Vermont SNAP Benefits Restored After Federal Government Reopens
Federal Funding Returns for 3SquaresVT Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which operates in Vermont as 3SquaresVT, has resumed full federal funding following the reopening of the federal government, Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced today.
The restoration affects more than 63,000 Vermont residents who depend on the nutrition assistance program.
What Happened
The federal government had experienced a disruption that temporarily halted SNAP funding. During this period, Vermont issued state-funded partial benefits to eligible recipients on November 7 to bridge the gap.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued guidance today allowing DCF to resume normal benefit operations with full federal funding restored.
Impact on Vermont Recipients
All eligible households will automatically receive their full November federal benefit through their regular distribution method. This includes individuals who already received the state-funded partial benefit earlier this month.
Benefits will be distributed as follows:
EBT card recipients: Benefits available Friday, November 14
Direct deposit recipients: Benefits available Monday, November 17
Recipients do not need to take any action to receive their benefits.
State Response to the Disruption
Vermont legislators worked with the Scott administration to provide temporary contingency benefits when federal funds were unavailable. DCF staff worked extended hours to ensure benefits continued flowing to Vermont households during the federal disruption.
“Our teams worked around the clock to make sure benefits were delivered without major disruption, and we’re relieved that federal operations have resumed so we can continue providing consistent support to Vermonters,” said DCF Economic Services Deputy Commissioner Miranda Gray in the announcement.
About 3SquaresVT
The 3SquaresVT program serves as Vermont’s implementation of the federal SNAP program, providing nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. The program helps recipients purchase food at authorized retailers.
What Happens Next
DCF will continue operating the 3SquaresVT program under normal federal funding procedures. Eligible recipients will receive their benefits according to the regular monthly schedule. The department will continue monitoring federal operations to ensure uninterrupted service to Vermont households relying on nutrition assistance.