Do I Qualify for SNAP?
There are two requirements you need to meet in order to qualify for SNAP benefits as a US Citizen.
Income Requirement:
Generally, you must earn less than 2,413$ monthly to qualify as an individual. This is based on money you receive from a job, internship, or program stipend. For households of more than 1, and detailed guidelines/exemptions, you can Visit DCF's SNAP income requirements webpage.
Click here to check if you meet income requirements.
Work Requirement:
Generally, you must work around 20 hours a week (Technically, more than 18.4 hours a week or 80 hours a month) to qualify. However, there are exceptions to this, and you may still qualify if you:
- Have a registered physical or cognitive disability (POTS, EDS, ADHD, ASD) which you feel prevents you from working while attending UVM.
- Are receiving federal work-study.
- Have a personal obstacle preventing you from working for up to 12 months. (See the Basic Needs Coordinator Contact info at the bottom of the page for help with Form 210A!)
Click here to check if you meet work requirements.
If you meet both of these qualifications or are exempt, it's likely that you can receive SNAP benefits!
How Do I Sign Up?
Apply for SNAP Benefits Online via the MyBenefits Portal!
You'll need your:
- Personal details (Name, date of birth, social security number, etc)
- Employment details (Hours worked, income earned in past 30 days per paycheck)
- Other miscellaneous information (Landlord name/monthly rent, if you've moved to Vermont recently)
If you get stuck on any questions, feel free to email or text the Basic Needs Coordinator at the contact details below.
Once you apply, a DCF representative will reach out to you for an interview. Here, you may need to upload documents like a photo of your ID, utility bills, and/or paystubs from your work using the DCF Document Uploader for proof of identity, residence, and employment respectively.
If you are deemed eligible by your interviewer, you will be accepted, and begin receiving benefits immediately!
What happens when I get accepted?
Once you get accepted, you'll receive an EBT Card in the mail. This card functions like a debit card.
This card is loaded with your monthly benefit amount on the first of each month. This money can be used to purchase any type of food from compatible stores, with exceptions for prohibited items, mainly hot prepared foods (restaurants) and controlled substances.
EBT cards are accepted at all major grocery chains and many smaller stores. For a full list of compatible stores, use this interactive map.
To check your card's balance, create an account on ebtedge.com!