New USDA Guidance Restores 3SquaresVT Eligibility for Certain Non-Citizen Households

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released updated federal guidance on December 9 and 10, 2025, clarifying that specific non-citizen categories, including some Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders in the U.S. for fewer than five years are eligible for 3SquaresVT.

"We were thrilled to hear this news," said Miranda Gray, Deputy Commissioner at Department for Children and Families. "We are working as quickly as possible to restore benefits to impacted households."

• Only a subgroup of non-citizens are affected by this change.
  • Based on our initial review, we estimate that approximately 90 individuals who are lawful permanent residents or special immigrant visa holders potentially meet criteria to regain eligibility under the updated federal guidance.
• Households that previously received 3SquaresVT and were closed solely due to non-citizen eligibility rules will have their cases automatically reopened and will receive ongoing and retroactive benefits.
• Households closed for other reasons, or who were not previously enrolled, should apply.
• Some households might have received assistance from community organizations while they were not active on 3SquaresVT. Those funds count as income if the payments were recurring for the time that they were received and should be reported. One-time payments do not count as income.
• Notices and benefits are expected to be issued starting as early as next week.

If a household believes they are impacted but does not receive a notice within the upcoming weeks, or has any questions about their individual situation, they should call Economic Services at 1-800-479-6151.