graduate student. Be sure to read this website for important information about student eligibility and the student work requirement (and exemptions).

• Shop: you will receive your benefits on an EBT card. You can use this card at most grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets in Vermont.
• Submit changes: if your income or expenses change, it is typically important to report changes. If income increases, it’s important to report the change so you don’t risk an overpayment. If income decreases, it’s important to report the change because it could increase your monthly benefit amount!
• Interim Report: approximately 5 months after you’re approved, ESD will send you form 202IR-Interim Report. Be sure you complete the paperwork and upload it to ESD or mail it back to them before the due date.
• Recertification: typically, you’ll need to reapply for benefits every year. ESD will mail you a reminder to reapply. Be sure to follow the timeline they suggest so that your benefits don’t lapse!

Some people — like people 65 and older, people receiving disability benefits, or people who are pregnant or living in a household with a child under 14 – should be automatically exempt from the work requirement.

If you aren’t automatically exempt, you may still be able to get an exemption and stay on 3SquaresVT without needing to work. For example, if you can’t find appropriate work due to a physical or mental health condition, you can seek an exemption by having a doctor or therapist complete page 1 of the 210A form. If you can’t find work because of a life barrier like lack of transportation, homelessness, lack of education, etc. a service provider—like Vermont Foodbank—may be able to complete page 2 of the 210A form. For more information, please contact us!

If you are eligible for 3SquaresVT, you may also be eligible for WIC (Women Infants and Children), CSFP (a monthly shelf-stable food box for older adults), seasonal Fuel Assistance, a discount on your Green Mountain Power bill or Vermont Gas bill, Crop Cash farmers market coupons, Farm to Family coupons, and more.

If you’re approved, you’ll get an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card in the mail — it works just like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, and many farmers markets to buy food. You’ll receive a copy of this instructional brochure with your card. You’ll need to set up a PIN to use the card. Your benefit will load onto the card automatically at the beginning of each month. You can also use this online app, ebtEdge, to track transactions and deposits