If you're juggling a lot right now, Vermont has benefits programs for Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur, 3SquaresVT (Vermont's SNAP), Reach Up cash help, and Fuel Assistance. Health coverage starts at Vermont Health Connect, and most other help runs through the Department for Children and Families. For SSDI, SSI, or VA disability benefits, start with Social Security or the VA.
Vermont benefits programs at a glance
Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) | Monthly income when a health condition stops you from working | Social Security Administration (SSA), or with Turnout |
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Monthly income for people with disabilities or older adults with very limited income | SSA, or with Turnout |
VA Disability | Tax-free monthly payments for conditions connected to military service | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage, including Dr. Dynasaur for kids and pregnant people | Vermont Health Connect |
ACA Subsidies (Affordable Care Act) | Lower monthly costs for marketplace health plans | Vermont Health Connect |
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health insurance for older adults and some people with disabilities, plus help using it | SSA to enroll, Turnout for advocacy |
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) | Money for groceries through 3SquaresVT | Department for Children and Families (DCF) |
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) | Healthy food and nutrition support for families with young children | Vermont Department of Health |
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) | Help paying heating bills through Fuel Assistance | DCF |
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) | Cash help and job support through Reach Up | DCF |
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) | A bigger tax refund for working people | Your federal and Vermont tax returns |
Child Tax Credit | Lower taxes or a refund for families with young children | Your federal and Vermont tax returns |
Child Care Assistance (CCAP, Child Care Assistance Program) | Help paying for child care through CCFAP | DCF |
IEP (Individualized Education Program) / Education Advocacy | Special education support at school | Your child's school, or with Turnout |
Disability and income
SSDI
SSDI pays monthly benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can't work now because of a serious medical condition. SSA runs SSDI the same way in every state, and Vermont residents can apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Have your medical records, a list of your doctors, and your work history ready when you apply. If you'd like one-on-one help, you can apply for SSDI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's guide to applying for disability benefits and SSA's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet.
SSI
SSI is a monthly payment for people with very limited income and savings who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Vermont adds its own money to the federal payment, so your monthly check includes both the federal SSI payment and a Vermont supplement. If you get SSI, you usually get Medicaid automatically. You apply for SSI through SSA online, by phone, or at a local office. For one-on-one help, you can apply for SSI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's SSI page and SSA's guide to SSI in Vermont.
VA Disability
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with illnesses or injuries connected to their military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decides claims and assigns a disability rating. In Vermont, the Office of Veterans Affairs runs state programs such as a property tax exemption for some disabled veterans, and a 2025 law created a new state tax credit for income-eligible veterans. You can also work with a VA-accredited representative when you file. Turnout doesn't represent veterans in VA claims, but you can learn more on Turnout's veterans benefits page.
Official resources: VA's disability compensation rates and the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs property tax exemption.
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income. In Vermont, the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) runs Medicaid, and coverage for children and pregnant people is called Dr. Dynasaur. You apply through Vermont Health Connect, the same place you shop for private health plans, so one application can show which kind of coverage fits you. You can apply at Vermont Health Connect online. If you get SSI, you usually get Medicaid automatically.
Official resources: Vermont Health Connect's guide to Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur and DVHA's page for members.
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are tax credits that lower what you pay each month for a health plan you buy on the marketplace. Vermont runs its own marketplace, Vermont Health Connect, so residents shop and enroll there instead of HealthCare.gov. You can apply at Vermont Health Connect, and the site explains your options step by step. Most people enroll during the yearly open enrollment period, but life changes like losing coverage can let you enroll at other times. If you might qualify for Medicaid, the same application covers that too.
Official resources: Vermont Health Connect and Vermont Health Connect's how-to-apply page.
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, and you enroll through SSA. In Vermont, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), part of the Adult Services Division, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors can help you compare plans and look into programs that lower costs. When coverage isn't working, like a denial or a confusing bill, you can get one-on-one help from Turnout's healthcare advocacy team.
Official resources: Medicare.gov and Vermont SHIP.
Food and nutrition
SNAP
SNAP gives households money each month to buy groceries. In Vermont, SNAP is called 3SquaresVT, and the Department for Children and Families (DCF) runs it. Benefits come on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. If everyone in your household gets SSI, you can apply for 3SquaresVT at a Social Security office. You can also apply online through Vermont's benefits portal, and DCF will contact you for an interview.
Official resources: DCF's 3SquaresVT page and the federal SNAP program.
WIC
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children under five. In Vermont, the Department of Health runs WIC. WIC staff can also connect you with other health and community services. To start, apply for WIC through the Vermont Department of Health. After you apply, staff will reach out to set up an appointment, check whether you qualify, and explain how to use your benefits. You don't need to be on another program to apply.
Official resources: the Vermont Department of Health's WIC page.
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
LIHEAP helps households with limited income pay home heating bills. In Vermont, DCF runs this help as Fuel Assistance, which helps with heating costs during the cold months. DCF also offers Crisis Fuel help if you're running out of fuel or facing a shutoff. Help depends on your household's income and available funding. To start, apply for Fuel Assistance through DCF. Ask DCF what to bring, like proof of income and a recent heating bill. Apply early so you're ready before winter.
Official resources: DCF's Crisis Fuel page.
TANF
TANF gives temporary cash help and job support to families with children who have little or no income. In Vermont, TANF is called Reach Up, and DCF runs it. Reach Up pairs cash help with support to help parents work toward their goals. You can learn about Reach Up and how to apply through DCF. DCF will talk with you about your situation and next steps after you apply. Check the DCF page for current rules. If you also need food or heating help, ask DCF about 3SquaresVT and Fuel Assistance.
Official resources: DCF's benefits page.
Tax credits
EITC
The EITC is a federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can lower what you owe or increase your refund. Vermont adds its own refundable state EITC, and a 2025 law increased it for working Vermonters without children. Refundable means that if you owe no state tax, you get the credit's value as part of your refund. You claim the federal credit on your federal return and the Vermont credit on your state return. See Vermont's tax credits at tax.vermont.gov.
Official resources: the IRS EITC page.
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit lowers federal taxes for families raising qualifying children, and part of it can come back as a refund. Vermont also has its own refundable Child Tax Credit for families with young children, and a 2025 law expanded it to children up to age six. You claim it on your Vermont return, and you can get it even if you owe no state tax. You need to file a return to get these credits, even if you don't usually have to file. See Vermont's tax credits at tax.vermont.gov.
Official resources: the IRS Child Tax Credit page.
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Child Care Assistance helps families with limited income pay for child care. In Vermont, it's called the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP), and DCF's Child Development Division runs it. CCFAP helps eligible families pay for care so parents can work or go to school. You can apply for child care assistance through DCF. DCF may ask for proof of income and your child care provider's information. Check DCF's income guidelines to see if your family may qualify.
Official resources: DCF's CCFAP income guidelines update.
IEP / Education Advocacy
An IEP is a written plan for a child with a disability that spells out the special education services the school will provide. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives your child this right. In Vermont, the Agency of Education (AOE) oversees special education in public schools. Ask your child's school for an evaluation in writing. If you'd like someone in the meeting with you, Turnout's education advocacy team starts with a free case review. Vermont Family Network, a nonprofit, also supports families navigating special education.
Official resources: the Vermont Agency of Education's special education page and Vermont Family Network's special education support (a nonprofit).
What this means for you
- Start with Vermont Health Connect for Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur, or a marketplace plan.
- Contact DCF for 3SquaresVT, Reach Up, Fuel Assistance, or child care help.
- Gather your papers before you apply: ID, proof of address, recent pay stubs, and any medical or school records.
- File your Vermont tax return, even if you don't usually have to. It's how you claim the refundable Vermont EITC and Child Tax Credit if you qualify.
FAQ
What are Vermont's program names for food and cash help?
In Vermont, SNAP is called 3SquaresVT and TANF is called Reach Up. Both are run by the Department for Children and Families.
Does Vermont add anything to SSI?
Yes. Vermont adds its own money to the federal SSI payment, so your monthly check includes a state supplement. If you get SSI, you usually get Medicaid automatically too.
Does Vermont have its own tax credits for families?
Yes. Vermont has a refundable Child Tax Credit for children up to age six and a refundable Vermont EITC, and you claim both on your state return even if you don't usually have to file.
Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice
It's your turn
You don't have to sort through all 14 programs on your own. Turnout's free Vermont benefits scan asks a few plain-language questions about your household and income, then shows which programs you may qualify for. It takes about three minutes and gives you a clear place to start today.