Information for Vermonters About Federal Delay in new 3SquaresVT (SNAP) Benefits

Waterbury, Vt. - The Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requiring all states to pause issuance of 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits until further notice as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

What This Means for Vermonters

• If you have received your October 1 benefit, it can still be used and is not impacted by the federal government shutdown.
• If you are expecting to receive your November 1 benefit, unless the federal government reopens and authorizes November benefits, it will not be issued due to a lack of federal funds.
• If you were deemed eligible or approved for benefits after October 27, you will not receive your first benefit until the federal government reopens and authorizes additional federal funds to the SNAP program.

Due to the current lack of funding, Vermonters receiving benefits are encouraged to plan ahead and to stay up to date as more information becomes available. DCF is committed to helping Vermonters through this uncertain time.

Clients should continue to submit applications which will be reviewed on a regular basis by DCF as well as check EBT card balances prior to attempting to make purchases.

ATM locations can be found on the DCF website: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/ebt

Contact Economic Services at 1-800-479-6151 with questions about your case.