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All household members applying for 3SVT must provide their SSN . A household member with more than one SSN must provide all of them. If a household member does not have an SSN, they must apply for one before approval.

Exception : See Newborn and Religious Beliefs

Providing the SSN is voluntary, however, failure to provide or apply for an SSN without good cause will result in ineligibility for that person.

Note : The 3SVT application cannot be delayed pending the verification of an SSN by SSA. The person is allowed to participate pending verification.

Refer household members who do not have an SSN to their local SSA office to apply for an SSN. Once proof of the SSN application is provided, allow the household member to participate while SSA processes the application.

Parents of a newborn child may apply for an SSN for the child at the hospital, when available. A household must provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn child within six months following the month the baby is born or at its next recertification, whichever is later.

If at the next 3SVT recertification or within 6 months from the date of the child’s birth the child has not met the social security requirement determine if good cause exists.

Household members who have a religious objection to applying for or providing an SSN would not be required to do so to be eligible for 3SVT.

If a household member has refused or failed without good cause to provide or apply for an SSN, that household member is ineligible to participate in the 3SVT program. Only the member without the SSN is ineligible, not the entire household. Resources are counted as if they were eligible; income and deductions are prorated. See Ineligible Members .

Documentary evidence or other information that shows the household has applied for or made every effort to supply the necessary information for an SSN is proof of Good Cause .

This information may come from any of the following: The household member SSA DCF staff

Note : Good cause does not include delays caused by illness, lack of transportation or temporary absences from the home as SSA allows mail-in applications.

Allow a member who can show good cause for not timely completing an SSN application to participate for the month of application and one additional month. After this, the household must show good cause monthly in order to continue participating.

An ineligible member may become eligible by providing their SSN or by providing proof of application for SSN.

When determining eligibility for 3SVT, SSNs may be used to: Determine amount of benefits Prevent duplicate participation Facilitate mass changes in federal benefits Determine the accuracy or reliability of information given by households Request and exchange information on persons through IEVS

Verify SSN at application or if a new member is added to the household.

Exception : See Newborn

Release# 17-1

Effective Date: 12/01/2017

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.6

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Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

The 3SVT program has two different types of work requirements: General work requirements Time limited benefits work requirements

The following must be completed at application, recertification, when changes are reported, and when a member is added to the household: Determine the general work requirements and time limited benefits work requirements status of each person in the household. Note: Some exemptions require verification. See: General work requirements verification requirements. Time limited benefits work requirements verification requirements. Explain the work requirements, exemptions, and procedures to customers subject to the general work requirements or time limited benefits work requirements. See Oral Explanation . ACCESS will generate the Consolidated Work Notice .

The Consolidated Work Notice is a written notice sent identifying the members subject to the general and time limited benefits work requirements.

This written notice must be provided at: Application approval; Recertification approval; When a member loses an exemption; and When a new member is added and is subject to work requirements. Note: To mail the notice at another time enter "Issue 3SVT Work Requirement Notice" into CATN and the notice will generate over night.

Note: If all members are exempt from the time limited benefits work requirements, the notice would include only the general work requirement information.

The notice must : Identify which members are subject to which work requirements. Include the following general work requirements information: How to meet; What happens if someone does not meet; How to be exempt; and What is considered good cause. Include the following time limited benefits work requirements information as appropriate: What the time limited benefits work requirements are; How to meet; What happens if someone does not meet; How to be exempt; and What is considered good cause.

The Oral explanation of the work requirements is provided to households that include individuals subject to the general and time limited benefits work requirements.

Provide to the household at: Application Interview; Recertification Interview; When a member loses an exemption; and When a new member is added and is subject to work requirements. Note : Provide the oral explanation at the time the change is reported verbally. For changes reported in writing or discovered by ESD, one collateral call to the household is required and must be documented in CATN.

Oral explanation must : Identify which members are subject to which work requirements. Include the following general work requirements information: How to meet; What happens if someone does not meet; How to be exempt; and What is considered good cause. Include the following time limited benefits work requirements information as appropriate: What the time limited benefits work requirements are; How to meet; What happens if someone does not meet; How to be exempt; and What is considered good cause.

ICAN is Vermont’s Employment and Training Program . Customers who want to get a job or gain skills to increase employability may qualify for ICAN. To qualify, a customer must be active 3SVT and cannot be receiving: Reach First; Reach Up; Reach Ahead; or PSE .

Note : Households eligible for Reach Up but not receiving it will be required to apply to be eligible for ICAN participant reimbursements .

Educate qualifying customers about ICAN during the interview at application and recertification . The household must be informed of the following: What ICAN is; ICAN activities ; Participant reimbursements ; and Rights and responsibilities, if applicable.

A customer interested in ICAN must be given an ICAN referral .

Note: Inform customers who are over the age of 60 or disabled of ICAN only if they express interest in getting a job. See ICAN Process Flowchart and Individual Career Advancement Network: Quick Reference guide for process and referral guidance.

Participation in ICAN is voluntary for all 3SVT recipients.

Encourage 3SVT customers to go to the ICAN webpage for detailed information about employment services, available opportunities, and to view the ICAN orientation.

If the household includes a customer with time limited benefits, see 3SquaresVT Time Limited Benefits.

The ESD 218FS-1 Individual Career Advancement Network (ICAN) is the form used to refer customers to ICAN orientation.

The form notifies the customer: How to complete ICAN orientation; Details regarding ICAN activities; and How ICAN may help someone meet their work requirements.

Mail the ESD 218FS-1 if the household is interested in ICAN.

To participate in ICAN customers must: Complete the ICAN orientation; Complete a Career Assessment and plan; Engage with ICAN providers according to career plan; and Provide verification as required for participant reimbursements .

Note : Participant reimbursements are available for specific documented out of pocket costs. Examples: Transportation and dependent care.

ICAN has six allowable activities (also called components): Supervised Job Search Receive support during job search activities. Job Search Training Enhanced job search readiness programs. Learn job seeking techniques. Self-Employment Training Assistance in starting or growing a small business. Education GED, High School Diploma, Certificate Programs or Higher Education. Work Experience Provides actual work experience and training. Job Retention Services Allowed for 90 days after a participant has gained employment. Must have participated in an ICAN activity prior to being employed. Participants are eligible for continued support from ICAN case managers/providers and participant reimbursements while engaged in job retention services.

Participant reimbursements are payments or reimbursements for allowable costs that are reasonable, necessary, and directly related to ICAN participation. A cost is allowable if it is identified in the current spending guidelines. A cost is reasonable if it’s what someone else would pay in the same situation. A cost is necessary and directly related if it’s essential to participating in approved ICAN activities

Participant reimbursements aren't guaranteed and are subject to available funding; they're temporary and are meant to help with costs related to ICAN participation.

Participant reimbursements can include transportation, dependent care and other necessary cost to participate in the program.

Participant reimbursements cannot: Be available through another government program or available at no cost through a private source; Customers will be required to apply to other state or local programs to be eligible for specific reimbursements. This includes but is not limited to: Reach Up, Unemployment Benefits, Fuel Assistance, Crisis Fuel, HireAbility Vermont, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Microbusiness Development Programs, and Childcare Assistance programs. Be used to support regular employment unless enrolled in the job retention component and the participant reimbursements are linked to participation in that component; Be used to pay bad debt such as outstanding fines or fees; and Be used to make on-going regular payments. Note: If a participant reimbursement request is denied the ICAN team will send a denial notice. Any customer with questions about a denial must have their information forwarded to the ICAN email for follow up.

An ICAN provider determination is when an ICAN provider determines that a customer is not a good fit for participation in their available ICAN services and components.

When a provider determination is made a customer is no longer able to access ICAN services from that provider unless re-screened and referred by ESD.

The ICAN provider will submit an ICAN provider determination (PD) form to the ICAN email within 10 days of the determination.

ESD will send the customer a provider determination notice. The notice will include the following information: What a provider determination is; The next steps the state will take; Confirmation the individual is not being sanctioned; and TLBWR information if applicable. Note: TLBWR customers are not exempt from the work requirement because of a provider determination. They must continue to meet their work requirements.

At recertification, or sooner at the customer’s request: Screen and refer the individual to ICAN. Screen for an exemption from the work requirements due to the customer’s physical and mental fitness . Coordinate with other Federal, State, or local employment and training programs to identify work opportunities or assistance for the individual. Vermont Department of Labor: (802) 828 – 4394 or online at https://labor.vermont.gov/JobSearchVermont Vermont 211: Dial 2-1-1 or online at https://vermont211.org/ HireAbility Vermont find local contact information at https://www.hireabilityvt.com/get-started/ Local Community Action Agencies find local resources at https://dcf.vermont.gov/contacts/partners/caps

Release # 25-6

Effective Date: 12/15/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.7

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

Persons applying for, or receiving, 3SVT benefits must meet the general work requirements, unless they are exempt to continue receiving 3SVT benefits.

Review general work requirements with households that include customers who are subject to the requirements. See 3SVT Work Requirements Procedures and Notification.

Persons subject to the general work requirements must: Not quit a job or reduce hours below 30 per week without good cause if already working; Give Economic Services Division (ESD) enough information to determine employment status or job availability; and Accept a job offer unless it is unsuitable.

Exempt the following people from general work requirements. A person who is: Younger than 16. (Code 06) Age 16 or 17 and residing with a parent or with a person with parental control. (Code 06) A student enrolled at least half-time in a school, training program, or Institution of Higher Education. (Code 06) This includes adults going to high school, or VAL classes. The exemption continues during vacations and other breaks if the student intends to register and attend at least half-time for the next school term. The exemption ends when the student graduates, is suspended or expelled, or drops out. Note: See Students for eligibility requirements for students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. Employed or self-employed and working at least 30 hours per week or receiving gross weekly earnings at least equal to the Federal Minimum Wage multiplied by 30 hours per week. (Code 07) Fluctuating work hours should be averaged to arrive at a reasonable estimate of hours expected to be worked in a week. Volunteer hours or hours worked for In-Kind Benefits are not included in the 30 hours per week calculation. Includes migrant or seasonal farm workers who are under contract (or similar agreement) with an employer or crew chief to start work within 30 days. Age 60 or older. (Code 08) A person is exempt the month they turn 60. Responsible for the care of a dependent child under the age of 6. Note: Verification required. (Code 09) The household must report that the parent or caretaker is providing the care to receive the exemption. Excluded Foster Children and ineligible members can still give a household this exemption. Only one parent or caretaker per child under 6 may receive this exemption. For households with multiple children under 6, the household must report which adult is providing care to each child(ren). If the child turns 6 in the certification period, the person’s exemption remains until the next recertification. Receiving or has applied for (UCB). (Code 10) Responsible for the care of another person who needs help caring for themselves. Note: Verification required. (Code 11) The individuals providing and receiving care do not need to live in the same household. Physically or mentally unable to work. Note: Verification required. (Code 12) Receiving Reach First, Reach Up, Post-Secondary Education or Reach Ahead benefits. (Code 14) A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction program. (Code 16) Participation can be either as a resident of the treatment center or an outpatient basis. Among others, the following meet this exemption: Participants in the Department of Corrections ISAP and CBISA programs. Residents of Teen Challenge. Persons treated through methadone clinics.

Customers subject to the general work requirements must not voluntarily: Quit a job, or Reduce work hours.

A customer voluntarily quit a job if: The customer worked at least 30 hours a week, or the job provided weekly earnings equal to the federal minimum wage times 30 hours; and The quit/job termination occurred within 60 days of the application, or anytime thereafter; and The reason for the job termination was caused by the customer. Participation in a strike by a Federal, State, or local government employee is a voluntary quit without good cause.

A customer did not voluntarily quit a job if: The stopped job was a self-employment business. The customer resigned from the job at the employer’s request for reasons that are beyond the person’s control, such as unable to complete the required work assignments. The customer did not reenlist in the military.

Apply disqualification penalties if the customer voluntarily quit a job without good cause.

Note : Voluntary quit applies to a person whose only exemption from the general work requirements was employment of at least 30 hours a week (or equivalent earnings).

A customer voluntarily reduced their work hours if: The hours were reduced to less than 30 hours a week; or The hours were reduced, and the new weekly earnings are below the federal minimum wage times 30 hours; and The reduction was requested by the employee, not the employer; and The reduction occurred within 60 days of the application, or anytime thereafter.

A customer did not voluntarily reduce work hours to less than 30 hours a week if the reduction in hours is temporary for reasons such as illness, vacation or personal business.

Apply disqualification penalties if the customer voluntarily quit a job without good cause.

Note: Voluntary reduction in work hours applies to a person whose only exemption from the general work requirements was employment of at least 30 hours a week (or equivalent earnings).

Customers have good cause for quitting a job or reducing work hours if: There were circumstances beyond the customer’s control. Examples include, but are not limited to: Illness of the customer or another household member requiring the customer’s presence Household emergency The job was unsuitable. There was discrimination by an employer based on: age; race; sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation); color; disability; marital status; family/parental status; income derived from public assistance programs; religious beliefs national origin; or political beliefs Work demands or conditions make it unreasonable to continue employment, such as working without being paid on schedule. They accepted another job of at least 30 hours per week (or equivalent) or enrolled in school at least half-time. Another household member accepted a job or enrolled in school at least half-time in another county or state, causing the household to move. They are under age 60, retire, and the employer recognizes it as retirement. They accepted a job offer that provides at least 30 hours a week, or weekly earnings at least equal to federal minimum wage times 30 hours, and that job did not materialize or meet the hourly criteria or weekly earnings through no fault of their own. They leave a job that requires frequent moves, such as Migrant Worker or Seasonal Farmworker . When adequate dependent care is reported as unavailable for children at least six and under 12. Record that a provider could not be located and do not sanction for voluntary quit. The job quit does not meet the definition of voluntary job quit or reduced work hours.

Always consider all the facts when good cause is claimed. CATN the person’s claim of good cause identifying the facts and why a disqualification was imposed or not imposed.

Do not impose a voluntary quit or reduction-in-job-hours disqualification if the job meets one of the following: The wage offered is less than: The applicable federal or Vermont Minimum Wage - For the current Vermont minimum wage click here (whichever is higher), or 80 percent of the federal minimum wage , if neither the federal nor Vermont minimum wage is applicable. The job is on a piece-rate basis and the average hourly earnings are less than the hourly wage as defined above. The person must join, resign from, or refrain from joining any legitimate labor organization to get or keep the job. The job offered is at a site currently subject to a strike or lockout, unless : the strike has been enjoined under Section 208 of the Labor-Management Relations Act (commonly known as the Taft-Hartley Act), or an injunction has been issued under Section 10 of the Railway Labor Act. Daily commuting time exceeds 2 hours a day, not including taking a child to and from childcare. Note : When a household move results in more than 2 hours commuting time, the job is unsuitable. This includes moves within the state as well as from state to state. This applies whether a person leaves a job before or after the move. The distance to the place of employment is too far to walk, and neither public nor private transportation is available to get the person to the job site. The person is physically or mentally unfit to perform the job. Note : Verification is required. The job is offered within the first 30 days of registration and is not in the person’s major field of experience. The working hours or nature of the job interferes with the person’s religious observations, convictions, or beliefs.

Disqualify a customer when they: Does not provide employment status or availability for work information, upon request; Does not accept a job offer unless the job is unsuitable; Voluntary quits a job without good cause; or Voluntarily reduces hours of employment without good cause. 1200.3.2 Disqualification Periods The customer is ineligible to participate in 3SVT as follows: For the first violation: 1 month or until the person complies, whichever is later. For the second violation: 3 months or until the person complies, whichever is later. For the third and subsequent violations: 6 months or until the person complies, whichever is later. Note : The disqualification penalty follows the disqualified person if they join a new household. 1200.3.3 Ending the Disqualification The disqualified person can become eligible again by: Becoming exempt from the General Work Requirements; or Serving the minimum disqualification period and complying with the failed requirement. If the person has not complied with the failed requirement by the time the minimum disqualification period ends, the disqualification remains in effect until the person does comply with the requirement. Exception : Persons disqualified for voluntary quit or a reduction in work hours may reapply after the end of the disqualification period. The household must reapply if the 3SVT case was closed.

Verification and documentation are required prior to coding a person exempt from work registration for the following exemptions. If the verification is not returned within 10 days, keep the work registration code as “02” unless the person meets a different exemption. Do not deny or close benefits for failure to verify an exemption.

The household must report that the parent or caretaker is providing the care to receive the exemption. The following must be asked and noted in CATN: Which adult(s) in your household is providing care for the child(ren) under 6? CATN must include which adult is providing care. If the household has multiple children under 6 the adult providing care for each child must be noted. If an individual is not providing care to the child under 6 then they are not eligible for this exemption. 1200.4.1.2 Responsible for the Care of Another person A statement from a Qualified Health Professional regarding who is being cared for and who is needed to provide the care. Exception : No verification is needed for a designated EP on an active essential person grant. 1200.4.1.3 Physically or Mentally Unfit for Work To be deemed physically or mentally unfit for work the following can be used as verification: Meet the definition of Disabled Disabled . A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA A statement from a Qualified Health Professional . Receipt of VA disability compensation regardless of the individual’s disability percentage rating. Receipt of temporary disability income from any agency. Pending SSI Application. 1200.4.1.4 Participant in Drug and Alcohol Treatment The household must report if an individual is a regular participant in drug and alcohol treatment. The following must be in CATN to allow the exemption: Customer’s statements regarding participation including the name of the treatment program. 1200.4.2 Questionable Information Verify any other information that is questionable.

Release # 26-1

Effective Date: 04/17/2026

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.7

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

There are two different types of categorical eligibility: SCE and ECE . SCE and ECE households are not required to meet certain income and resource tests and have less verification requirements. Categorical eligibility applies to the household, not to the person. Households must follow and meet 3SVT rules unless specifically identified in this item.

Determine if a household is SCE first.

Determine household composition before determining SCE.

Households are SCE when all members are eligible for any of the following qualifying programs: SSI / AABD PSE Reach Ahead Reach First Reach Up Vermont EITC in the past 12 months. Household must have included a child for the tax year in which Vermont EITC was provided. Household must have a child under 18 included in their current 3SVT household.

Households are considered eligible for the qualifying programs upon approval, including when benefits: have not been received yet, are suspended, or are withheld to repay an overpayment.

Households are not SCE when:

The household loses eligibility from the program making them SCE.

A member is disqualified for IPV .

The Head of Household is disqualified for failing to comply with work requirements .

Determine eligibility under regular 3SVT requirements.

Note : A household member who fails to comply with workfare is ineligible for SCE. Remaining household members are eligible for SCE.

Do not include the following people as a member in a household otherwise SCE eligible: Non-member students Ineligible non-citizens Institutionalized in a non-exempt facility Disqualified non -head of household for failure to comply with a work requirement

Households not SCE are ECE because all applicant and recipient households are authorized to receive TANF-funded referral services. Households are notified of the referral services on notices at application and recertification. The notices include the following information in Additional Resources: Go to http://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits to find out about benefits available through the Department of Children and Families. Go to http://vermont211.org or call 2-1-1 toll free from anywhere in Vermont to find out about hundreds of community and statewide resources.

ECE households’ gross income must be below 185% of the FPL .

Households are considered ECE at application.

Households are not ECE eligible when: Gross income is over 185% of the FPL. Households with no senior or disabled members are not eligible for 3SVT. Determine eligibility for households with a Senior or disabled member under regular 3SVT requirements. These households do not have a gross income test. They have a resource test and a net income test only. A member is disqualified for Intentional program violation (IPV) . The Head of Household is disqualified for failing to comply with work requirements .

Determine eligibility under regular 3SVT requirements.

Note : A household member who fails to comply with workfare is ineligible for ECE. Remaining household members are eligible for ECE.

Do not include the following people as a member in a household otherwise ECE eligible: Non-member students Ineligible non-citizens Institutionalized in a non-exempt facility Disqualified non -head of household for failure to comply with a work requirement

SCE and ECE households are not required to meet the following tests. 130% gross income Net income Resource limit including transferred resources policy

Follow the other 3SVT eligibility rules to determine the household’s eligibility.

Verification is waived for the following eligibility factors for SCE households: SSN Residency Sponsored non-citizen information

Verify the following factors: Each member of a potential SCE household receives one of the qualifying programs , Household’s countable gross income does not exceed 185% for ECE households. Eligibility factors not waived for SCE or ECE, if required.

Note : SCE and ECE households applying for or receiving other benefit programs in addition to 3SVT must follow those programs’ information and verification requirements.

Benefits for both SCE and ECE are determined following 3SVT eligibility rules.

SCE and ECE households of one or two members receive no less than the minimum monthly benefit, except when prorating the initial month. Benefits are not issued when the prorated initial month’s issuance is less than $10. See Initial Month and Prorated Benefits .

SCE and ECE households of three or more receive benefits based on the monthly benefit tables . Suspend benefits if the household is SCE or ECE and eligible for a zero benefit. Do not deny the household. Notify the household their benefits are suspended, but they must continue to follow these requirements: Report changes, Complete recertification requirements.

As long as the household follows these requirements the household remains SCE or ECE until the household’s situation changes allowing the household to receive benefits, or case closure. See Suspended Benefits .

SCE or ECE simplified reporting households are not required to report any income changes when: the household reported income over the 130% gross income limit , and remained eligible.

The household has fulfilled their income reporting requirement until completing the interim report or recertification , whichever comes first.

SCE or ECE households are not required to report changes in resources .

See Reduced Reporting Requirements for further reporting requirements.

SCE and ECE cannot be cancelled retroactively.

Households cannot be over the income or resource limits in any month they were SCE or ECE.

Do not establish a 3SVT claim when an overpayment is: due to excess resources for any household determined SCE or ECE, or because a household should not have been categorically eligible due to a mistake in granting eligibility for the program that made it SCE or ECE.

Claims can be made against SCE or ECE households if an overpayment occurred because: the benefit determination was not correct, or the household was not eligible for SCE or ECE as described in Ineligible Households above.

CATN categorical eligibility. Note SCE or ECE eligible.

Release # 25-3

Effective Date: 08/22/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.2(j) 7 CFR § 273.18(a)

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

Use countable resources at the time the household is interviewed to determine eligibility.

Households that are SCE or ECE are resource eligible.

Exclude resources of any household member if that member receives any of the following: SSI /AABD PSE Vermont EITC Reach Ahead Reach First Reach Up TANF-funded referral services

Note : TANF-funded referral services benefit the entire household. This includes ineligible and disqualified members who made the household ineligible for SCE or ECE.

The remainder of this section applies only to households with a Senior or Disabled Disabled member with Gross Income greater than 185% of the FPL. A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA

Households are not eligible for 3SVT benefits if countable resources total more than $4,500. Exception : If the only Senior or Disabled Disabled member is ineligible or disqualified , the limit is $3,000 A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA

Note: Households who are not categorical eligible have a resource limit of $3,000 or $4,500 for households with a senior or disabled member.

Count resources of households with a Senior or Disabled Disabled household member with income greater than 185% of the FPL, including the ineligible and disqualified household members. A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA

Do not count resources of the following people: Boarders, unless included in the household Ineligible students Residents of commercial boarding houses Roomers Live-in attendants SSI/Senior Cash Out recipients Residents of institutions Strikers Other people living with the household who: are not mandatory household members , and do not purchase and prepare meals with the household.

For a full description, see Non-members .

Count the equity value of all countable resources unless excluded . The equity value is the fair market value minus: the amount owed on the resource, and the cost to sell or transfer the resource.

Exception : The value of vehicles is determined based on how the vehicle is used. See Vehicles .

The fair market value is the amount of money the resource can be sold for on the open market.

Liquid resources are resources the household can easily convert to cash, such as: Cash on hand Credit card company gift cards Checking accounts Savings accounts Debit accounts Savings certificates Stocks Bonds Lump sum payments Cryptocurrency

Non-liquid resources are resources the household cannot easily convert to cash, such as: Personal property Buildings Land Other property not listed under Excluded Resources Recreational vehicles, such as, but not limited to: Boats Four wheelers Snowmobiles Vacation homes, such as, but not limited to: Cabins Campers Mobile homes Travel trailers

Vehicles unless excluded.

Resources owned by two or more households, or resources showing more than one name are entirely available to each household.

Exception: Exclude jointly owned resources: the household verifies all or part are inaccessible; that cannot be subdivided, and the household cannot access or sell the resource unless the joint owner approves; or are jointly owned by: people living in a shelter for battered persons and someone living in the abuser’s household, and the resource is controlled by the person living in the abuser’s household.

Households may claim less than full ownership or even no ownership of jointly owned resources, such as a bank account. Verify the household’s claim. Based on the verification obtained, determine if the resource is: counted, partially excluded, or fully excluded.

Supervisor approval is required if a jointly owned resource is partially or fully excluded. The owners of the resource must sign a statement attesting to the fact that: the person’s name is on the asset solely for a specified reason, and the person owns none or less than the full resource amount.

Excluded resources commingled with countable resources remain excluded for six months from the date the resources are commingled.

Exceptions: Prorated income, such as self-employment or student income. Prorated income remains an excluded resource for the entire proration period. EITC are excluded for a specific period of time, regardless if the money is commingled. See Excluded Resources, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Federal Income Tax Refunds.

Exclude the following resources:

Achieving a Better Life Experience savings accounts that provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries deemed disabled disabled before age 26. Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

One burial plot for each household member.

Exclude funds in a burial trust.

The value of a Cafeteria Plan if the household cannot withdraw funds from the plan.

Treat conservatorship funds the same as an irrevocable trust. See Trust Funds.

Exclude funds until they are accessible to the household. Examples: Go Fund Me, Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Tilt

Payments from a crime victim compensation program funded under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984.

Income for the current month, even if deposited into a checking or savings account. This includes prorated income during the months it is intended to cover. See Determining Income and Deductions.

When determining resources at application, subtract all income received in the month, up to and including the date of interview.

All plans with funds contributed by the employer or the employee. Exclude as long as the funds remain in a deferred compensation plan, regardless: if accessible, or whether the person is still employed.

See Pension Plans/Retirement Accounts .

Disaster and emergency assistance payments as provided under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, and as amended by Public Law 100-107, the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1988. See Disaster Assistance.

EITC payments are excluded as follows: Federal EITC payments under section 3507 of the Internal Revenue Code for the month of receipt and the following month. Federal, State or local EITC for 12-months if the household: participated in SNAP /3SVT when the EITC was received, and continues to participate during the 12-month period. Breaks of one month or less are not non-participation.

Money in qualified tuition programs under Internal Revenue Code, Sections: 529, (the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan), or 530, Coverdell Education Savings Account.

Money deposited into non-tax exempt accounts is not excluded.

See Students .

Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance Program payments (including the $21 payment).

Property needed for the employment or self-employment of a household member.

Property needed for self-employment farming including, but not limited to: Land Equipment Supplies Tractors

Exclude self-employment farming property for one year after the household stops self-employment farming.

Exclude as a resource for 12-months after receipt.

Federal payments excluded by law include but are not limited to: Federal tax refunds, Public Law 112-240, exclude for 12-months; AmeriCorps Payments; Domestic Volunteers Services Act payments, Public Law 93-113; Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policy Act of 1970 reimbursements, Public Law 91-646, Section 216; Agent Orange Settlement, Public Laws 101 and 201; Nazi Persecution, Public Law 103-286; Student income under: Title IV of the Higher Education Act, or Bureau of Indian Affairs; Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits, Public Law 92-433, Section 9; Japanese and Aleuts Wartime Relocation of Civilians payments, Public Law 100-383; Radiation Exposure Compensation Act payments, Public Law 101-425; Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects payments, Public Law 106-419.

For more information, see Types of Income .

The value of a flexible benefit plan (Cafeteria Plan) if the household cannot withdraw funds from the plan.

Exclude the value of burial trusts.

Exclude establishment specific gift cards.

The home the household lives in and the Surrounding Property. Homestead property includes rights of way, such as roads running through the property. Exception: Count any part of the household’s equity value of property separated from the home and lot by another person’s property.

A partially completed home, unless the household: owns, or is buying a home elsewhere.

A lot the household plans to build a home on, unless the household: owns, or is buying a home elsewhere.

Buildings on the property, other than homes.

The homestead remains excluded when the household is temporarily away from home due to: Employment Training for future employment Illness The home and lot are unlivable due to Household Misfortune

If the homestead contains two or more homes, exclude the home where the household lives. Exclude only one home at a time, unless the home meets another exclusion.

Household Goods and Personal Effects, regardless of their value.

Money held in a family self-sufficiency account as long as the money is not withdrawn. Treat as a non-recurring lump sum when the money is withdrawn.

Resources the household cannot access, such as, but not limited to: Security deposits Crowdfunding accounts Prepaid irrevocable burial trust Prepaid irrevocable funeral contract Certain vehicles (See Vehicles) Property in probate Unpaid portion of loans owed to a household member Certain trust funds (See Trust Funds) Resources discovered by the agency but unknown to the household Real property the household is making a good effort to sell Certain jointly owned resources (See Jointly Owned Resources) Resources with a lien prohibiting the household from selling Resources with an Equity Value of $1,500 or less Exception: Does not include: Stocks, Bonds, or Negotiable financial instruments.

Property annually producing income consistent with the property’s Fair Market Value, even if only used on a seasonal basis. Income producing property includes but is not limited to: Rental homes Vacation homes

Individual Development Account is an optional, interest-bearing account, through Community National Bank. IDAs encourage people to save for long term goals without the savings affecting their 3SVT eligibility or benefit amount. The IDA program matches every $1 saved with $2, up to $2,000.

The value of installment contracts for land or buildings if: the contract produces income consistent with the fair market value of the property, or is held as security in exchange for a purchase price consistent with the Fair Market Value of the property.

A leased vehicle is not a resource to the household during the time the vehicle is under contract, even if part of the lease payments are applied to the principal. The vehicle becomes a resource at the end of the contract if retained.

Note: Add CARS panel to STATs for a leased vehicle. Be sure the panel is not countable and noted as a leased vehicle.

The cash value of a life insurance policy.

Loans for business purposes that legally bans the household from using for a reason other than the business.

Native American gambling payments made to children placed in an inaccessible trust.

Land that: is held jointly with the tribe, or can only be sold with the approval of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Funds from judgment awards due to breaches of treaty provisions, and funds held in trusts by the Secretary of the Interior. Native American tribal judgment funds are not from Native American gambling operations. The funds come from the sale or lease of: oil, gas, and other tribal assets, such as land.

Native American tribal judgment funds payments include, but are not limited to: Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Sac and Fox Indian Claims Agreement Public Law 94-114, Section 6, regarding sub-marginal land held in trust by the United States Relocation assistance to members of the Hopi and Navajo Tribes under Public Law 93-531 Disposition of funds to the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians, Public Law 94-540 Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakim Indian Nation from the Indian Claims Commission, Public Law 95-433, Section 2 Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation from the Indian Claims Commission, Public Law 95-433, Section 2 Passamaguoddy Tribe or any of the members pursuant to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, Public Law 96-420, Section 5. Penobscot Nation or any of the members pursuant to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, Public Law 96-420, Section 5

Exclude payments of: $2,000 or less for each household member, per payment, per calendar year, and any amount placed in an inaccessible trust.

Other resources sold under contract by installment payments, such as personal goods.

Money deposited in a special PASS account.

All tax-exempt plans or accounts with funds contributed by the employer or the employee. Exclude as long as the funds remain in a deferred compensation plan, even if accessible, and regardless of whether the person is still employed. See Deferred Compensation Plans.

Pension plans/retirement accounts include, but are not limited to: IRA SEP Keogh Plan 401K SIMPLE 401 (k)

Accounts under Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Sections 403(a) 403(b) 408 408A 457(b) 501(c)(18)

Money in a non-tax exempt pension plan or retirement account is not excluded.

The value of pets and property used for the pet, such as but not limited to: Saddles Bridles Leashes

Property needed to maintain an excluded vehicle. Exclude only the piece of the land used for storage or repair of the vehicle. The vehicle must be used for one of the following reasons: Produce income more than 50 percent of the time it is used. Produce income consistent with its Fair Market Value, even if only used on a seasonal basis. For long distance travel (not daily commuting) needed for the employment of a household member or another person whose resources are available to the household. Used as the household’s home. Transport a physically Disabled household member. Carry the primary source of fuel for heating for the household. Carry the primary source of water for the household.

For a full description, see Excluded Vehicles .

The value of resources under a lien or security agreement placed as a condition for a business loan. The security or lien agreement must prohibit the household from selling the resources.

Student income received under programs in Title IV of the Higher Education Act or under Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs. These include but are not limited to: BEOG s (BEOG or PELL Grants) Presidential Access Scholarships (Super Pell Grants) SEOGs SSIGs Federal Family Education Loan Program (Formally GSL) Supplemental Loans for Students PLUS Loans for parents Robert T. Stafford Student Loans Direct Federal Loans to students in institutions of higher education Perkins Loans, formerly NDSL Federal Work Study Funds Note: Not all Federal work study funds come under Title IV of the Higher Education Act Trio Grants Upward Bound Student Support Services Robert E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program CAMP for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farm work HEP National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership Program

Exclude all loans and scholarships received under Titles III, VII and VIII of the Public Service Health Act. These include, but are not limited to: National Health Service Corps NURSE Corps Scholarship Program Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Loans for Disadvantaged Students Health Professions Student Loans Nursing Student Loans Primary Care Loans NIH Undergraduate Scholarship NIH Clinical Research Loan Repayment Indian Health Service Scholarships Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program

Trust funds and income from trust funds that are inaccessible to the household. To be inaccessible, all of the following rules must be met: During the certification period: the trust arrangement is not likely to end, and no household member has the authority to end the trust arrangement or change the beneficiary.

The trustee handling the trust must be a: Court appointee with court-imposed limits placed on the use of funds, or Institution, court, corporation, or organization not owned by or under the control of a household member. Trust investments must not directly involve or help any business or corporation under the control, direction or influence of a household member. The irrevocable trust must be established from: non-household funds by a non-household member, or the household’s funds, if the trustee uses the funds solely to: make investments on behalf of the trust; or pay the educational expenses of any person named by the household creating the trust; or pay the medical expenses of any person named by the household creating the trust.

Types of trusts include, but are not limited to: Federal Thrift Savings Plans, Section 8439, Title 5, United States Code Student income accounts in a qualified tuition programs under Internal Revenue Code, Sections: 529 (the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan), or 530 Coverdell Education Savings Account

The value of US Savings Bonds that cannot be cashed in.

Count the amount of bonds that can be cashed in based on the bond's worth at the time of the determination, not on the bond's face value.

A vehicle means any motorized means of transportation that requires a Vermont vehicle registration. Vehicles which do not require a Vermont registration are counted based on total fair market value. Exception: Treat unregistered vehicles on Native American tribal reservations not requiring a Vermont registration to be driven by tribal members as vehicles requiring Vermont registration.

Vehicles include but are not limited to: Cars Trucks Vans Motorcycles Snowmobiles Four wheelers Motor homes Boats

Exclude all vehicles.

When determining the Fair Market Value (FMV), use the wholesale or average trade-in value, not the retail value. Do not adjust the value based on: mileage, options, or special equipment.

FMV is usually found from vehicle pricing sources, such as the NADA Used Car Guide.

Accept the value the household gives for older vehicles no longer listed in the NADA book, unless the: estimated value is questionable, and the value will affect the household’s eligibility.

Verify new car or questionable FMVs not listed in the NADA book using other reputable sources, such as, but not limited to a car dealership.

Verify the FMV using a reliable source familiar with these types of vehicles: classic, antique, or custom built.

Allow the household the opportunity to provide proof of a lower FMV when the household disputes the assigned value.

CATN your source for the FMV used in your determination, as values may change in the future.

Exclude jointly owned vehicles.

Verify if countable resources were transferred meeting allowable transfer policy. Ineligible transfers of resources disqualify the entire household for up to 12-months.

Allowable resource transfers are those that: Are made by categorically eligible households. Would not affect eligibility, such as excluded personal property. Are sold or traded at or near Fair Market Value . Are transferred between members of the household, including ineligible and disqualified people. Are transferred for reasons other than to qualify or attempt to qualify for 3SVT, such as putting money in a student income account.

Ineligible resource transfers occur at application if the: resources are transferred within the three-month period before the date of applying for 3SVT, and the transfer was done solely to qualify for 3SVT, or during the current certification period if done solely to remain eligible for 3SVT.

An applicant household’s disqualification period begins the month of application.

An active household’s’ disqualification period begins the month following the month timely notice expires, unless the household requested: a Fair Hearing, and continued benefits pending the hearing decision.

Use the following steps to determine the disqualification period: Add the value of the countable transferred resources to the value of the household’s other countable resources. Subtract the appropriate resource limit for the household from the amount in step 1. Compare the result to the table below to determine the period the household is disqualified from receiving 3SVT benefits. Notify the household of their disqualification, and how long the disqualification will last. Disqualification Period Table. Amount in Excess of Resource Limit Disqualification Period $0 – 249.99 One month $250 – 999.99 Three months $1,000 – 2,999.99 Six months $3,000 – 4,999.99 Nine months $5,000 or more Twelve months Changes in the household’s situation do not change or end the disqualification period.

Verify the following: The total countable resource value when it is within $200 of the maximum resource limit; Exception: Do not verify for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households. Transferred resources; Inaccessible resources; Jointly owned inaccessible resources. Verify the household: can only access a portion, and the value of the portion; or cannot subdivide the property without the joint owner’s approval. Inaccessible real property. Verify the household is making a good faith effort to sell the property at a reasonable price. Use collateral contacts and documents, such as but not limited to: Newspaper ads Real estate broker listings Vehicle’s fair market value when the household disputes the assigned value; New or older vehicles whose values are not available through usual sources, such as the NADA book; Fair Market Value for the following vehicles: classic, antique, or custom built. Questionable resource information.

Verify when the resource amount is within $200 of the maximum for non-3SquaresVT in a SNAP households, or if questionable. Deny the application if not verified by the due date.

Postpone verification for expedited service month(s), unless verification can be provided in time to meet the seven-day standard of promptness.

Verify when the resource amount is within $200 of the maximum for non-3SquaresVT in a SNAP households, or if questionable. Deny the recertification application if not verified by the due date.

Release #26-2

Effective Date: 07/01/2026

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.8 Vermont Elderly Simplified Application Project, Approved Waivers

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

To determine a household’s eligibility and benefit amount you must count all Earned Income and Unearned Income not specifically excluded in this item.

Households that contain a Senior or Disabled Disabled member must only meet the net income eligibility standards for the 3SVT program. Households that do not contain a senior or disabled member must meet both the net income and gross income eligibility standards for the 3SVT program. See Income Limits and Maximum Benefit Table . A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA

The income tests are applied at application, recertification and whenever there is a change that causes redetermination of eligibility.

The following section lists in alphabetical order the most frequent types of income and how to treat them.

Exclude all income directly deposited into or transferred into the account. Verify contributions to the account prior to excluding the income.

Achieving a Better Life Experience savings accounts provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries deemed Disabled Disabled before age 26. Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA

Count as unearned income.

Adoption subsidies are payments made to adoptive parents. These payments come from federal funds and are based on need. The Adoption Assistance Agreement shows the subsidy. There is a separate agreement for each child. The agreement may be amended from time-to-time.

Exclude payments received from the Agent Orange Settlement Fund or any other fund established for the settlement in the In Re Agent Orange product liability litigation, M.D.L. No. 381 (E.D.N.Y.) only if the payment is by the Aetna Insurance Company.

See Veteran’s Benefits for payments for disabilities based on Agent Orange exposure.

Count as unearned income any alimony payments (court-ordered or voluntary) received from someone outside the household, excluding any fees withheld. Voluntary support payments are payments that are not legally ordered. They include payments made over and above the court-ordered amount. See Costs Withheld From Unearned Income .

Exclude voluntary support payments that are paid to a third party for a household expense. These are vendor payments and are not legally obligated to the household.

Exclude payments and allowances from AmeriCorps State, NCCC , without exception.

Note : The Dream program is an AmeriCorps National program.

Exclude payments and allowances from AmeriCorps VISTA (formerly known as VISTA) if the person was receiving one of the following benefits when they joined AmeriCorps VISTA: SNAP , TANF , SSI , or State SSI Supplementary Income

Count as earned income if a person begins receiving SNAP benefits after joining AmeriCorps VISTA.

AmeriCorps Vista join date is the start date of the actual contract and not the date of the offer letter.

Note : When joined and application date are the same, consider the customer as receiving benefits.

Count payments from an annuity as unearned income. An annuity is purchased from an insurance company or by an employer as consideration for services provided. It may be paid yearly or at other specified intervals.

Note : Annuities should be averaged over the period of time they are intended to cover. Example: annuities that are paid annually should be averaged over 12-months. See Determining Income and Deductions .

Count income from the sale of blood plasma as earned income. The plasma center is the employer.

Count income from boarders as earned income (RBIN).

Count as earned income if received while the person is employed.

Note : If paid less often than monthly see Income Received Less Often Than Monthly

Count as follows if received after employment has ended: Paid as a single payment, exclude as a lump sum (nonrecurring) Paid in more than one payment, count as unearned income

Count cafeteria or flexible benefit plans as earned income when: An amount for the plan is withheld from the employee’s gross wages even if the employee loses any money left over at the end of the year. A refund is issued to the employee because all the money for benefits covered by an employer-funded plan were not used.

Exclude employer contributions into the plan at the time they are made.

Note : These benefits are not displayed in the same way on all pay stubs. The best source of information regarding them is the employer.

Exclude all funds in a Medicare flexible plan or Medicare spendable plan.

Cafeteria or flexible benefits plans use either the employee’s or employer’s money to pay certain expenses, such as child care, medical expenses, health insurance, annual leave or sick leave.

Exclude cash donations based on need when the household gets them from one or more private, nonprofit, charitable organizations. Do not exclude more than $300 per federal fiscal quarter. Count any amount over the $300 limit as unearned income.

Exception : Crowdfunding accounts are treated differently than cash donations.

Chaffee Funds are given to youth aging out of foster care by the Vermont Youth Development Program.

Count as unearned income any recurring payments given to the household.

Exclude non-recurring lump sum payments and vendor payments .

Exclude the earned income of any member of the household age 17 or younger who both : Lives with a natural, adoptive, or stepparent or under the parental control of a household member other than a parent. See Minor Under Parental Control . Is a student at least half time attending elementary or high school, home schooling or a GED program recognized, operated or supervised by the state or local school district.

Continue to exclude the earnings during a temporary break in school attendance (like a semester or vacation break), as long as the child will go back to school after break.

Exclude earnings for the month the student turns 18, for both applicant and participant households.

Do not exclude the income if the student is living alone or living with others but not under Parental Control .

If it is not possible to separate out the child’s earnings or amount of work performed from that of other household members, prorate the total earnings equally among the working members, and exclude the child’s pro rata share.

Count child support (court-ordered or voluntary), excluding any fees withheld, as unearned income to the child for whom the payment is intended. Voluntary support payments are payments that are not legally ordered. They include payments made over and above the court-ordered amount.

For initial applications, count the child support received in the prior 30 days in the month of application and the following month. After that, count the child support received two months prior to.

Count, as unearned income, child support that is released to the 3SVT household for a Reach Up participant if: the amount is paid because it was over the Reach Up assistance grant; or the amount is paid on a regular schedule for months that Reach Up was not received. See also Lump Sum (Nonrecurring) .

Count, as unearned income, child support that is released to the 3SVT household for a Reach Ahead participant. See Adding Child Support Income for 3SVT and Reach Ahead Cases .

Exclude voluntary support payments that are paid to a third party for a household expense. These are vendor payments and are not legally obligated to the household.

Exclude arrearage payments as a lump sum (nonrecurring) unless they are received on a regular basis.

Exclude child support payments that are transferred to the OCS to maintain Reach Up eligibility. Child support income is excluded as of the date it is assigned.

Exclude additional payments received by members of the United States Armed Forces, including the Reserves and National Guard, due to being deployed to or serving in a designated combat zone. Exclude the payments for the duration of the person’s deployment, including hazard pay received after deployment to the combat zone. (Public Law 108-477) See Combat Zones current designated combat zones.

If the person was part of the 3SVT household before deployment, determine the person’s military take-home pay at that time. Count that amount as unearned income if it is less than what the person is making available to the household after deployment.

If the person was not a member of the 3SVT household before deployment, determine the amount of military pay the person made available to the household at that time. Count that amount as unearned income if it is less than what the person is making available to the household after deployment.

If the amount of military income before deployment is more than what is made available to the household after deployment, count as unearned income the amount made available after deployment.

Count CWT payments as earned income for 3SVT.

CWT is a therapeutic program of vocational and rehabilitative services under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Unemployed, or underemployed, veterans are placed in a real work environment and are paid for their work via payments from the VA or through the employer.

Count as earned income or unearned income depending on the source of the income. Examples : Teacher income is earned income, annuity income is unearned.

Contract income is a fixed salary for a contracted service paid to the earner over the duration of the contract. They are not paid hourly. Examples: teachers or other school employees who receive their annual pay in nine months, web designer who signs a contract to provide services over a certain period with agreed upon compensation. Calculation: Salary from contract divided by number of months contract covers regardless of payment schedule equals gross monthly income. Request a copy of the contract to review its terms, compensation and length.

Contract income paid hourly is normal Wages not contract income.

Contract income is self-employment income if the person works under contract to customers of their business.

Payments to persons who are called subcontractors for the convenience of the employer are not contract income, they are self-employed.

Exclude any reasonable income-producing costs withheld from gross unearned income if the income is not legally obligated to the household. “Costs” are the amount actually spent to produce the income, rather than the amount owed. The net amount remaining after deducting these costs is counted as unearned income. This includes, but is not limited to: Agency fees withheld from child support or alimony payments Attorney fees withheld from workers’ compensation

Exclude payments received from a crime victim compensation program funded by the Crime Victims fund. (Public Law 103-322)

Exclude payments received from the account. Examples : Go Fund Me, Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Tilt

Exclude the principal portion of payments made to the 3SVT household to repay a loan or promissory note.

Count any interest paid as unearned income.

Count the DCP payments (both the stipend and the room and board) as unearned income when the DCP recipient is included in the 3SVT household. Count the income as the DCP provider’s income. Exception : Exclude room and board payment if made by the DCP recipient.

Exclude the DCP payments (both the stipend and the room and board) to the household member providing the care when the DCP recipient is not included in the 3SVT household.

Note : DCP recipients are considered a foster adult .

Count an employee’s disability benefit as unearned income.

Count an employee’s disability payments as earned income when they are paid out of the employer’s funds.

Exclude disaster and emergency assistance payments provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (Public Law 100-707).

This exclusion applies to federal assistance provided to people directly affected and to comparable disaster assistance provided by states, local government, and disaster assistance organizations.

Most FEMA funds are excluded. However, payments made to homeless people to pay rent, mortgage, food and utilities are not excluded under this provision when there is no major disaster or emergency declared by the President.

Count as unearned income dividends the household has the option of either receiving as income or reinvesting in a trust or other investment. Regardless of the payment schedule, annualize these dividends.

Exclude all payments under Title II.

Title II payments include those made through the National Senior Service Corps, including the RSVP , Foster Grandparents, Senior Companion and others.

Exclude as income any Federal or Vermont EITC .

These payments supplement the earned income of families with children.

Exclude any payment made to an E&T participant for costs that are reasonably necessary and directly related to participation in the Employment and Training Program. These costs may include, but are not limited to: Dependent care costs Transportation Other expenses related to work Training or education Uniforms Necessary equipment Books or training manuals

Exclude payments or allowances made under any federal law for providing energy assistance. Exclude payments provided through: Seasonal Fuel Assistance Program (including the $21 payment) The Department of HUD even if the payment is received directly by the participant. The FmHA

Count payments as unearned income.

Note : If a non-household member is paid for the service, the amount paid is an allowable medical expense. See Medical Expenses .

Essential person program payments are for a senior and/or disabled household member who needs in-home help.

See Senior Community Services Employment Program

Exclude all utility payments made by FmHA .

Exclude fellowship payments if the following criteria are met: funded under Title IV-C or IV-E of the Higher Education Act; and funds are intended to cover room and board and/or educational expenses.

Count fellowship payments if they are used to cover normal living expenses.

Exclude Flexible Family Funding if paid as a lump sum or as a reimbursement.

Note: Verification must be provided to confirm the funds were used as a reimbursement .

Count as income if paid over time and not a reimbursement .

Count payments received for participation in a focus group, survey or study unless the payment is a reimbursement or a gift certificate. Whether it is earned income or unearned income depends on how the payment is described by the entity providing it.

Count the foster care payment as unearned income when a foster child or foster adult is included in the 3SVT household.

Exclude the foster care payment when a foster child or foster adult is not included in the 3SVT household. This includes payments made to a respite provider.

Note : DCP recipients are considered a foster adult.

Count gross winnings from gambling as unearned income. Do not offset the winnings with any amount lost.

Count the General Assistance personal needs payment as unearned income.

Exclude all other General Assistance payments as vendor payments .

Count a cash gift (other than one specifically excluded under Cash Donations ) as unearned income if it can be anticipated.

Exclude establishment specific gift cards.

Count a credit card company gift card as unearned income if it can be anticipated.

Exclude all utility payments made by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Exclude all income specifically excluded by any other federal statute. This includes, but is not limited to the following: Payments received under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Amendments. (Section 29 of Public Law 92-203 and Section 15 of Public Law 100-241) Payments of relocation assistance to members of the Hopi and Navajo Tribes under Public Law 93-531. Payments made under the Confederate Tribes of the Colville Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Settlement Act. (Public Law 103-436) Payments by the Indian Claims Commission to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Indian Nation or the Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation. (Public Law 95-433) Payments to the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Maliseet Tribe and the Penobscot Nation or any of their members received per the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980. (Public Law 96-420) Income received from certain sub marginal land of the United States which is held in trust for certain Indian tribes. (Public Law 94-114) Income received from the disposition of funds to the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians. (Public Law 94-540) Payments made for children who suffer from birth defects and whose mothers are Vietnam veterans. (Public Law 106-419) Payments made to a child of a Vietnam Veteran for any disability of the child resulting from Spina Bifida. (Public Law 104-204, section 1805(d)) Payments made to Americans of Japanese or Aleut ancestry under Public Law 100-383. Payments made under Public Laws 101 and 201 for Agent Orange Settlement. Payments made to victims of Nazi Persecution under Public Law 102-286. Payments made under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to compensate injury or death resulting from exposure to radiation from nuclear testing and uranium mining. (Public Law 101-426)

Exclude as lump sum (nonrecurring) payments.

Exclude interest earned on IDA accounts. Also exclude any deposits made into the account by an outside source.

A savings account for lower income persons. An IDA is used for a specific purpose such as education, purchasing a first home, or starting a business. Savings are matched by private or public funds.

Exclude any non-monetary or in-kind gain or benefit provided directly to the household, such as meals, free rent, clothing, housing, or produce from a garden. Example: working off rent is an in-kind benefit.

Exclude from income all money received from lump sum (nonrecurring) insurance settlements.

Count recurring payments as unearned income.

Count as unearned income.

Exclude up to $30 of income per federal fiscal quarter when the income is received too infrequently or irregularly to be reasonably anticipated.

Count salary and performance bonuses as earned income for Job Corps participants and former participants who are still receiving Job Corps payments.

Note : Most Job Corps participants are residents of an ineligible Institution , and therefore, not eligible for 3SVT. See Special Household Situations for eligible institutions.

Exclude any lump sum one-time payment of salary from prior periods as a lump sum (nonrecurring) payment. If a performance bonus is received after the person leaves the program and it is paid out in one payment, exclude it from income as a lump sum (nonrecurring).

Exclude reimbursements from the employer for job-related expenses including travel expenses and uniform allowances.

See Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) .

Count compensation for jury duty as earned income unless it is a reimbursement such as for transportation, or meals and lodging.

When legally obligated money is earned, count it as earned income.

When it is unearned, count it as unearned income.

Count legally-obligated money when it is garnished or diverted by the provider of the payment to a third party for a household expense. Do not exclude it as a vendor payment .

Legally obligated money includes money such as wages earned by a household member, Social Security, SSI, or a Reach Up payment to which the household is legally entitled, and support or alimony payments that legally must be paid to a household member.

Legally obligated money is different from a vendor payment because legally obligated money belongs to the household. If the money was not diverted, the household would get it. Vendor payments are made with money that does not belong to the household.

Exclude loans from private persons and commercial institutions. A legally executed document is not required to verify the income is a loan.

Exception : Deferred payment loans for education. See Student Income .

Exclude payments made under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. See Energy Assistance

Exclude nonrecurring lump-sum payments, including but not limited to, payments received as a one-time payment for: Income tax refunds, rebates, or credits, including Vermont EITC Vermont Child Tax Credit and renter rebate. Retroactive lump sums for the past one month or more, such as Social Security, SSI , Reach Up , Unemployment Benefits, or other retroactive payments. Exception : SSI retroactive benefits may be paid out in more than one payment. Each retroactive payment is a nonrecurring lump sum and is excluded as income. The annual VA disability pension adjustment. Insurance Settlements. Reach Up parenting incentive payments. Refunds of security deposits on rental property or utilities including: A HUD rental refund. From the sale of a household’s countable or exempt resources (such as the household’s homestead, personal effects, household goods, or an automobile) that are not sold as part of a self-employment business. Retroactive pay raise of an employee whether employed or not at the time of receipt. A bonus received after employment has stopped. Back pay that was not withheld at the request of the employee. Payments through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Exclude all Medicare Advantage (MA) Supplemental Benefits.

MA Supplemental benefits are benefits for items and services related to the health of the enrollee.

Count the following military allowances as earned income: Base pay BAH BAQ BAS Sea-duty pay Career sea pay VHA Ration ( BAS ) Hazard Pay received prior to deployment to a combat zone or received due to deployment to an area not designated as a combat zone.

Exception : See Combat Pay .

If two payments are received in one month because a holiday or weekend changes the mailing cycle, count the payments for the months for which they are intended.

Exclude CMA s as a reimbursement.

Exclude amounts withheld from paychecks for education programs.

Many payments made to Native Americans under federal law are totally excluded income. Some payments are partially excluded. Click here for a list of public laws and the treatment of funds.

Exclude $2000 per year from tribal dividend payments.

Exceptions : Exclude all tribal dividend money deposited into a child’s trust. Count casino profit payments as unearned income in the month received. Do not apply the $2000 exclusion.

Count as unearned income any direct money payments without a work requirement that can be construed to be a gain or benefit.

Count payments as unearned income.

Exclude the amount of money necessary to fulfill SSI’s PASS . This includes money deposited into a special PASS account.

Count as unearned self-employment income .

Count as unearned income property settlements paid as cash in more than one payment.

Exclude property settlements paid as cash in one payment as a lump sum (nonrecurring).

Exclude.

A temporary (up to 24-month) assistance program that helps families transitioning to work. It provides support services for employment such as help paying car repairs, work clothes, work supplies, 100% child care subsidy and a food benefit.

Count as unearned income even if the assistance is given in the form of a vendor payment. Also count the payment as unearned even if the program requires the applicant/recipient to work without pay in order to be eligible.

A temporary (four month) financial assistance program for families who have a plan to become self-sufficient within four months.

Count as unearned income even if the assistance is given in the form of a vendor payment . Also count the payment as unearned even if the program requires the applicant/recipient to work without pay in order to be eligible.

Exclude this payment for completing a parenting education program.

Count as unearned income.

Exclude money that is withheld from the household’s income to repay a prior overpayment from that source. Also exclude money the household received, but voluntarily or involuntarily returned to repay a prior overpayment from that income source. Exception : See Repayment due to Intentional Program Violation (IPV) .

Exclude.

Exclude reimbursements for past or future expenses as long as the reimbursements meet all of the following criteria: They do not exceed actual expenses. If the reimbursement exceeds actual expenses, count the excess as unearned income. Do not consider a reimbursement to exceed actual expenses unless the provider or the household says it exceeds actual expenses. They do not result in a gain or benefit to the household. They are identified and used for expenses other than normal living expenses (such as rent, mortgage, personal clothing, or food eaten at home). Count payments as income if they are not identified for a specific purpose or are not used for that purpose.

If a reimbursement covers multiple expenses, each expense does not have to be separately identified, as long as none of the money covers normal living expenses.

The following are examples of excluded reimbursements: Reimbursements or flat allowances for job or training related expenses, such as per diem, uniforms, and transportation to or from the job or training site. Exclude reimbursements for these expenses that are over and above basic wages. Reimbursements for the out-of-pocket expenses volunteers incur in the course of their work. Medical or child care reimbursements. Medicare Advantage (MA) Supplemental Benefits Reach Ahead work support payments The payments are reimbursements for past or future work expenses incurred by participating families.

Count as earned self-employment income. Exception : If a third party is employed to manage the property, it is unearned self-employment income .

Count money as unearned income when it is withheld from federal, state, or local means-tested programs to recoup an overpayment caused by the household’s intentional failure to comply with program requirements.

If the amount withheld is not due to intentional program violation, exclude it as a regular recoupment. See Recoupment .

Federal, state or local means-tested programs include Reach Up, General Assistance, State Supplementary Assistance, SSI, and veteran pensions.

Note : To determine if recoupment from SSI is an IPV, ask if it is due to being criminally charged with an IPV. If it is, then it is considered an IPV. Verify IPV status for SSI only when the household states it was due to IPV.

A payment received by one person, the representative payee, for the needs of another person, the beneficiary. When the representative payee and the beneficiary are in the same 3SVT household, count the payment as unearned income to the household.

When the representative payee and the beneficiary are not in the same 3SVT household, treat the representative payment as follows: Count as unearned income to the beneficiary any part of the payment that the payee gives to, or uses for the needs of the beneficiary. Count as unearned income to the payee any amount that is not given to or used for the needs of the beneficiary.

When a representative payment is made to a payee that is intended for more than one beneficiary, and the beneficiaries are both 3SVT household members and non-members exclude only the identifiable portion of the payment intended and used for the care and maintenance of the non-member.

If a non-member’s portion cannot be readily identified, divide the payment evenly among all beneficiaries. Exclude the non-member’s prorata share or the amount actually used for the non-member, whichever is less.

Count retirement payments as unearned income.

Exclude if there is a verifiable agreement to repay the loan.

Exclude income from a loan against the home with no repayment required until the borrower dies, or the home is sold.

Count as unearned income if there is no repayment agreement.

Count royalty payments as unearned income.

A payment to an owner for the use of property, especially patents, copyrighted works, franchises or natural resources.

Count the gross income from self-employment, including the total gain from the sale of any capital goods or equipment related to the business, excluding the allowable costs of doing business. See Self-Employment .

Exclude wages received from the Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program of the Older American’s Act. An employment-based job training program for older Americans that provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors.

Vermont SCSEP includes: Experience Works Vermont Associates for Training and Development, Inc. National Able Network Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living Visiting Nurses Association

Exclude payments and allowances from SeniorCorps, without exception.

Note : Green Mountain Grandparents is a SeniorCorps program.

Exclude as a lump sum (nonrecurring), if paid in a single payment.

Count as unearned income if paid in more than one payment.

The compensation that an employer provides to an employee who has been laid off, whose job has been eliminated, who through mutual agreement has decided to leave the company, or who has parted ways with the company for other reasons.

Count as earned income when the person gets it while employed.

Count as unearned income when the person getting it is no longer an employee and is paid out in more than one check over a period of time.

Exclude the sick pay as a lump sum (nonrecurring) when paid in one payment and the person getting it is no longer an employee.

When co-workers donate their sick leave time, count the payments the same as if they were the person’s own sick pay.

Count as unearned income. Count the gross amount even if Social Security tax or a Medicare premium is withheld.

Exclude Social Security retroactive payments as lump sum (nonrecurring) .

Exclude Social Security benefits withheld to repay a prior overpayment regardless if due to intentional program violation or not . See Recoupment .

Count as unearned income for a person when: their spouse is a LTC recipient, the spouse is not a member of the 3SVT household, and spousal allocation is required in the LTC budget.

Exclude spousal allocation when the spouse is in the 3SVT household.

Counts as unearned income.

See Strikers .

A scholarship, grant, loan, veteran’s educational benefit and the like awarded to a household member enrolled at a: Recognized post-secondary education institution School for the handicapped Vocational education program Vocational or technical school Program that provides for obtaining a secondary school diploma or the equivalent

Exclude all student financial assistance received under programs in Title IV of the Higher Education Act or under Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs. These include but are not limited to: Basic Education Opportunity Grants (BEOG or PELL Grants) Presidential Access Scholarships (Super Pell Grants) SEOG SSIG Federal Family Education Loan Program (Formally GSL) Supplemental Loans for Students PLUS Loans for parents Robert T. Stafford Student Loans Direct Federal Loans to students in institutions of higher education Perkins Loans (formerly NDSL) Federal Work Study Funds ( Note : Not all Federal work study funds come under Title IV of the Higher Education Act) Trio Grants Upward Bound Student Support Services Robert E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program CAMP for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farm work HEP National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership Program

Exclude all loans and scholarships received under Titles III, VII and VIII of the Public Service Health Act. These include, but are not limited to: National Health Service Corps NURSE Corps Scholarship Program Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Loans for Disadvantaged Students Health Professions Student Loans Nursing Student Loans Primary Care Loans NIH Undergraduate Scholarship NIH Clinical Research Loan Repayment Indian Health Service Scholarships Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program

Count as unearned income other scholarships, educational grants, deferred payment loans for education and veterans’ educational benefits that do not have a work requirement attached to them. Count as earned income if they have a work requirement attached to them. Exclude amounts used for: Tuition Mandatory fees, including rental or purchase of any equipment, material and supplies related to the course of study pursued Books Transportation Miscellaneous personal expenses, other than normal living expenses, incidental to attending school such as, professional journals, typing of papers, membership in professional associations, etc. Dependent care ( Note : any amount excluded from income cannot be claimed as part of the dependent care expense. See Dependent Care .) Origination fees and insurance premiums on educational loans

Student income provided for living expenses is counted as unearned income unless there is a work requirement attached to its receipt. Count as earned income if it has a work requirement attached. Treat student income provided for living expenses this way whether or not the student receives the payment or it is paid directly to the provider.

Count the following grants as unearned income if used for living expenses. Exclude any portion earmarked for allowable expenses (tuition, books, transportation, etc.): VSA Grant Summit Grant VT State Grant

Count as unearned income.

SSI benefits are sometimes paid to a Representative Payee for the SSI recipient. See Representative Payment .

Exclude retroactive SSI payments as a lump sum (nonrecurring) .

Also, exclude retroactive or underpayment SSI payments deposited directly into a dedicated account when an SSI recipient is under the age of 18 and must have a representative payee. If the person is eligible for retroactive SSI, the representative payee must set up a “dedicated” account in a financial institution, and must use this money for allowable expenses of the child. Do not count any disbursements from this account as income.

Exclude SSI benefits withheld to repay a prior overpayment, unless it was due to intentional program violation (IPV ). Verify IPV status only when the household states it was due to IPV. See Recoupment .

Exclude earnings received as a temporary census worker. Send to AOPs as this must be tracked.

Count as earned income.

Note : Basic Wage Rate applies when employers are unable to estimate tips.

Count training allowances from vocational and rehabilitative programs recognized by federal, state or local governments as earned income, as long as they are not a reimbursement .

Count Tribal TANF payments as unearned income.

Exclude any retroactive payments as a lump sum (nonrecurring) .

Count as unearned income money withdrawn from an inaccessible trust that is excluded as a resource. Send the trust to AOPs for review.

Exception : Exclude when the withdrawal is a reimbursement .

If the trust is accessible to the household and therefore counted as a resource, exclude as income any money withdrawn from the trust.

If the household has the option of either receiving dividends as income or reinvesting them in the trust, count them as unearned income in the month they are credited to the trust.

Count unemployment insurance benefits as unearned income.

Exclude retroactive unemployment insurance payments as a lump-sum (nonrecurring) . Exclude unemployment insurance benefits withheld to repay a prior overpayment. See Recoupment .

UCB is paid by the Vermont Department of Labor to a person whose job has ended due to lay-off, firing without good reason, or quitting with good reason.

Exclude as reimbursements from the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policy Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-646, Section 216).

Exclude Universal Basic Income/Guaranteed Basic Income payments that provide money regardless of employment status to support basic needs if: Excluded by Reach Up, Paid with solely private or a combination of private and public funds. Amount must be the same amount excluded for Reach Up.

Example : Spectrum Direct Cash Transfer Pilot Program. For any other programs, send an inquiry to AOPs.

Count as earned income if it is received before employment ends.

Count as unearned income when received after employment ends, when paid in more than one payment.

Exclude as a lump sum (nonrecurring) when it is received in one lump sum after employment ends.

Exclude the following vendor payments: Payments made from their own funds by a person outside the household or by an organization to a third party for a household’s expense. Payments made by a person sharing housing with the 3SVT household to a third party for household’s shelter expense. Rent or mortgage payments made to the landlord or lender by the Department of HUD or by state or local housing authorities. Payments by a government agency/program to a third party on behalf of the household to pay the household’s medical or child care expenses. Payments through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Housing assistance when a household lives in temporary housing. Payments converted to a direct cash payment when approved by a federally authorized demonstration project.

E xceptions: See Legally Obligated Money and General Assistance .

See Determining Monthly Deductions - Disallowed Expenses on how to handle deductions.

Exclude General Assistance or Reach Up vendor payments for the housing and transportation of Migrant Worker and Seasonal Farmworker households while workers are in the job stream. See Migrants and Seasonal Farmworkers .

Exclude the utility allowance portion of VSHA Section 8 Homeownership program payments. See HUD Utility Payments . Count as unearned income any remaining portion paid to the customer.

Exclude VSHA Section 8 Homeownership program payments that are paid directly to the lender. See Vendor Payments .

Count as unearned income payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans or dependents of veterans. This includes: The Monthly Housing Allowance provided to veteran students for housing costs under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 31 Disability payments based on exposure to Agent Orange, Pension, Disability compensation, Aid and Attendance Pension , and Household Allowance .

See Agent Orange Settlement Fund if the customer is receiving payments for Agent Orange exposure but it is not paid by the VA.

See AmeriCorps VISTA .

Count as earned income training allowances from vocational and rehabilitative programs recognized by Federal, State or local governments, such as work incentive programs, to the extent they are not a reimbursement .

Example : Career Training Offset.

Count all wages and salaries as earned income.

Exclude payments for work-related expenses as reimbursements.

Count as unearned income, excluding any fees withheld. See Costs Withheld from Unearned Income .

Workers’ compensation is a benefit paid to an employee who is injured on a job covered by the program. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for all Vermont employers.

Count as earned income WIOA on-the-job training, including Job Corps and YouthBuild earnings. These earnings include monies paid by WIOA and monies paid by the employer. WIOA sets the definition of these programs.

Exception : Exclude WIOA on-the-job training earnings of household members under age 19 who are under the Parental Control of an adult household member. Apply this exclusion regardless of school attendance or enrollment.

Exclude all payments for living allowances, education, or other purposes that participants get for participating in WIOA programs.

Note : The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was formerly known as JTPA .

All questionable information must be verified. Do not verify income that is excluded, unless the exclusion is questionable.

Before initial approval, verify all gross countable income.

Exception : Allow 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households to self-declare income, unless questionable.

Postpone verification for expedited service month(s), unless verification can be provided in time to meet the seven-day standard of promptness.

Verify changes in gross non-excluded income.

Benefit increase : Verify changes in gross countable income.

Benefit decrease : Verify changes at recertification.

Exception : Allow 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households to self-declare income, unless questionable.

Verify gross countable income.

Exception : Allow 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households to self-declare income, unless questionable.

Base the income on the household’s written statement if good faith efforts to obtain the verification failed because the source failed to cooperate with the household and the ES.

Release # 25-6

Effective Date: 12/15/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.9 Vermont Elderly Simplified Application Project, Approved Waivers.

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

Households may be eligible for 6 deductions from gross income. These deductions are: Legally Obligated Child Support Dependent Care Earned Income Deduction Medical Expenses Shelter Expenses Standard Deduction

The household does not have to actually make a payment to get a deduction, but the household must be responsible for the expense. Exception : Child support payments must be paid to get a deduction for that expense.

Expenses covered by excluded reimbursements or excluded vendor payments are not allowed.

This section defines allowable expenses. See Determining Income and Deductions for instructions on budgeting the expense.

Allow a child support deduction when the support is Legally Obligated and is: Paid by a household member for a child who is not part of the 3SVT household; or Paid by a household member to an agency or person outside of the household if the payments are not returned to the household.

Allow the amount actually paid by the household member, including any past-due (arrearage) amounts.

Child support may include but is not limited to: Monthly child support Legal fees Any past-due (arrearage) amounts Health Insurance payments

Do not allow payments if the following occurs: The payment is made through an IRS offset payment. The payment is defined as alimony, spousal support, or property settlement. The payment is not court-ordered (voluntary).

Do not allow the portion of a processing fee that is not passed along to the parent/guardian.

Verify the legal obligation, the legally obligated amount, the actual amount paid, and that it is paid to a non-household member before a deduction is allowed.

If verification is not submitted prior to the end of the 30-day processing period, process the application without the deduction.

Postpone verification for expedited service month(s), unless verification can be provided in time to meet the seven-day standard of promptness.

If a new payment or change is reported and verification is not submitted by the requested due date, process the interim report without the deduction.

If a new payment is reported and verification is not submitted by the requested due date, process without the deduction.

If a change in payment is reported and benefits will: Increase, verify the new amount, if verification is not provided do not make a change; use the previously verified amount. Decrease, process the change and verify at recertification.

If a new obligation is reported and verification is not submitted prior to the end of processing time period, process the recertification without the deduction. If a change in payment is reported, verify the change. If verification is not submitted by the due date, process without the payment.

Allow the actual cost of dependent care expenses, for a child under 18, including transportation . Examples of dependent care providers are: Private arrangements with persons not in the household Before or after school programs, such as the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, YWCA, etc. Note: Elementary, middle and high school tuition, fees and transportation are not allowable dependent care expenses. Summer camp fees Preschool programs

Allow child or dependent care costs only if the care is needed to permit all parents or guardians to: Look for work Accept a job or continue working, regardless of whether the income is counted or excluded Comply with Work Requirements Attend training or education to prepare the person for work

All parents or guardians in a household must need the care by meeting one of the above. Exception : See Special Dependent Care Situations .

Allow the following costs: The unreimbursed billed expense for children or another dependent member(s); and/or Transportation costs to and from program sites. Use the actual cost of public transportation or .585 cents per mile.

Allow if: Applied for or in receipt of unemployment compensation; or Complying with the Reach Up requirements.

Note : Reach Up case manager must verify dependent care is required for compliance.

Do not allow a child care expense: If the expense is for elementary, middle or high school; If another parent or guardian is in the household and able to provide the care; If another household member provides the care; If the care is paid for by some in-kind benefit, such as food; or For the portion of expense covered by an excluded reimbursement or vendor payment, such as Child Care Services. Note : This includes any portion covered by excluded educational income.

If a parent or guardian report that they are unable to provide care for the child and require dependent care, see Special Dependent Care Situations .

Allow dependent care costs if parents or guardians claim: They are Disabled and unable to care for the child, A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA They are unfit to care for the child, or They claim domestic violence where the child is at risk being left alone with the 2nd parent.

Verification of the exception is mandatory. Send to AOPs for review.

Allow dependent care costs when parents or guardians are temporarily out of work and have a return-to-work date.

Temporarily out of work can include but is not limited to: Family or medical leave (FMLA) Seasonal or short term lay off Short term disability

Verification is not required, unless questionable.

Verification is not required unless the information is questionable. Take the following actions only if verification is requested.

If verification is not submitted prior to the end of the 30-day processing period, process the application without the expense.

Postpone verification for expedited service month(s), unless verification can be provided in time to meet the seven-day standard of promptness.

If a new expense or change is reported and verification is not provided by the requested due date, process the interim report without the deduction.

If a new expense is reported and verification is not submitted by the requested due date, process without the deduction.

If a change in expense is reported and benefits will: Increase - if verification is not provided by the requested due date, do not make a change; use the previously verified amount. Decrease - process the change and verify at recertification.

If a new expense or a change in expense is reported and verification is not submitted by requested due date, process the recertification without the expense.

Subtract 20% of Gross Earned Income .

Do not allow the 20% gross earned income deduction when determining an overpayment amount if the household failed to report earned income correctly or timely. See Overpayment for more details.

Allow the standard medical expense or actual medical expenses for: Senior or Disabled household members; A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA Household members receiving emergency SSI benefits based on presumptive eligibility; and/or A non-household member if the following conditions are met: The person meets the senior/disabled definition; The person was in the household immediately prior to being placed in an institution (hospital, nursing home, etc.) or death of the member; The person cannot establish 3SVT eligibility on his/her own; and The household is paying the medical expenses of the person.

On-going and one-time expenses are allowed but have different budgeting procedures. See Determining Income and Deductions .

Medical expenses start the month the person turns 60 or the month the person is determined Disabled . A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA

Explore medical expenses during the interview process for households with at least one senior or disabled member.

Allow the following medical expenses: Attendant, homemaker, home health aide, child care, or housekeeper necessary due to age, infirmity or illness; Note : Treat attendant care costs that qualify either as a medical or dependent care expense as a medical expense. Subtract the 1-person benefit amount from the cost if the household furnishes the majority of the attendant's meals. Allow the benefit that is in effect at the time of approval. Ambulance services; Cost sharing or spend down expenses incurred by Medicaid members; Note : This includes the Choices for Care/Long Term Care patient share. Information is found in ELIG/D/LONG. This is considered verified upon receipt. Credit card or loan principal payments if the medical expense was paid with the card/loan; Note : Do not allow interest payments as a medical expense Dental care, including denture costs; Eye glasses and contact lenses prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist; Hearing aid costs; Hospitalization or outpatient treatment; Insurance premiums for health and hospitalization costs; Note : Only allow the premium of the senior or disabled household member. If there is not specific information on separation of the premium amount, allow a prorated amount; Lifeline/MedicAlert costs if prescribed by a Qualified Health Professional See Examples ; To determine if a person is licensed in Vermont, go to Vermont Secretary of State Licensee Look Up or Vermont Health Professionals Look Up . Examples include but are not limited to: Acupuncturists Allied Mental Health Applied Behavior Analysis Chiropractic Dental Examiners Dietitians Midwives Naturopathic Physicians Nursing Optometry Osteopathic Physician Physical Therapists Physicians Physicians Assistants Podiatrists Psychoanalyst Psychologic Examiner Respiratory Care Practitioner Substance Abuse Counselors Medical care including psychotherapy and rehabilitation services provided by a Qualified Health Professional See Examples ; To determine if a person is licensed in Vermont, go to Vermont Secretary of State Licensee Look Up or Vermont Health Professionals Look Up . Examples include but are not limited to: Acupuncturists Allied Mental Health Applied Behavior Analysis Chiropractic Dental Examiners Dietitians Midwives Naturopathic Physicians Nursing Optometry Osteopathic Physician Physical Therapists Physicians Physicians Assistants Podiatrists Psychoanalyst Psychologic Examiner Respiratory Care Practitioner Substance Abuse Counselors Medical equipment and supplies, including rental equipment when recommended by a Qualified Health Professional See Examples ; To determine if a person is licensed in Vermont, go to Vermont Secretary of State Licensee Look Up or Vermont Health Professionals Look Up . Examples include but are not limited to: Acupuncturists Allied Mental Health Applied Behavior Analysis Chiropractic Dental Examiners Dietitians Midwives Naturopathic Physicians Nursing Optometry Osteopathic Physician Physical Therapists Physicians Physicians Assistants Podiatrists Psychoanalyst Psychologic Examiner Respiratory Care Practitioner Substance Abuse Counselors Medicare/Medi-Gap premiums; Note : Do not enter the Medicare premium on ACCESS if the Payer is “Self” on the MEDI panel. Membership fees for primary care services; Nursing care; Nursing home costs; Over-the-counter medication, including insulin and vitamins, when recommended by a Qualified Health Professional (see Examples ), including the cost of postage for mail order over-the-counter medication; Note : CBD which contains no more than .3 percent THC is an allowable medical expense. Send full product information to AOPs for pricing. To determine if a person is licensed in Vermont, go to Vermont Secretary of State Licensee Look Up or Vermont Health Professionals Look Up . Examples include but are not limited to: Acupuncturists Allied Mental Health Applied Behavior Analysis Chiropractic Dental Examiners Dietitians Midwives Naturopathic Physicians Nursing Optometry Osteopathic Physician Physical Therapists Physicians Physicians Assistants Podiatrists Psychoanalyst Psychologic Examiner Respiratory Care Practitioner Substance Abuse Counselors Prescription drugs when prescribed by a Qualified Health Professional (see Examples ), including the cost of postage for mail-order prescription drugs; To determine if a person is licensed in Vermont, go to Vermont Secretary of State Licensee Look Up or Vermont Health Professionals Look Up . Examples include but are not limited to: Acupuncturists Allied Mental Health Applied Behavior Analysis Chiropractic Dental Examiners Dietitians Midwives Naturopathic Physicians Nursing Optometry Osteopathic Physician Physical Therapists Physicians Physicians Assistants Podiatrists Psychoanalyst Psychologic Examiner Respiratory Care Practitioner Substance Abuse Counselors Prosthetic costs; Service animal costs, including purchase, maintenance, veterinary care, food, etc. The animal must be trained to perform some function that the disabled/senior member cannot readily perform or to help compensate for a physical condition. The trainer does not need to have any special credentials and can be the person claiming the expense as long as the animal is trained to do a specific function the owner cannot do for themselves. To determine if the animal is a service animal ask; What service is the animal providing that meets the needs of the disabled/senior individual, and What training did the animal receive to be able to provide the service. Transportation and lodging to obtain medical care, prescription drugs, over the counter medication, etc. Note : For transportation, allow the actual cost if paid to a non- household member. If a household member drives, allow .585 cents per mile. Confirm the customer used their vehicle to drive, to allow mileage.

Do not allow the following medical expenses: Expenses paid or that will be paid by another source (insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.); Expenses that are paid to a collection agency; Items that can be purchased with 3SVT benefits such as: Water, Vinegar; Insurance premiums for health and accident policies such as: those payable in lump sum settlements for death or dismemberment, income replacement policies regardless of payment schedule, or income maintenance policies such as those that continue mortgage or loan payments; Special diets regardless if the diet is related to a medical condition. Examples Examples Ensure, juices, nutritional supplements, etc. Utility costs from the use of medical equipment; Any Schedule I controlled substance considered illegal by federal law. Marijuana MDMA (Ecstasy) CBD (Cannabidiol) which contains more than .3 percent THC.

No deduction is allowed if the household’s allowed medical expenses are less than $35.01.

The standard medical expense is used if allowed medical expenses are at least $35.01 and under $191.

If the household's allowed medical expenses are greater that $191, the household may choose the standard medical expense or actual expenses.

The medical deduction is the total cost of the allowed medical expense minus $35. Example: the medical deduction is $156 when the standard medical expense is claimed ( $191 - $35).

Verify medical expenses (including the amount of reimbursements) before allowing a deduction.

Postpone verification for expedited service month(s), unless verification can be provided in time to meet the seven-day standard of promptness.

Verification of other factors, such as the eligibility of the Senior or Disabled Disabled person or if services provided are allowable, is required if questionable.

Verification is required for at least $35.01 in medical expenses. If the household reports more than $191 in medical expenses, verification is required for all reported medical expenses if the household chooses to have actual medical expenses deducted. If the expenses are greater than $191 and the household chooses the medical standard, and at least $35.01 is verified, give them the standard.

Postpone verification for expedited service month(s), unless verification can be provided in time to meet the seven-day standard of promptness.

If a household that was not receiving the medical deduction reports medical expenses that would result in a deduction, follow the verification requirements in application .

If a change of more than $25 is reported and the household wishes to: Continue with the medical standard, no verification is necessary. Continue with actual expenses, verify the new expense(s). If verification is not provided, do not allow the new expenses. Continue with the previously verified expenses.

If a change of more than $25 is reported and it results in the household choosing to switch between the medical standard and actual expenses the household must verify all reported expenses prior to receiving a deduction for actual expenses. If verification is not received, continue with the medical standard.

If a change of more than $25 is reported and benefits will decrease: If the household is receiving the medical standard and the change results in less than $35.01 in medical expenses, remove the medical standard. Verification is not required. If the household is using actual medical expenses, and the change results in Expenses less than $191 but more than $35.01 switch the household to the medical standard. Verification is not required. Continued expenses of over $191 make the change and verify at recertification.

If a household that was not receiving the medical deduction reports medical expenses that would result in a deduction, follow the verification requirements in application .

If a change of more than $25 is reported and the household wishes to: Continue with the medical standard, no verification is necessary. Continue with actual expenses, verify the new expense(s). If verification is not provided, do not allow the new expenses. Continue with the previously verified expenses.

If a change of more than $25 is reported and it results in the household choosing to switch between the medical standard and actual expenses the household must verify all reported expenses prior to receiving a deduction for actual expenses. If verification is not received, continue with the medical standard.

If a change of more than $25 is reported and benefits will decrease: If the household is receiving the medical standard and the change results in less than $35.01 in medical expenses, remove the medical standard. Verification is not required. If the household is using actual medical expenses, and the change results in Expenses less than $191 but more than $35.01 switch the household to the medical standard. Verification is not required. Continued expenses of over $191 make the change and verify at recertification.

Exception : If the change is not reported by the household, act on the change only if it is verified upon receipt, such as the Medicare Part B premium reported through BENDEX. Otherwise, do not request verification and do not act on the change.

Follow the verification requirements in application .

Exception : Do not re-verify expenses for a household that is currently receiving the medical standard.

CATN

The household’s shelter expenses are used for the calculation of net income and benefit amount. The shelter expense is based on the BSD (see below) and the HSD (see Homeless Shelter Deduction ).

The shelter expense must be a continuing charge that leads to ownership of the residence or rental payments for the residence. Only allow expenses for the residence the household lives in. Exception : Expenses for an unoccupied home are allowed if the home meets the unoccupied home requirements.

Allow costs of current rent or mortgages including: All mortgage loan repayments, including second mortgages, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, if the home property is used as collateral for the loan; Payments to buy a mobile home, RV or travel trailer when used as a primary dwelling; Must include a kitchen and bathroom to be allowed. Lot rent; Interest fees on mortgage/mobile home payments; Property taxes ; Home insurance; Condominium and association fees; Unreimbursed repair or replacements costs that was substantially damaged by a natural disaster, such as flood or fire; and/or Hotel cost when used as a primary dwelling.

Do not allow the following costs: A “mechanic’s lien” or similar lien Mortgage life insurance premiums; Late payment fees; Extra charges, such as garage space, pet charges, etc.; Repair or replacement costs unless they result from a natural disaster; Down payments; Charges added to the rent to recoup for past unpaid rent amounts; Portion of expense covered by an excluded reimbursement or vendor payment; Payment for a vehicle without a kitchen and bathroom, even if used as the primary dwelling; or Auto insurance for a vehicle used as a primary dwelling.

Allow hotel costs as shelter expense when the cost is related to a short or long-term stay and the hotel room is the customer's primary dwelling. Allowable cost related to hotel rooms are: Standard Room cost Taxes

Non-Allowable cost related to hotel rooms are: Room service charges Cost of Damages

Do not allow hotel cost as shelter expense when the cost is related to a temporary stay, such as vacations.

Allow the hotel cost for households in Emergency Housing subject to income contribution requirements. Use the number of days multiplied by the hotel rate if paying or incurring the expense.

Allow property taxes as shelter expenses. Allowable cost related to property taxes are: Net property tax amount listed on property tax bill (amount after any State/Fed payments).

Allow the cost of insurance on the structure itself, such as fire, flood and liability insurance, if the policy separates the costs of the structure from the contents. If the insurance policy does not separate these costs, allow the entire amount.

Allow service charges such as an added fee for monthly billing but do not allow late payment charges.

Do not allow renters insurance.

The HSD is a standard deduction for homeless households who incur or expect to incur allowable homeless shelter cost . The HSD is n ot determined by actual shelter cost.

Allow the HSD when: All household members are Homeless ; The household incurs or expects to incur monthly shelter, utility expenses or basic living cost ; and The household’s BSD is equal to or less than the current HSD standard.

Note: Homeless household with a PHON panel qualify for the HSD.

Do not allow the HSD when: All household members are not homeless. All household members are homeless but: are receiving free shelter; or do not claim shelter, utility, or basic shelter cost. The BSD provides the household a larger deduction.

Shelter and utility cost incurred or expected to be incurred by the household can include basic shelter and utility costs or basic living costs (see below).

Basic living cost are considered shelter cost for a homeless household. These costs include but are not limited to: Doing Laundry Trash Disposal Storage Fees Phone Calls Transportation Costs Parking Fees Mail Fees Fuel or Wood for heating or cooking Equipment for camping or alternative shelter

Note: Basic living cost are not included in the calculation of the BSD. They make a homeless household eligible for the HSD.

Shelter costs of an unoccupied home may be allowed if the household intends to return to the home and the members are away from the home for: Training; Employment; Illness; or Abandonment because of natural disaster or casualty loss.

Do not allow unoccupied home costs if: The home is being rented out or leased during the absence of the household members; and/or Any current residents are claiming shelter costs for the home for 3SVT or SNAP deductions in any state.

The household is allowed only one utility allowance to cover both residences. Allow the highest applicable utility allowance.

When separate 3SVT households share a residence, and one household gives its share of basic shelter expenses to the other who then pays them, give each household a deduction for their part of the basic shelter expenses. Shared Households

Individuals who report they are will lose their housing within 14 days are considered Homeless .

Shelter costs must be updated based on the details the household provides. Note: Dependent care transportation cost must also be updated.

Shelter costs should be removed starting the month after they will lose housing, or earlier if they report that costs have already ended.

Households must report any changes in their situation to have shelter costs re-added to the case.

The HSD indicator on the ADDR screen should be updated to “Y” (if eligible) in the month they become homeless or imminently homeless.

Attempt to call the household to gather more information.

If you’re unable to reach them, send a VCR.

If details are provided (by phone or in response to the VCR), follow the changes reported in person or other the phone process above.

If there is no response to the VCR: Remove shelter costs starting the month after they will lose housing (unless other details are available in CATN). Clarify shelter costs at the next IR or recertification. Households must report changes in their situation to have shelter costs added back. Update the HSD indicator to “Y” (if eligible) in the month they become homeless/imminently homeless.

Assign the appropriate utility allowance based on the household’s utility obligation. The utility allowances are: Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) Basic Utility Allowance (BUA) Telephone Allowance

Heating fuel, including propane tank rental fee and wood purchases when wood is the primary heating source

Cooling (air-conditioning)

Electricity

Cooking Fuel

Water/sewage, including well and septic tank installation and maintenance

Garbage/trash collection, including fees paid at a transfer station to dispose of household trash

Telephone, including a mobile phone

Fees charged for installation of utilities

Excess heating or cooling charges

The SUA includes all utility costs including installation/maintenance.

Assign the SUA SUA to a household that meets one of the following criteria: Is responsible for paying any portion of the heat or air conditioning costs directly to the provider, to a landlord, or to someone with whom the household shares these expenses (including excess or flat fees for these costs); or Households with a Senior or disabled member that receive LIHEAP payments (Fuel or Home Heating Assistance); or Households that have a Senior or disabled member and receives the $21 annual Fuel Assistance Program payment ; or Receives a HUD, FmHA, or other program energy assistance payment, reimbursement or vendor payment and the household incurs out-of-pocket heating or cooling costs that exceed the amount of the payment; or Households with a Senior or disabled member who received weatherization services through the Vermont Home Weatherization Assistance Program within the past 12 months. Verification is not required unless questionable. Note: The $21 Annual Fuel Assistance Program Payment will still be issued for these households. Renters whose building was weatherized in the past 12 months qualify. Utility Allowances Allowance Amount SUA (with heat) $1,096 BUA (without heat) $311 Telephone $37

Households that meet one of these criteria are eligible for the SUA year-round.

Heating costs must be for primary heating and do not include: Space heaters Electric blankets Heat lamps Use of the cooking stove to heat

Cooling costs are for central or room air conditioners and do not include fans.

A $21 annual payment will be paid to 3SVT households if the household is not currently eligible for the SUA through any other criteria. The payment is made the month of application, and annually thereafter. The payment does not have to be for the current residence nor does the household have to have a current heating or cooling cost. Only households with a senior or disabled member are allowed the SUA if the household received this payment the month of application or anytime in the prior 12 months.

The BUA includes all non-heating/non-cooling costs including installation/maintenance.

Assign the BUA to a household that does not qualify for the SUA but is responsible for paying any portion of two of the following expenses directly to the provider, to a landlord, or to someone with whom the household shares these expenses (including flat fees for these costs): Electricity Cooking fuel Water/sewage, including well and septic tank installation and maintenance Garbage/trash collection Telephone Utility Allowances Allowance Amount SUA (with heat) $1,096 BUA (without heat) $311 Telephone $37

Give the telephone allowance to households when this is their only utility expense. This includes households which share the telephone expense. Utility Allowances Allowance Amount SUA (with heat) $1,096 BUA (without heat) $311 Telephone $37

Multiple households are assigned the full amount of the SUA/BUA or Telephone Allowance as long as each household qualifies for it. For example , if two households split the heating costs for the residence, each will get the full SUA.

Verification is not required unless the information is questionable. Take the following actions only if verification is requested.

If verification is not submitted prior to the end of the 30-day processing period, process the application without the expense.

Postpone verification for expedited service month(s), unless verification can be provided in time to meet the seven-day standard of promptness.

If a new expense or change is reported and verification is not provided by the requested due date, process the interim report without the deduction.

If a new expense is reported and verification is not submitted by the requested due date, process without the deduction. If a change in expense is reported and benefits will: Increase, if verification is not provided by the requested due date, do not make a change; use the previously verified amount.

Decrease, process the change and verify at recertification.

If a new expense or a change in expense is reported and verification is not submitted by requested due date, process the recertification without the expense.

All households receive a standard deduction based on the number of eligible household members. See Standard Deduction Table . Standard Deduction Household Size Amount 1 $209 2 $209 3 $209 4 $223 5 $261 6 $299 Over 6 $299

Release # 25-4

Date: 10/01/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.9(d) 7 CFR § 273.9(d)(5) 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(2)(i) 7 CFR § 273.9(d)(4) 7 CFR § 273.9(d)(2) 7 CFR § 273.2(d)(3) 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(iv) 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(8) 7 CFR § 273.10(d) 7 CFR § 273.9(d)(5) 7 CFR § 273.9(d)(6) 7 CFR § 273.9(d)(2)

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

Determining eligibility is a two-step process: Determine if the household meets the program rules; and If eligible, determine the benefit amount.

Determine eligibility for the entire month using the best estimate of income, expenses, and information available for that month.

The method used to calculate a monthly amount depends on knowing the following information for each income and expense source: when started; how often received; period of time intended for; when received; and known future changes.

Once known, use the information to budget current monthly circumstances and to identify future changes, if any.

Count income as follows: The actual income the household received for the 30 days prior to the date of application. Note : The income is budgeted if received in the previous 30 days even if it is does not reflect ongoing income. Income received less often than monthly is averaged over the period the income is intended to cover. See Income Averaging . Income that stops in the application month is budgeted as the actual amount that will be received in that calendar month. Process a change for the following month to reflect zero income from that source. Income that starts in the application month is budgeted as the actual amount that will be received in that calendar month. Process a change in the following month to reflect a full month's income from that source.

See Migrants and Seasonal Farmworkers , Income for special month of application income treatment for Destitute migrant or seasonal farmworker households.

Count allowable expenses that are incurred or anticipated to be incurred during the application month. Note : Recurring expenses billed less often than monthly are allowed if the expense will be billed in the benefit period. See Averaging Expenses .

Budget income that household members are reasonably certain to receive. Do not budget income if the amount or receipt date is uncertain.

Non-recurring lump sum income is counted as a resource, not as income.

Count income only in the month it is anticipated to be received, unless the income is averaged .

Count income that stops until it is no longer received. Remove the income the following month.

Do not count wages withheld by the employer unless the wages were withheld at the request of the employee.

If wages are paid in advance, count only if they can be reasonably anticipated.

Income received monthly or semi-monthly is counted for the month it was intended when the income is received in a different month because of mailing cycles, holidays, or weekends.

Example : Income is paid on the 1st of the month except when the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, then it is received on the previous workday. Count the income as received on the 1st day of the month.

Determine income for the month using the best estimate of income available to arrive at a representative amount.

Income amount that is within the range of what would be the typical or usual amount of the household’s income. Income that is significantly higher or lower would not be representative. Discussion with the household member may be needed to determine representative income.

Income amount that is an increase or decrease in earning that is not usual for the household’s income. Examples : Income paid because of nonrecurring overtime, nonrecurring bonuses, work hours missed due to emergencies, etc.

Income paid weekly or Bi-Weekly must be converted to a monthly amount. Conversion factor is:

The average weekly amount is multiplied by 4.3.

The average bi-weekly amount is multiplied by 2.15.

Income received twice a month is multiplied by 2.

Income that is received at the same interval with minimal changes in amounts. Examples : Social Security benefits, SSI, maximum unemployment compensation benefits, state employee wages, etc.

Average income when the income amounts, or receipt dates are inconsistent. To determine an average amount: add the gross income for the time period used; divide by the number of possible pay dates for the time period used; multiply by the conversion factor ; and the result is the gross monthly average.

Use whatever period of time is necessary to anticipate a representative amount accurately.

Income that is usually paid at a set interval but in different amounts. Examples include, but are not limited to, child support payments, wages with inconsistent hours, etc.

Average Contractual Income intended as annual income over a twelve-month period, even if the income is paid in a shorter time frame.

Average contractual income that is not the household’s annual income over the period the income is intended to cover.

Average income received less often than monthly over the time period the income is intended to cover.

Income that is not paid regularly or starts and stops without a known schedule. Examples may include temporary jobs, on-call work, etc.

Irregular income also includes unexpected income that cannot reasonably be expected to recur, such as a cash gift. Exclude up to $30 of income per Federal Fiscal Quarter when the income is received too infrequently or irregularly to be reasonably anticipated. Average the income if over $30 per quarter and it can be reasonably anticipated to be received.

See Self-Employment for budgeting procedures.

Budget income for each eligible student , starting with the month the income is received in the following order: Exclude all student financial assistance received under programs in Title IV of the Higher Education Act or under Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs. Exclude any student assistance earmarked or made available for allowable school expenses. Exclude any remaining student assistance the student states are used for allowable student expenses. Divide the remaining education assistance by the number of months the income is intended to cover.

Monthly expenses used to determine deductions are: Dependent Care Earned Income Deduction Legally Obligated Child Support Medical Expenses Shelter Expenses Standard Deduction

Do not allow expenses paid by someone outside of the household. These payments may be reimbursements or vendor payments . Exception : Utility expenses are allowed if paid by the $21 Seasonal Fuel Assistance .

Do not allow an expense if the service is provided by someone residing in the household.

Allow expenses only in the month they are billed or otherwise become due, regardless of when the household intends to pay the expense. Do not allow amounts from past billing periods, even if actually paid in the current month.

Exception : See Averaging Expenses .

Calculate expenses that are reasonably certain to be billed during the benefit period.

Convert expenses paid weekly or Bi-Weekly to a monthly amount. Conversion factor is: The average weekly amount is multiplied by 4.3. The average bi-weekly amount is multiplied by 2.15. Expenses billed twice a month are multiplied by 2.

Households may choose to have fluctuating expenses averaged. These are expenses that are usually billed at a set interval but in different amounts.

Households may also choose to have expenses which are billed less often than monthly averaged forward over the interval between scheduled billings, or, if there is no scheduled billing, averaged forward over the period the expense is intended to cover.

Households may choose to have one-time only expenses averaged over the entire benefit period in which they are billed.

Households that are not using the standard medical expense may choose to have one-time only medical expenses: used in one month; or averaged over the remaining months of their benefit period. Averaging begins the month the change is effective.

Exception : If the household is certified for a 24-month or 36-month period and the expense is reported in the first 12-months, the household has the option of averaging the expense over the first 12-months of the benefit period or over the remaining months of the 24-month or 36-month benefit period. If the household is certified for a 36-month period and the expense is reported in the second 12-months, the household has the option of averaging the expense over the second 12-months of the benefit period or over the remaining months of the 36-month benefit period.

Standard Categorical Eligibility (SCE) households do not have a gross or net income limit.

Expanded Categorical Eligible (ECE) households’ gross income must be below 185% of the FPL . ECE household’s do not have a net income limit.

Senior/Disabled households do not have a gross income limit.

The total of all Gross Income , non-excluded income of all household members must not be greater than the gross income limit gross income limit for that household size unless : Income Limits and Maximum Benefit 3SVT Household Size Expanded Categorical Eligibility ( ECE ) Senior & Disabled Seeking Separate Household Status Income Change Reporting Threshold And Gross Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE Eligible Net Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE eligible Maximum Monthly Benefit 3SVT House-hold Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL ) Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) Thrifty Food Plan 1 $2,413 $2,152 $1,696 $1,305 $298 2 $3,261 $2,909 $2,292 $1,763 $546 3 $4,109 $3,665 $2,888 $2,221 $785 4 $4,957 $4,421 $3,483 $2,680 $994 5 $5,805 $5,177 $4,079 $3,138 $1,183 6 $6,653 $5,934 $4,675 $3,596 $1,421 7 $7,501 $6,690 $5,271 $4,055 $1,571 8 $8,349 $7,446 $5,867 $4,513 $1,789 9 $9,197 $8,203 $6,463 $4,972 $2,007 10 $10,044 $8,960 $7,059 $5,431 $2,225 Each Additional Member +$848 +$757 +$596 +$459 +$218

the household is categorically eligible ; or

a household member is Senior or disabled disabled . A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA

When the household’s circumstances change and they become entitled to a different income limit, apply the different standard whenever the household’s eligibility, benefit level, or benefit period changes, whichever is first.

The household’s Net Income must not be greater than the net income limit net income limit for that household size unless the household is categorically eligible. Income Limits and Maximum Benefit 3SVT Household Size Expanded Categorical Eligibility ( ECE ) Senior & Disabled Seeking Separate Household Status Income Change Reporting Threshold And Gross Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE Eligible Net Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE eligible Maximum Monthly Benefit 3SVT House-hold Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL ) Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) Thrifty Food Plan 1 $2,413 $2,152 $1,696 $1,305 $298 2 $3,261 $2,909 $2,292 $1,763 $546 3 $4,109 $3,665 $2,888 $2,221 $785 4 $4,957 $4,421 $3,483 $2,680 $994 5 $5,805 $5,177 $4,079 $3,138 $1,183 6 $6,653 $5,934 $4,675 $3,596 $1,421 7 $7,501 $6,690 $5,271 $4,055 $1,571 8 $8,349 $7,446 $5,867 $4,513 $1,789 9 $9,197 $8,203 $6,463 $4,972 $2,007 10 $10,044 $8,960 $7,059 $5,431 $2,225 Each Additional Member +$848 +$757 +$596 +$459 +$218

Benefits are calculated automatically by ACCESS. See Net Income and Benefit Calculation for the calculation.

Benefits are prorated for the application month based on the date the application is filed.

Release # 25-2

Effective Date: 07/08/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.10 Vermont Elderly Simplified Application Project, Approved Waivers.

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

The following notes the differences between 3SVT and 3SquaresVT in a SNAP: Simplified application 36-month certification period No interim report Self-declared eligibility information except: Non-citizen status; Child support paid; Medical expenses; Questionable information; and General Work Requirement Exemptions that Require Verification and Time Limited Benefits Work Requirement Verification . Reporting Requirements No recertification interview except when: Eligibility results in a denial; Information supplied by the household is questionable, incomplete, or contradictory; or Household requests an interview.

Only the following households are eligible for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP: All household members are Senior or disabled disabled ; and A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA All household members have no Earned Income in the month of application.

Note : Non-countable earned income including in-kind and self-employment that results in a loss or net zero is earned income.

Note: The following is not earned income: unpaid volunteer, unpaid employment and training program participation, ICAN, unpaid workfare participation.

Note : RUFA and EP households are not eligible for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP.

Screen all 3SVT applications to see if they meet 3SquaresVT in a SNAP Eligible Household Criteria .

3SquaresVT in a SNAP households have the option to complete a simplified application, the ESD 202 3SNP. If a 3SquaresVT in a SNAP application is submitted for a household that is not 3SquaresVT in a SNAP eligible, the ES will CATN all 202 questions asked during the interview that are not already included on the 202 3SNP.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP households must complete an interview at initial application. The ADPC does not send the ESD 202C when a 3SquaresVT in a SNAP application is received by them. The ES will send the ESD 202C after two cold calls are unsuccessful.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP households are entitled to Expedited Service if expedited service criteria is met.

Use data matches to verify income. Allow self-declaration of income that cannot be verified through data matches. Only verify income if questionable.

Allow the household to self-declare all information except for: Non-Citizen status, Child support paid, Medical expenses greater than $35 per month Questionable information , and General Work Requirement Exemptions that Require Verification and Time Limited Benefits Work Requirement Verification .

Complete data matches including but not limited to: SVES , eDRS , SAVES , PVS .

Required verification must be provided before approving the application.

Exception : Expedited Service .

Assign a 36-month certification period to 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households where all household members are: Senior or disabled disabled , and A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA all household members have no Earned Income .

See Certification Periods .

3SquaresVT in a SNAP households are required to report fewer changes during their certification period than other programs. 3SquaresVT in a SNAP reporting has two parts: Reduced 3SquaresVT in a SNAP reporting requirement , and No Interim Report .

Households are not required to report any other changes that may occur at the same time.

Provide the following reporting requirement information to the household, both verbally and in writing at application and recertification. How 3SquaresVT in a SNAP reporting works, and Reporting requirements, including: What to report What to verify

Households must report the following changes: Changes to Household Composition , Earned Income

Households must report these changes within ten days of the date the change occurred. Note : If they have reported by the tenth day of the month following the month of the change, they have reported timely.

Changes may be reported: In writing, By telephone, or In-person

Unscheduled reporting of changes can be done at any time but is not required. See Change Processing .

Households may also report these changes using form ESD 200, Change Report .

See Benefit Increase . Note : 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households can self-declare income unless questionable.

See Benefit Decrease/Case Closure .

See Unclear Change Information 3SquaresVT in a SNAP .

Convert 3SVT households that meet 3SquaresVT in a SNAP eligibility at interim report or recertification.

Convert 3SVT households that meet 3SquaresVT in a SNAP eligibility at interim report. Extend the certification period to a total of 36-months from last application and interview.

No interview is required.

Complete a cold call to explain 3SquaresVT in a SNAP and 3SquaresVT in a SNAP Reporting Requirements . If the participant does not answer the phone, CATN the call attempt. Convert the case to 3SquaresVT in a SNAP. Extend the original certification date by 24 months for a total of 36 months from last application and interview. Extend the existing FMED panel to line up with the new certification date.

Complete a cold call to explain 3SquaresVT in a SNAP and 3SquaresVT in a SNAP Reporting Requirements . If the participant does not answer the phone, CATN the call attempt. Convert the case to 3SquaresVT in a SNAP. Extend the original certification date by 12 months for a total of 36 months from last application and interview. Extend the existing FMED panel to line up with the new certification date.

When a 3SVT household completes a recertification, screen the household for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP eligibility. Follow the steps in 3SquaresVT in a SNAP Application .

Note : An Interview is required to convert to 3SquaresVT in a SNAP at 3SVT recertification.

At conversion to 3SquaresVT in a SNAP, the notice of decision will state: interview information; reminder of Reporting Requirements ; reminder of no Interim Report ; and information on the new certification period .

When a household previously certified for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP reports a change that makes them no longer eligible for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP, the household will be converted to 3SVT. Converted households will: receive an Interim Report at six-month intervals; receive a conversion to 3SVT notice; maintain their current 36-month certification period; and are subject to Simplified Reporting .

At the end of the 36-month certification period, the household will receive a new Certification Period based on current circumstances. See Recertification .

Households will receive a notice to reapply the month prior to the end of their current period. All applications received within 60 days prior to the end of the certification will be used as a recertification. The ESD 202RL, Reminder Letter is sent six weeks prior to its due date. It is computer generated, printed, and mailed by the ADPC. The 202RL includes: ESD 202RL ESD 202 3SNP REV

The household will auto close if by the 15th of the last month of certification it fails to complete the recertification.

Interviews are not required unless: Eligibility results in a denial; Information supplied by the household is questionable, incomplete, or contradictory; or Household requests an interview.

If an interview is required, see Interviews .

The Oral Explanation of the work requirements is provided to households that include individuals subject to the general and time limited benefits work requirements. One collateral call to the household is required and must be documented in CATN.

Households must verify the following: Legally obligated child support changes. Medical expenses for households claiming actual medical expenses more than $191, or who wish to switch from the standard. The first $35.01 of medical expenses when the household wishes to use the standard medical expense deduction. CATN the household’s decision to use the standard deduction if their actual expenses are more than $191. Note : Accept the household’s statement regarding their medical expenses if they wish to continue to receive the standard medical expense deduction, and verification of their medical expenses is visible in OnBase. The first $35.01 in medical expenses must be verified if not visible in OnBase. Questionable information. Time limited participant's work hours. Work status and exemptions, if not previously verified.

Release # 25-4

Effective Date 10/01/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. Vermont Elderly Simplified Application Project, Approved Waivers

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

Self-employment income is earned directly from a business or profession, rather than a specified salary or wages from an employer. A self-employment business exists when there is no employer/employee relationship. Tax and Social Security payments are the business owner’s responsibility. Examples include, but are not limited to: independent contractors, landscapers, dependent care providers, newspaper carriers, farmers, landlords, etc.

Income received from a Partnership is self-employment income.

Income received from a Corporation is self-employment income. Wages and profits paid from a corporation follow normal wage and dividend income calculations.

Self-employment income is generally reported on income tax forms. See income tax forms. Follow the Procedural Handbook for Determining Self-Employment Income Using Tax Forms . If tax forms are not filed, determine the income from the: business accounts, bookkeeping records, sales and expenditures records, or other records maintained by the business owner that allows a calculation of the income and expenses.

Exclude self-employment income from resource calculation during the period for which the income is averaged/annualized.

Exclude property needed for Income Producing Property and Farm Property self-employment.

Budget self-employment income over a 12-month period if the income represents a household’s annual support, even if the income is received in a shorter period of time. If the income is not intended for the household’s annual support, average over the number of months the income is intended to cover. Exception : If a business had a substantial change , budget based on current and Anticipate amounts.

Add all self-employment and Capital Gain Income , subtract allowable self-employment expenses . This is net self-employment income. Determine the monthly net by dividing by 12 months for annualized income or dividing by the number of months the income is intended to cover.

Fact sheets, ESD 204 B, Business Income and Expenses; , ESD204F, Farm Income and Expenses , and ESD 204R, Rental Income and Expenses Budgeting , may be used in the income determination.

Verbal self-declaration may be used in the income determination. CATN the customer's statement.

If the business has not yet received income, budget zero. For a new business that has received income, average the income and expenses over the period of time the business has been operating.

If the household reports the averaged or annualized amount does not accurately reflect the household’s actual monthly amounts because of a substantial increase or decrease in the business, budget income based on anticipated amounts.

Use income and expense amounts for the months after the substantial change and, if needed, add additional amounts the household anticipates, and divide by the number of months used.

Most costs of producing self-employment income are deducted from the gross business income.

When the business is located in the home or on the home property, allow only the business portion of the total shelter expense. The self-employment expense is a prorated amount based on the percent of the property used for an office in home or on the home property.

Exception : Do not allow utilities as a self-employment expense if the business is in the home or on the home property unless the business has a separate meter for the utility.

Note : Allow the household its shelter expenses as a deduction on ACCESS.

Income received for a Commercial Boarding House is earned income, after allowed self-employment expenses are deducted.

Income received for non-commercial boarding houses is earned income if the boarder is not included in the 3SVT household. Use the information in Self-Employment Expenses of Providing Room and Board Self-Employment Expenses of Providing Room and Board , to determine the allowed self-employment expenses. Self-Employment Expenses of Providing Room and Board The following table shows the monthly self-employment expenses allowed for room and board income. If the customer provides documentation of separate identifiable expenses of providing room and/or board that exceed the applicable table amount, allow the higher amount. In no case, however, may the business expense allowed exceed the amount of gross income received from the roomer and boarder. Access Code Type 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6+ Person 1 Room Only $254 $465 $669 $847 $1008 $1,211 2 2/3 Board $199 $364 $523 $663 $789 $947 3 Board Only $298 $546 $785 $994 $1,183 $1,421 4 Room and 2/3 Board $453 $829 $1,192 $1,510 $1,797 $2,158 5 Room and Board $552 $1011 $1,454 $1,841 $2,191 $2,632 If five or more roomers/boarders are in one payment group, the RBIN income should be handled in a BUSI panel not a RBIN panel. Use the expense from the table above as the expense in the BUSI panel. Splitting one payment onto two RBIN panels results in an incorrect business expense deduction. The RBIN panel only allows four roomers/boarders per panel. Splitting one payment onto two RBIN panels results in an incorrect business expense deduction.

Income received for providing dependent care in the household’s own residence is earned income.

Farm income is derived from cultivating land or crops, or raising animals. Examples include, but are not limited to; stock, dairy, poultry, fish, fruit, ranches, crops, nurseries.

Income received from rental property is budgeted as earned income unless a third party is employed to manage the property.

Income from a Roomer is rental income. Many separate households live together and Shared Households expenses. This is not self-employment income.

When the expenses are greater than income, the result is a loss. Do not deduct non-farm losses from any other income. Deduct farm losses from other net self-employment income. Deduct any remaining farm loss from the total amount of earned income (minus the earned income deduction) and unearned income. Exception : Do not budget as a farm loss if the annual gross farm income is less than $1000.

If the household reports the self-employment has stopped, remove the income. Verbal self-declaration may be used. CATN the household's statement.

Release # 21-2

Effective Date: 10/01/2021

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.11

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

Eligible Addiction Treatment Center s are exempt from institution rules.

Eligible addiction treatment centers must be: certified by the USDA FNS as a retailer, or a private nonprofit organization or institution, or a publicly operated community mental health center funded or eligible for funding under Part B of Title XIX of the Public Health Service Act.

The following addiction treatment centers are eligible: Grace House Magee House Mandala House Maple Leaf Phoenix House Rise Serenity House Valley Vista Teen Challenge Note : Teen Challenge participants may move between Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Verify the participant is not receiving benefits in New Hampshire or Massachusetts before issuing 3SVT. Brattleboro Retreat Note : Brattleboro Retreat offers several treatment programs. If a customer reports living at Brattleboro Retreat, we must confirm they are in an addiction treatment program. If at Brattleboro Retreat for another program, then the customer is not eligible for 3SVT.

If the treatment center’s authorization isn’t known, email AOPS . AOPS will determine if the treatment center is eligible.

Residents of eligible drug or alcohol addiction treatment centers, regularly participating, qualify for 3SVT as separate households from others living in the facility. Exception : Children living with their parent who is a resident of the treatment center must be included as part of the resident parent’s 3SVT household.

The resident and their household must meet all 3SVT eligibility requirements.

People regularly participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program are exempt from work requirements .

A designated employee of the treatment center must apply as the authorized representative and act for the resident while the resident is in the treatment center.

Residents of treatment centers are eligible for the same service and processing standards as other 3SVT recipients.

Treatment center households must meet the same eligibility requirements as other 3SVT recipients.

The center as authorized representative must report as required by the Simplified Reporting .

The treatment center must provide DCF with a monthly list of currently participating residents, including a statement signed by a responsible center official attesting to the validity of the list.

DCF conducts periodic, random on-site visits to the center to assure the accuracy of the list and that DCF's records are consistent and up to date.

When the resident leaves the treatment center it will: End acting as the authorized representative; Return the EBT card to the resident; Advise the resident of their reporting requirement by providing form ESD 200, Change Report ; If spent, return half of the resident’s 3SVT benefit according to DCF procedures when the resident leaves the facility before the 16th of the month; Return the EBT card to the State if unable to return the EBT card to the resident.

Release # 17-1

Effective Date: 12/01/2017

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.11(e)

These are people who are not allowed to be household members because of one of the following: Fleeing felons and probation/parole violators Failure to comply with work requirements Intentional program violation (IPV)

Count the disqualified member’s non-excluded income and resources.

See Income and Resources .

Allow all income deductions and expenses of the disqualified member. See Deductions .

Do not count the disqualified member in the household size when: Determining the standard deduction standard deduction ; Standard Deduction Household Size Amount 1 $209 2 $209 3 $209 4 $223 5 $261 6 $299 Over 6 $299 Comparing the household’s income with the income limits income limits ; Income Limits and Maximum Benefit 3SVT Household Size Expanded Categorical Eligibility ( ECE ) Senior & Disabled Seeking Separate Household Status Income Change Reporting Threshold And Gross Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE Eligible Net Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE eligible Maximum Monthly Benefit 3SVT House-hold Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL ) Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) Thrifty Food Plan 1 $2,413 $2,152 $1,696 $1,305 $298 2 $3,261 $2,909 $2,292 $1,763 $546 3 $4,109 $3,665 $2,888 $2,221 $785 4 $4,957 $4,421 $3,483 $2,680 $994 5 $5,805 $5,177 $4,079 $3,138 $1,183 6 $6,653 $5,934 $4,675 $3,596 $1,421 7 $7,501 $6,690 $5,271 $4,055 $1,571 8 $8,349 $7,446 $5,867 $4,513 $1,789 9 $9,197 $8,203 $6,463 $4,972 $2,007 10 $10,044 $8,960 $7,059 $5,431 $2,225 Each Additional Member +$848 +$757 +$596 +$459 +$218 Comparing the household’s resources with the resource limits ; Determining the benefit amount.

People disqualified for IPV are not allowed to act as the authorized representative for the household, unless the agency determines no one else is available to serve as the AR .

Ineligible members are people who did not meet one of the following eligibility requirements: Non-citizens SSN Time Limited Benefits

Count the ineligible member’s resources. See Resources .

Prorate and budget the ineligible member’s income and expenses. See Income and Deductions .

Do not count the ineligible member in the household size when: Determining the standard deduction standard deduction ; Standard Deduction Household Size Amount 1 $209 2 $209 3 $209 4 $223 5 $261 6 $299 Over 6 $299 Comparing the household’s income with the income limits income limits ; Income Limits and Maximum Benefit 3SVT Household Size Expanded Categorical Eligibility ( ECE ) Senior & Disabled Seeking Separate Household Status Income Change Reporting Threshold And Gross Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE Eligible Net Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE eligible Maximum Monthly Benefit 3SVT House-hold Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL ) Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) Thrifty Food Plan 1 $2,413 $2,152 $1,696 $1,305 $298 2 $3,261 $2,909 $2,292 $1,763 $546 3 $4,109 $3,665 $2,888 $2,221 $785 4 $4,957 $4,421 $3,483 $2,680 $994 5 $5,805 $5,177 $4,079 $3,138 $1,183 6 $6,653 $5,934 $4,675 $3,596 $1,421 7 $7,501 $6,690 $5,271 $4,055 $1,571 8 $8,349 $7,446 $5,867 $4,513 $1,789 9 $9,197 $8,203 $6,463 $4,972 $2,007 10 $10,044 $8,960 $7,059 $5,431 $2,225 Each Additional Member +$848 +$757 +$596 +$459 +$218 Comparing the household’s resources with the resource limits ; Determining the benefit amount.

If the ineligible member is a child they can still provide the household with a TLBWR exemption .

Note : If the ineligible member is correctly coded on ACCESS, ACCESS will do the proration.

Step 1: Determine the ineligible member’s monthly countable Earned Income and Unearned Income separately. See Income and Determining Income and Deductions .

Step 2: Total the number of eligible and ineligible household members.

Step 3: Divide the earned/unearned amount in step 1 by the number of people in the household.

Step 4: Multiply the amount in step 3 by the number of eligible household members.

Prorate the following expenses paid by or billed to the ineligible member. Allow only the eligible household members’ portion of: Court ordered child support . Dependent care Shelter

Exception : Allow the full SUA if paid by or billed to the ineligible member.

Prorate as follows: Determine the ineligible member’s monthly allowable expenses. See Deductions and Determining Income and Deductions . Total the number of eligible and ineligible household members. Divide the earned/unearned amount in 1 by the number of people in Multiply the amount in 3 by the number of eligible household members.

Note : If the ineligible member is correctly coded on ACCESS, ACCESS will do the proration.

Non-members are people who live with and may share food with the household but are not included as part of the household: Boarders Live-in attendants Residents of commercial boarding houses Exception : Residents of institutions identified in this item Roomers Strikers Students

For a full description, see Non-Members in Household Composition .

Exclude income and resources of non-members when determining eligibility and benefits for the household. Exception : Cash payments from the non-member to the household are income to the household.

Allow only the amount the household paid or contributed when expenses are shared with a non-member. If the household’s amount cannot be determined prorate the expense and allow the household’s share.

Households do not meet categorical eligibility rules when one of the following occurs: A member is disqualified for IPV The head of household is disqualified for failing to comply with 3SVT work requirements ;

Note : A household member who fails to comply with workfare is ineligible for categorical eligibility. Remaining household members remain eligible for categorical eligibility.

Release # 25-2

Effective Date: 07/08/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.2(j)(2) 7 CFR § 273.2(n)(4)(B) 7 CFR § 273.11(c) 7 CFR § 273.24

Do not increase 3SVT benefits when the household’s RU / RF benefits end or decrease because the household/person intentionally failed to comply with a RU/RF requirement.

Note : Do not end 3SVT benefits when the household’s benefits from the other program end due to the household’s failure to comply with a requirement of that program.

Do not apply this policy when: Information regarding the other program’s penalty cannot be obtained. CATN the actions taken to try to obtain the information. The household/person did not comply with a requirement at application for the other program. The household/person is subject to a disqualification/penalty in both the 3SVT program and RU or RF, apply the 3SVT disqualification first. Example : The RU and 3SVT participant refuses to accept a job offer. This is also a 3SVT work requirement. Apply the 3SVT disqualification first. If the 3SVT disqualification ends for any reason, and the penalty is still being applied in the RU program, the full RU amount is budgeted. See Budgeting below.

ACCESS keeps the full RU/RF benefit amount in the 3SVT budget for work requirement or child support sanctions.

Budget the penalty until the: household/person complies with the other program’s requirements, other program ends, amount of the penalty cannot be determined, or household/person is ineligible for the other program for a reason not related to the penalty.

Continue to act on changes for 3SVT not related to the other program’s penalty.

Example 1 : The household reports and verifies they now pay dependent care for their 1-year-old child. Add the dependent care and budget as a deduction. Continue to budget the other program’s penalty amount.

Example 2 : The household’s earned income decreases and the Reach Up benefit increases because of the decrease in earned income. Budget the: new amount of earned income, new amount of Reach Up benefits, and the penalty.

Release # 17-1

Effective Date: 12/01/2017

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.11(j)

Fleeing felons are people trying to escape or avoid custody for a crime, or attempted crime, classified as a felony (or high misdemeanor in New Jersey) under a Federal or State law.

Probation or parole violators are people who have violated a condition of their probation or parole ordered under a Federal or State law.

Only people verified through law enforcement as fleeing felons or probation or parole violators are disqualified members for 3SVT. See Disqualified Members .

A person is a fleeing felon or a probation or parole violator if they meet the following criteria.

A person is a fleeing felon if: there is an outstanding felony warrant; the person is aware of or should be aware of the felony warrant; the person is avoiding being arrested or jailed; and law enforcement is actively seeking the person.

A person is a probation violator if: a Court of law rules that the person violated a condition of their probation ordered under a Federal or State law, and local law enforcement is actively seeking the person to enforce the conditions of the probation.

A person is a parole violator if: the Vermont Parole Board (for state offenses) or a Court of law (for Federal offenses) rules that the person violated a condition of their parole ordered under a Federal or State law, and local law enforcement is actively seeking the person to enforce the conditions of the parole.

Actively seeking means a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency: states an intent to enforce an outstanding felony warrant, or arrest a person for a probation or parole violation within 20-days of the date the law enforcement agency requested information about the person; presents a felony arrest warrant ; or states an intent to enforce an outstanding felony warrant, or arrest a person for probation or parole violation within 30-days of the date of a status information request from DCF.

A person is not a fleeing felon or a probation or parole violator if the law enforcement agency does not intend to enforce the felony warrant or to arrest the person for a probation or parole violation within 30-days of the status information request from DCF.

Verify the person’s status as a fleeing felon or a probation or parole violator before disqualifying them for 3SVT.

Law enforcement requests for information do not verify the status of the felony warrant or probation or parole violation status.

Verify the status of a felony warrant or probation or parole violation only if: a law enforcement agency presents a felony arrest warrant, or states intent to arrest a person for probation or parole violation, or the customer self-declares the information.

Request the following status information from the law enforcement agency: the conditions of a felony warrant or a probation or parole violation, and whether the law enforcement agency intends to actively seek the person.

Allow the law enforcement agency 20-days to respond to a status information request.

If the law enforcement agency intends to enforce the felony warrant, or arrest the person for a probation or parole violation within 30-days of the date of the status request: delay any actions on the case until the 30-day period ends, and verify with the law enforcement agency if an attempt was made to execute the felony warrant or arrest the probation or parole violator. If action was taken within the 30-days, deny or end the person’s eligibility. If no action was taken within the 30-days, the person is not a fleeing felon or probation or parole violator.

Continue to process the application, including expedited services, while waiting for verification of the status of the fleeing felon or probation or parole violator. Process the application without considering the person’s fleeing felon or probation or parole violation status if needed to meet the required 3SVT processing timeframes.

Follow change processing policy to act on decreases in household size when a member has been verified as a fleeing felon or a probation or parole violator. See Change Processing, Action on Unscheduled Changes .

Release # 24-3

Effective Date: 10/01/2024

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 272.1(c), 7 CFR § 272.1(g) 7 CFR § 272.1(i) 7 CFR § 273.11(n) 7 CFR § 273.12

Eligible Group Living for the Disabled facilities are exempt from Institution rules. Eligible group living for the disabled: is a public or private Nonprofit residential setting, serving no more than 16 residents, and certified by the appropriate agency or agencies of the State under regulations or comparable standards issued under Section 1616(e) of the Social Security Act.

If the facility’s eligibility isn’t known, email the Agency of Human Services-Economic Services Division-Assistant Operations (AHS-ESD-AOPS). AOPS will determine if the facility is eligible.

Residents of any age must be disabled disabled . A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA

The resident or the household must meet all 3SVT eligibility requirements.

Residents may apply as a: group of one, or any group of residents applying as a household.

Residents may: apply themselves Note : The facility must decide if the resident can apply for 3SVT on his/her own behalf based on the resident's physical and mental ability to handle his/her affairs. choose their own AR , or use the designated employee of the facility as their authorized representative.

Residents applying themselves do not lose their eligibility if the facility: loses its approval from the appropriate agency or agencies of the State, or its status as an authorized representative is suspended due to FNS disqualifying the facility as a retailer.

Residents of group living for the disabled facilities are eligible for the same service and processing standards as other 3SVT recipients.

Facility households must meet the same eligibility requirements as other 3SVT recipients, with the following exception : Allow any identified shelter expenses paid by the resident. If a single payment covers multiple expenses, deduct the following identified costs from the payment: medical expenses (allow toward the medical deduction) amount returned to the resident for personal use, and the maximum food stamp benefit for the number of persons in the household. Allow any remaining amount as the shelter expense.

Residents certified as a household of one may: give their benefits to the facility to purchase food for meals served to the group or person, purchase and prepare their own food, or purchase meals prepared and served by the facility.

The facility will ensure each resident's 3SVT benefits are used for meals intended for that resident when the resident chooses personal meals instead of group meals.

Residents of group living for the disabled facilities are in Simplified Reporting .

Residents applying themselves are responsible to report their own changes.

If an employee of the facility acts as the authorized representative, the facility must report as required by Simplified Reporting.

The facility must provide DCF with a monthly list of currently participating residents, including a statement signed by a responsible facility official attesting to the validity of the list.

DCF conducts periodic, random onsite visits to assure the accuracy of the list, and that DCF's records are consistent and up to date.

When the resident leaves, the facility will: End acting as the authorized representative (if applicable); Return the EBT card to the resident when an employee of the facility is the authorized representative; Advise the resident of their reporting requirement by providing an ESD 200, Change Report ; If spent, return half of the resident’s 3SVT benefit according to DCF procedures when the resident leaves the facility before the 16th of the month; Return the EBT card to the State if unable to return the EBT card to the resident.

Facilities acting as authorized representative for the household are responsible for all: losses or misuse of benefits, and overpayments occurring while acting as authorized representative.

Release # 17-1

Effective Date: 12/01/2017

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.1(b)(7)(vi)(C) 7 CFR § 273.2(n) 7 CFR § 273.11(f)

Homeless shelters are public or private nonprofit facilities that provide temporary housing for homeless people. They are exempt from Institution rules.

Homeless people are people or groups without a fixed and regular nighttime residence, or whose primary nighttime residence is a: Halfway house or similar institution providing temporary residences for people intended to be institutionalized; Temporary accommodations in hotels, motels, or shelters; Temporary accommodations in the residence of another person, for not more than 90 days; or Place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. Examples : hallways, bus stations, lobbies or similar places.

If the homeless shelter’s eligibility isn’t known, email the Agency of Human Services-Economic Services Division-Assistant Operations (AHS-ESD-AOPS). AOPS will determine if the homeless shelter is eligible.

Homeless households may apply for benefits separately from others living in the homeless shelter. See Household Composition, Homeless Shelters .

Homeless households may pick an AR to act on the household’s behalf.

Homeless households are eligible for the same service and processing standards as other 3SVT recipients.

Homeless households must meet the same eligibility requirements as other 3SVT recipients.

Homeless households are not required to have a permanent dwelling or fixed residence. Ask the household to provide a mailing address where notices can be mailed. See Residency .

Homeless participants who are time limited must meet the requirements in 3SquaresVT Time Limited Benefits .

Homeless households may use 3SVT benefits to purchase prepared meals from authorized grocery stores.

Release # 24-1

Effective Date: 04/15/2024

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 271.2 7 CFR § 273.1(b)(7)(vi)(E) 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(4)(v) 7 CFR § 273.2(n)(4)(D) 7 CFR § 273.11(h)

Migrant farmworkers temporarily leave a principal place of residence in another state to come to Vermont to accept seasonal employment in the planting, cultivating, raising, harvesting, handling, drying, packing, packaging, processing, freezing, grading or storing of any agricultural or horticultural commodity in its unmanufactured state.

Seasonal farmworkers accept seasonal employment in the planting, cultivating, raising, harvesting, handling, drying, packing, packaging, processing, freezing, grading or storing of any agricultural or horticultural commodity in its unmanufactured state.

The migrant or seasonal farmworker may apply for 3SVT for their household or choose an authorized representative.

In the event the migrant or seasonal farmworker’s employer acts as the AR , ensure the: household freely requested the employer to act as their authorized representative, employer correctly represents the household’s circumstances, household receives the correct amount of benefits, and authorized representative properly uses the benefits for the household.

Migrant or seasonal farmworker households are eligible for the same service and processing standards, and must meet the same eligibility requirements as other households, with the following exceptions listed throughout this section.

Migrant or seasonal farmworker households may qualify for expedited benefits. See Expedited Service . Additionally, migrant or seasonal farmworker households can qualify for expedited processing if the household meets destitute requirements.

Only migrant or seasonal farmworker households can be determined as destitute. Destitute means the household’s liquid resources do not exceed $100 and their only income for the month of application: was received from a stopped source before the date of application, Income received on a monthly or more frequent basis is stopped from that source if the income will not be received again from the source during the remainder of the month. Income received less often than monthly is stopped from that source if the income is not received in the month the next payment would normally be received. is from a new source for $25 or more but will not be received by the 10th calendar day after the date of application, Income received on a monthly or more frequent basis is from a new source when income has not been received from that source 30-days prior to the date of application. Income received less often than monthly is from a new source if the income was not received from that source during the last normal interval between payments.

Migrant or seasonal farmworker households can be Destitute even if they receive both stopped income prior to the date of application, and income from a new source after the date of application, provided the household: will not receive any other income in the month of application, and any income of $25 or more from a new source will not be received by the 10th day after the date of application.

Household members changing jobs but continuing to work for the same employer/grower are receiving continuing income, not income from a new source. The employer/grower is the source, not the crew chief. Consider migrant or seasonal farmworker households traveling with a crew chief from one job source to another source as moving from a stopped source to a new source.

Verify destitute status but only if verification will not delay meeting expedited processing requirements.

Residency verification may be waived if verification cannot be done.

Attempt to verify with the state the migrant or seasonal farmworker’s household moved from to determine the case closure date and the date benefits were last issued.

See Residency

Determine a Destitute migrant or seasonal farmworker household’s eligibility and benefits for the month of application using all sources of income received between the first of the month and the date of application. Disregard income from a new source that will be received after the date of application.

Exclude General Assistance (GA) vendor payments for Emergency Assistance including but not limited to housing and transportation payments for migrant or seasonal farmworkers households while they are in the job stream.

Exclude reimbursements for travel expenses incurred by migrant or seasonal farmworkers. Count travel expense advances included in a written work agreement or statement that will be subtracted later from the farmworker’s income.

Budget the household’s income for the period the income is intended to cover.

Note : Exclude a child’s earnings . If the child’s earnings cannot be identified separately from the rest of the household’s earnings, divide the total earnings by the number of members that work, and exclude the child’s share of the income.

Do not average contract or self-employment income over a 12-month period even when the migrant or farmworker’s annual income is earned over a shorter period of time.

Exempt migrant or seasonal farmworkers working 30-hours per week or more or under contract, or a similar agreement, with an employer or crew chief to begin work within 30-days. See work registration exemptions .

Farmworkers leaving one job to move to another meet good cause for leaving or reducing employment, even if work at the new job site has not begun.

Migrant or seasonal farmworkers must not be targeted for more intensive verifications than other 3SVT households. See Verification and Case Notes (CATN) .

A collateral contact may be made with a person outside the farmworker’s household, such as but not limited to: employers/growers, crew chiefs, or migrant services agencies.

Proration of benefits is required for the initial month of approval. The initial month for migrant or seasonal farmworker households is the first month the household is certified following a period of more than one month since the last approval. The last approval may have been in Vermont or another state. See Initial Month .

Migrant or seasonal farmworker households are in Simplified Reporting .

Disregard income from a new source in the first month of the new certification period when the income: is $25 or more, and will not be received from this new source by the 10th calendar day after the date of the households normal issuance cycle.

Hearing requests from migrant or seasonal farmworker households must be processed faster than normal hearing decisions when the household plans to move from the jurisdiction of the hearing official.

Process the hearing request to ensure the household receives a decision, and has benefits restored if applicable, before the household leaves the area. See Fair Hearings .

Release # 17-1

Effective Date: 12/01/2017

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.2(c) 7 CFR § 273.2(f) 7 CFR § 273.2(i) 7 CFR § 273.2(n) 7 CFR § 273.7(b) 7 CFR § 273.7((i) 7 CFR § 273.8(e) 7 CFR § 273.9(c) 7 CFR § 273.10(a)(1)(ii) 7 CFR § 273.10(c) 7 CFR § 273.10(e) 7 CFR § 273.10(f)

Shelters for battered persons are exempt from Institution rules.

Shelters for battered persons are public or private nonprofit residential facilities providing temporary housing for battered persons. If the shelter serves other people, a portion of the shelter must be set aside on a long-term basis to serve only battered persons.

If the shelter’s status as a facility isn’t known, email the Agency of Human Services-Economic Services Division-Assistant Operations (AHS-ESD-AOPS). AOPS will determine if the shelter is eligible. Exception : If the shelter is authorized by FNS to redeem as a wholesaler, it is an eligible facility. No further inquiry is needed.

Shelter residents and their children may apply for benefits as a separate household from others living in the shelter for battered persons.

Shelter households may pick an AR to act on the household’s behalf.

Ensure the abuser’s household eligibility and benefit reflect the change in household composition due to the shelter household’s departure.

Shelter resident households are eligible for the same service and processing standards, and must meet the same eligibility requirements as other households, with the following exceptions : Duplicate benefits may be issued the first month the household moved into the shelter if the household was part of a SNAP household that included the abuser. Count only the income of the battered person and their children. Allow only the deductions of the battered person and their children.

Residents of shelters for battered persons may use their 3SVT benefits to: purchase and prepare their own food, or purchase meals prepared and served at the shelter.

Release # 17-1

Effective Date: 12/01/2017

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 271.2 7 CFR § 273.11(g)

People who join other employees in stopping or interrupting work to protest work conditions, or to force the employer to accept the employees’ demands are strikers. Consider people strikers until they: return to work, are fired, or quit their job.

People who are not strikers includes but is not limited to: Employees whose workplace is closed because of a Lockout ; People exempt from work registration the day before the strike began; Exception : Does not include the exemption for being employed 30 hours or more. Employees not part of the bargaining unit on strike who do not want to cross the picket line due to fear of injury or death; and People unable to work due to striking employees. Examples : Truck drivers not working because products are not being produced. Employees laid off or furloughed due to the strike.

The striker household may apply for 3SVT or choose an authorized representative.

Households with striking members are not eligible for 3SVT unless the household: was eligible for benefits the day before the strike began, and are eligible for benefits when they apply.

Striker households receive the same service and processing standards and must meet the same eligibility requirements as other households, with the following exceptions listed throughout this section.

Households are not categorically eligible if the household is ineligible due to a striker.

Determine the gross income by budgeting the: current income of the non-striking members, and the higher of the striker’s income from the: monthly income before the strike began ( Pre-strike Income ), or current income .

Determine the household’s net income by allowing: deductions for the current month, and the earned income deduction for all household members, including the striker.

Continue to follow steps a and b above as long as the person is a striker.

Count strike benefits including picket pay as Unearned Income .

Households are not eligible for increased benefits due to decreased income because of the strike.

Federal, State, or local government employees who go on strike have voluntarily quit their job without good cause.

Release #24-1

Effective Date: 04/15/2024

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.1(e) 7 CFR § 273.2(j) 7 CFR § 273.7(j) 7 CFR § 273.9(b)

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

All 3SquaresVT and 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households have simplified reporting requirements. SR households are required to report fewer changes during their certification period than other programs. Simplified reporting has two parts: Reduced reporting , and Interim report .

3SquaresVT in a SNAP households are subject to their own simplified reporting requirements. See 3SquaresVT in a SNAP Simplified Reporting .

Provide the following reporting requirement information to the household, both verbally and in writing at application and recertification. How SR works Reporting requirements, including: What to report What to verify When the ESD 202IR, Interim Report is due How to get assistance What happens when the ESD 202IR isn’t completed and returned Help is available to complete and file the ESD 202IR for disabled disabled or non-English speaking households. A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA The toll-free telephone number, 1-800-479-6151, to ask questions or get help completing the ESD 202IR.

Households must report the following changes: When the household’s gross income goes over the gross income limit gross income limit (130% of the FPL ) based on the number of eligible household members as of the most recent: approval, or recertification Income Limits and Maximum Benefit 3SVT Household Size Expanded Categorical Eligibility ( ECE ) Senior & Disabled Seeking Separate Household Status Income Change Reporting Threshold And Gross Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE Eligible Net Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE eligible Maximum Monthly Benefit 3SVT House-hold Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL ) Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) Thrifty Food Plan 1 $2,413 $2,152 $1,696 $1,305 $298 2 $3,261 $2,909 $2,292 $1,763 $546 3 $4,109 $3,665 $2,888 $2,221 $785 4 $4,957 $4,421 $3,483 $2,680 $994 5 $5,805 $5,177 $4,079 $3,138 $1,183 6 $6,653 $5,934 $4,675 $3,596 $1,421 7 $7,501 $6,690 $5,271 $4,055 $1,571 8 $8,349 $7,446 $5,867 $4,513 $1,789 9 $9,197 $8,203 $6,463 $4,972 $2,007 10 $10,044 $8,960 $7,059 $5,431 $2,225 Each Additional Member +$848 +$757 +$596 +$459 +$218 When a time limited customer work hours are less than 80 hours per month (20 hours per week averaged monthly).

Households are not required to report any other changes that may occur at the same time.

Households must report these changes within ten days of the date the change occurred. Note : Most households will not know if either of these changes has occurred until the end of the month. This means, if they have reported by the tenth day of the month following the month of the change, they have reported timely.

Changes may be reported: In writing, By telephone, or In-person

Unscheduled reporting of changes can be done at any time but is not required. See Change Processing .

Households may also report these changes using form ESD 200, Change Report , which is provided to report changes for other programs, such as: Reach Up , Fuel Assistance, PSE Green Mountain Health Care Plans (Medicaid).

Households that report when their gross household income goes over 130% FPL , and who remain eligible for 3SVT benefits after benefits are adjusted, have met their 130% gross income reporting requirement. The household does not have to report their income changes again until the interim report or the next recertification, whichever comes first.

Note : Households with income over 130% FPL at application, who are found eligible do not have a reporting requirement until Interim Report .

See Certification Periods .

Households must complete form ESD 202IR once during the certification period to report and verify specific changes. Exception : 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households do not receive interim reports.

See Conversion from 3SquaresVT to 3SquaresVT in a SNAP .

See Conversion from 3SquaresVT in a SNAP to 3SquaresVT .

Households must report: When Residency changes. When Shelter Expenses change. When Household Composition changes. When there is a change in employment that results in a change in income. Note : A change in earned income does not need to be reported unless due to a change in employment or the income change meets the reduced reporting requirements . When Unearned Income changes by more than $100. When Resources or Vehicles change. Note : Categorically eligible households do not need to report resources. When a time limited customers work hours are less than 80 hours per month (20 hours per week averaged monthly).

ACCESS automatically generates an ESD 202IR list for each district on the 15th of the month before the household’s ESD 202IR is due. The ESD 202IR is printed and sent from the ADPC .

SR households with 12-month certification periods receive their ESD 202IR and a self-addressed postage paid return envelope during the 5th month of their certification period. The complete report and required verifications must be returned by the 2nd day of the 6th month.

SR households with 24-month certification periods receive their ESD 202IR and a self-addressed postage paid return envelope during the 11th month of their certification period. The complete report and required verifications must be returned by the 2nd day of 12th month.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP households do not receive interim reports.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP households that have converted to 3SVT are SR households. SR households with 36-month certification periods receive their ESD 202IR and a self-addressed postage paid return envelope in six-month intervals. See chart below.

Interim Report Chart:

Month IR Sent Month IR Due 5th month 6th month 11th month 12th month 17th month 18th month 23rd month 24th month 29th month 30th month

ESD 202IR is complete when: each question is answered, the form is signed and dated, and Note : All electronic signatures are allowed. required verifications are provided.

Reports are complete if the only missing verification is required for an expense. If verification is not received do not allow the expense.

Process reported changes to take effect the month after the report month.

Notify the household of the effect of the change. Adequate notice of adverse action is used for decreases.

Code ACCESS with a “C” showing the ESD 202IR is complete.

Note : The report is complete for 3SVT purposes if Reach Up and Reach Ahead participants do not provide proof of unchanged income.

Code ACCESS with an “I” to show the report is incomplete when the household fails to provide a complete ESD 202IR . Enter any verified changes in ACCESS.

Within 10 days of the date the IR was due, create an ESD 202RL2 , Verification Review Letter advising the household: that the case will end at the end of the month if the missing information and/or verification is not received by the due date, what information or verification is missing, and the due date to provide the missing information and/or verification.

ESD 202RL2 is due within ten days or by the last day of the month, whichever is sooner.

Any case with an “I” in ACCESS on the IR due date will be sent an IR Reminder Notice advising the household they have 10 days to provide all required verification or benefits will close.

Code ACCESS with a “C” for complete when the missing information and/or verifications are returned. Process the ESD 202IR within ten days from when the complete ESD 202IR is returned.

Determine eligibility and reinstate the case when the missing information or verification is received after the Adverse Action but before the last day of the report month.

Process reported changes to take effect the month after the report month.

Notify the household of the effect of the change. Adequate notice of adverse action is used for decreases. See Change Processing, Notification .

Households failing to complete missing information and/or provide verifications by the ESD 202RL2 due date are sent form ESD IR NOAA, Interim Report Notice of Adverse Action.

ACCESS will close the 3SVT case at adverse action if still coded with an “I”.

Information or verifications received in the month following the month of IR closure are too late, and the household must reapply.

Households failing to provide an ESD 202IR are coded by ACCESS with an “S” to show the report has not been returned by the 2nd day of the report month. Households are sent an IR Reminder Notice on the 3rd by ACCESS advising their case will close unless they complete and return the ESD 202IR and required verifications by the due date shown on the notice.

ACCESS will close the 3SVT case at adverse action if still coded with an “S”.

See Item relating to the reported change.

When verification is required, the ESD 202RL2 is due within ten days or by the last day of the month, whichever is sooner.

Release # 26-1

Effective Date: 04/17/2026

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.12 Vermont Elderly Simplified Application Project, Approved Waivers.

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

ES must act on all known changes. Changes in a household’s situation become known to the agency when: reported by the household, or information is received from other sources within the agency or outside the agency.

Unscheduled changes are those that are reported outside of the Interim Report or Recertification .

Allow the household ten days from the date the change is reported to provide required verifications.

Act on changes within ten days of the date the change was reported.

The date a change is reported is the date: the household reports the change by telephone, the household reports the change in-person, information is received from another source regarding a household change, or a written notice is received in the office, including the ESD 200, Change Report .

ACCESS generates the ESD 220, Notice of Decision, to inform the household of the effect of the change on their benefits.

CATN the date the change is reported, and the actions taken.

Increase the benefit amount no later than the first issuance that is ten days after the change was reported or verified , whichever occurs last .

Example : The household’s normal issuance occurs on the 1st of every month. The household reports and verifies on August 10th their income decreased by $40. With this timeframe the household’s benefit increase must be effective for September. If the household reported and verified the change on August 28th the change must be effective by October.

See Underpayments when the benefits were not increased timely.

Benefit increases due to: adding a new household member, who is not a member of another household, or an income decrease is effective: the first issuance that is ten days after the change was reported or verified, but no later than the month following the month the change is reported.

Process an underpayment if benefits cannot be increased by the following month. The underpayment issuance must be made available to the household by: the tenth day of the following month, or the household’s normal issuance date, whichever is later.

Determine the household’s benefits without allowing the change when the household fails to provide required verifications. Obtain required verifications at recertification.

Households failing to provide verification within ten days, who provide the verification later, must have their benefits increased by: the first issuance that is ten days after the change was verified, but no later than the month following the month the change is verified.

Take action to decrease the benefit within ten days after the change is reported. Use the information provided by the household. Verification is not required for decreases until interim report or recertification, whichever comes first.

Exception : When a household is active RUFA and 3SVT send a VCR for RUFA only, requesting the income verification. If the verification is received process the case according to the verification received. If verification is not received, update the 3SVT case with the self-reported information and process the case accordingly.

Households must receive advance notice , when benefits are decreased or the case is closed. Benefit decreases or case closures are effective no later than the month following the month in which the adverse action period ends.

Exception : Adequate notice is allowed in some situations.

Unclear change information is information that is received from the household or another source that requires Clarification with a member of the household or verification before acting on the change. The following scenarios are the only unclear changes that should be clarified and/or verified. Information received that: is the result of a PVS match or a DOC Match ; is the result of a deceased person match; is the result of a NDNH match; Note : NDNH match is run only at application and recertification. is the result from a DET hit and within 60 days after the receipt date of an application or recertification; Note : It takes 60 days from the start of employment for the DET hit to be received by ESD. is less than 60 days old relative to the current month of participation and was required to have been reported based on simplified reporting ; or presents significantly conflicting information from what was provided by the household at application or recertification; or Note : The reported information must be about circumstances that existed at the time of the last application or recertification. See Overpayments and Claims . is a change of address reported by the household. See Change of Address .

Clarify and/or verify the unclear information by attempting to call the household or a collateral contact (such as an employer). If unsuccessful: Send an ESD 202VCR to the household requesting information. Include in the ESD 202VCR what will happen if the household fails to respond. Allow the household ten days to: verify, or complete actions to clarify the change information. Households failing to clarify and/or verify the unclear information will receive an ESD 220 notice of adverse action NOAA .

Do not clarify or verify any unclear change scenario other than those listed at 2200.2.4(a) . Instead: provide a clear explanation in CATN of what you did and why you did it; create a future TODO for the end of the interim report or recertification month, whichever comes first, alerting of the unclear information that needs to be verified; and obtain required clarification and/or verification at the next interim report or recertification, whichever comes first.

Exception: Households reporting a change of address must also report the shelter expenses for the new address. See Change of Address .

Unclear change information is information that is received from the household or another source that requires Clarification with a member of the household or verification before acting on the change. The following scenarios are the only unclear changes that should be clarified and/or verified. Information received that: is the result of a PVS match, or a DOC Match ; is the result a deceased person match; is the result of a NDNH match; is the result of a DET hit; is less than 60 days old relative to the current month of participation and was required to have been reported based on 3SquaresVT in a SNAP Reporting Requirements ; presents significantly conflicting information from what was provided by the household at application or recertification; or Note : The reported information must be about circumstances that existed at the time of the last application or recertification. See Overpayments and Claims . is a change of address reported by the household. See Change of Address .

Clarify and/or verify the unclear information by attempting to call the household or a collateral contact (such as an employer). If unsuccessful: Send an ESD 202VCR to the household requesting information. Include in the ESD 202VCR what will happen if the household fails to respond. Allow the household ten days to: verify, or complete actions to clarify the change information. Households failing to clarify and/or verify the unclear information will receive an ESD 220 notice of adverse action, NOAA .

Do not clarify or verify any unclear change scenario other than those listed at 2200.2.5(a). Instead: provide a clear explanation in CATN of what you did and why you did it; create a future TODO for the end of the interim report or recertification month, whichever comes first, alerting of the unclear information that needs to be verified; and obtain required clarification and/or verification at the next interim report or recertification, whichever comes first.

Exception: Households reporting a change of address must also report the shelter expenses for the new address. See Change of Address .

Households reporting a change of address must also report the shelter expenses for the new address. Verification of shelter expenses is not required unless questionable.

Act within ten days to change the address and determine the new benefit amount based on the shelter expenses for the new address, when all information is provided.

If shelter expense information is not provided with the address change: Call the household to get the needed information about the new shelter expenses. If the household cannot be reached or the information provided is questionable, send the household form ESD 202VCR to request the shelter expense information. Allow the household ten days to respond.

Budget the shelter expenses for the new address within ten days from the date the information is provided.

Act within ten days to determine the household’s benefits without allowing the shelter expenses when the household failed to provide the requested information by the ESD 202VCR due date.

Information from data matches must be acted on within ten days of receipt. Follow policy in benefit increase , benefit decrease/case closure , or unclear change information when acting on changes reported through data matches.

The following data matches are verified upon receipt : BENDEX SDX SAVE UCB

Medical expense changes reported outside of application , interim reporting , or recertification , are acted on only when reported by the household or by a source that is verified upon receipt.

Changes in medical expenses are not acted on when: the change is reported by a source other than the household, and the change action cannot be completed without contacting the household for verification.

This is an unclear change . Do not send an ESD 202VCR. Update the mailing address on the ADDR panel. Create a future TODO to verify the change at the next interim report or recertification, whichever comes first.

This is an unclear change . Do not send an ESD 202VCR. Create a future TODO to verify the change at the next interim report or recertification, whichever comes first.

Changes reported for other programs are reported for 3SVT, including when reported using the ESD 200. Other programs include, but are not limited to: Reach Up Reach First Reach Ahead Green Mountain Care (Medicaid) Dr. Dynasaur, only if it is determined in ACCESS

Act on any changes reported through other programs.

Note : 3SVT benefits cannot be ended solely due to the other program’s benefits ending. 3SVT continued eligibility must be determined based 3SVT eligibility requirements.

Notify the household and VDOL of any changes in work registration or time limited status resulting from the other program’s reported change.

Certification periods terminated based on a reported change end the month following the determination. Send an ESD 220 advising the household their case is closing and that they may reapply.

Send an ESD 220 to the household stating what actions were taken on their 3SVT case because of changes reported by other programs.

Desk reviews are updates run to apply mass changes. Mass changes are changes to eligibility or benefits on all 3SVT cases, or a large number of cases, based on State or Federal government regulations or laws. The change is effective at the same time for all cases.

These changes include, but are not limited to: income eligibility standards income eligibility standards Income Limits and Maximum Benefit 3SVT Household Size Expanded Categorical Eligibility ( ECE ) Senior & Disabled Seeking Separate Household Status Income Change Reporting Threshold And Gross Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE Eligible Net Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE eligible Maximum Monthly Benefit 3SVT House-hold Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL ) Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) Thrifty Food Plan 1 $2,413 $2,152 $1,696 $1,305 $298 2 $3,261 $2,909 $2,292 $1,763 $546 3 $4,109 $3,665 $2,888 $2,221 $785 4 $4,957 $4,421 $3,483 $2,680 $994 5 $5,805 $5,177 $4,079 $3,138 $1,183 6 $6,653 $5,934 $4,675 $3,596 $1,421 7 $7,501 $6,690 $5,271 $4,055 $1,571 8 $8,349 $7,446 $5,867 $4,513 $1,789 9 $9,197 $8,203 $6,463 $4,972 $2,007 10 $10,044 $8,960 $7,059 $5,431 $2,225 Each Additional Member +$848 +$757 +$596 +$459 +$218 shelter deductions benefit amounts utility standards Reach Up benefits COLA s for Federal program payments, such as but not limited to, RSDI SSI

Desk reviews for mass changes are usually run on a weekend, and as early as possible in the month to allow enough time to notify affected households and ES.

Households are sent a notice when a mass change affects their eligibility or benefit amount. Additionally, the notice advises the household of their fair hearing rights and when they may receive continued benefits . Notices are mailed the month before the change is effective.

ESs are sent reports prior to running a desk review and after the update occurs. Mass change ES reports include: What changes are occurring, When the desk review will be run, What ACCESS will complete, What ES must complete, Instructions for ES required actions, and Due dates for ES required actions.

Mass change updates fully completed by ACCESS are called abbreviated transactions. ACCESS sends an ESD 220 to all households whose eligibility or benefits were updated in an abbreviated transaction. ESD 220 is sent to households the month before the change occurs, but no later than the month when benefits are first affected by the mass change.

Cases that cannot be updated through an abbreviated transaction have: Edits that stop eligibility, Unapproved results, such as: pending cases, ongoing cases with unapproved results, or FIAT eligibility results.

Districts are sent reports identifying cases not completed through abbreviated transactions that require full transactions. Full transactions require ES to: Update the benefits, or Close the case, and Notify the household of the results using the ESD 220.

Households have the right to request a fair hearing when they disagree with a change made by a mass change.

Households requesting a fair hearing are eligible to receive continued benefits, at the amount received before the mass update, if the household: did not waive its right to continued benefits, and makes a timely hearing request , and claims benefits were: computed incorrectly, or the rules were misapplied/misinterpreted.

Benefits may be suspended for one month if the household is temporarily ineligible because of a change not expected to continue in future months. Close the case if the household will not be eligible after suspending benefits for one month.

File a claim against the household following Overpayment and Claims and/or Intentional Program Violation (IPV) policies when the household: fails to report a required change, and received benefits they were not eligible to receive.

Notice of adverse action advises the household that their benefits will decrease or close. NOAAs may be issued allowing: adequate notice, or advance notice.

Adequate notice means the household receives an ESD 220 advising them of a decrease in benefits or case closure no later than the date the household would normally receive their next benefit.

Provide adequate notice for decreases or case closures when the change was reported using the ESD 202IR, Interim Report.

Households receiving adequate notice retain the right to: a fair hearing , and continued benefits when a fair hearing is timely requested . Note : Benefits must be returned to the previous level within five days of the household’s request for a fair hearing.

Advance notice means the household receives an ESD 220 at least ten days plus two days for mailing (12 days) before the decrease in benefits or case closure. This is the adverse action period.

Use advance notice for all decreases except when the decrease is the result of information reported on the ESD 202IR.

See item relating to the reported change.

Some information is considered verified upon receipt - meaning that once it is given to ESD, it is considered verified, and no further verification is required. Verified upon receipt is information received directly from the source - be it the customer's statement or data matches in ACCESS. Act on verified upon receipt information unless it is questionable or inconsistent with known facts. See What is Questionable Desk Aid .

Items verified by customer's verbal or written statement include but are not limited to: Age; Death of household member; Dependent care expenses; End of self-employment; Household members; Move to an ineligible institution; Relationship; Residency; Resources; School enrollment; Shelter expenses; Social Security Number (SSN); and Utility expenses.

Data matches that are verified upon receipt only include: Beneficiary Data Exchange (BENDEX); Changes in the amount paid in another program within ACCESS: RU , RF , PSE , GA , and EP .; Numident match; Office of Child Support (OCS) interface; State Data Exchange (SDX); Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE); Unemployment Compensation Benefits (UCB) tape match.

Documents that are verified upon receipt include but are not limited to: VA award notice Rental agreement Railroad retirement board notice Property tax statement Federal income tax return

Release # 25-6

Effective Date: 12/15/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(8)(ii) 7 CFR § 273.12 7 CFR § 273.13(a) 7 CFR § 273.13(b) Vermont Elderly Simplified Application Project, Approved Waivers.

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

Recertification is a review of the household’s eligibility factors to determine their continued eligibility for 3SVT benefits.

A recertification is complete when the household: completes and files a signed ESD 202, Application, completes an interview, and provides all required verifications.

Exception : 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households may not require an interview. See Interviews .

Households must receive a notice to reapply in the month before the last month of their current certification period. The ESD 202RL, Reminder Letter, is the notice to reapply. It is computer generated, printed and mailed by ADPC six weeks before its due date.

Mail the following forms to the Head of Household : ESD 202RL, ESD 201A, Agreement to Report Change , and ESD 202, Review, Application .

Exception : 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households do not receive the ESD 201A.

The household has failed to co-operate if by the 15th of the last month of their certification it fails to: complete the ESD 202 Review, Application, or complete an ESD 202, Application , and contact the office to indicate a problem obtaining verification.

The case will auto-close at the end of the certification period. ACCESS will trigger the auto-closure letter.

The household must submit either a signed ESD 202REV, ESD 202, or ESD 202 3SNP REV by the 15th of the last month of their certification period.

Note : In the rest of this item when an ESD 202 is referenced it means either form.

Note : Use applications received within 60 days prior to the end of the certification period as a recertification. Do not use applications received prior to this as a recertification.

Complete a telephone interview for all households at recertification. Send the ESD 202C, ESD Benefits Interview Appointment Notice, when you receive the ESD 202. Allow the household five calendar days to complete the interview. This will give the household ten days to provide verification before the end of the certification period.

Note : The ADPC sends the ESD 202C for applications received by them.

Exception : Complete a face-to-face interview for the following reasons: Household or authorized representative request. Needed to resolve or clarify specific issues.

CATN if the interview was completed by telephone or face-to-face.

Do not complete an interview for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households at recertification unless: Eligibility results in a denial; Information supplied by the household is questionable, incomplete, or contradictory; or Household requests an interview.

A household that completes all of the following actions and is found eligible is entitled to Uninterrupted Benefits : Submits a signed ESD 202 no later than the 15th of the last month of their certification period. Completed the interview at least ten days before the end of the last month of their certification period. Note : This may not apply to a 3SquaresVT in a SNAP household. Provided all required verifications before the end of the last month of their certification period.

Notify the household of eligibility or denial by the end of the current certification period. 3SquaresVT in a SNAP eligibility resulting in a denial requires an interview prior to denying the case.

Note : See Agency Caused Delays if timely processing is not met.

Households that submitted an application timely for recertification, but were not timely processed, must be: previously sent an ESD 202RL, authorized benefits the same day they are determined eligible; issued a full month’s benefit; issued underpayments when the household could not participate the first month of the new certification period.

Households lose their right to uninterrupted benefits when they fail to: submit a signed ESD 202 by the 15th of the last month of their certification period, or complete their interview, or Note : This may not apply to 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households. timely submit required verifications.

Households who submit their ESD 202 but do not complete their interview must have been sent: ESD 202RL; ESD 202C, allowing five days to complete their interview; ESD 202D, Notice of Missed Interview (NOMI), within 24 hours of the missed interview. The household is responsible to reschedule any missed interviews.

When issuing a NOMI, the "call before date" is: the last day of the certification period if issuing on or before adverse action, or the 30th day from the application date if issuing after adverse action.

Exception : 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households may not require an interview. See Interviews .

ACCESS closes the case for failure to complete the recertification if the interview is not completed. If the household then completes the interview and provides all verification before the end of the certification period: Determine eligibility. If eligible, reinstate the case and provide a full month’s benefits within 30 days of the application date, or ten days from the date the interview is completed, whichever is later.

Note : A new application for recertification is not required.

Households who submit their ESD 202 and complete their interview, but do not provide all required verification by the ESD 202RL2, Verification Review Letter, due date are denied the day after the due date, provided the due date: allowed ten days after the interview and, was before the end of the certification period.

If the household then provides the required verification before the end of the certification period: Determine eligibility. If eligible, reinstate the case and provide a full month’s benefits within 30 days of the application date, or ten days from the date the verification is provided, whichever is later.

Note : A new application for recertification is not required.

Households that: applied before the end of their certification period, and completed the interview during the certification period or within 30 days after the end of the certification period, and Note : This may not apply to 3SquaresVT in a SNAP households. provides required verification within 10 days of the interview or within 30 days after the end of the certification period, whichever is later, must be reopened, if eligible. Provide a full month’s benefits.

Process applications for recertification received within 30 days of the end of the certification period like an initial application except : use verification at recertification requirements, and enter “R” as the FS Receipt Type, and follow 3SquaresVT in a SNAP interview requirements at recertification.

Screen for and provide expedited service , if eligible. Prorate benefits from the date of application.

Exception : Do not prorate benefits for Migrant Worker or Seasonal Farmworker households who complete the recertification process or apply for recertification within 30 days of the end of the certification period.

Note : If the household wants to complete the recertification more than 30 days after the end of the certification period, it must reapply. Process the application as an initial application, including screening for expedited service. See Application and Expedited Service .

Determine eligibility based on circumstances anticipated for the certification period starting the month following the last month of the current certification period.

Review CATN and TODO for case information, inconsistencies, or verification not previously provided that are due at recertification.

Use information reported on the ESD 202, obtained during the interview, and any required verifications to determine the household’s eligibility for the new certification period.

Clear any outstanding data matches.

Budget the household’s income and deductions following Determining Income and Deductions policy.

Keep the Head of Household at recertification, unless the household selects someone else.

Disqualify members who voluntarily quit or reduce work hours , without good cause , in the last month of the certification period. Begin the disqualification the first month of the recertification period.

Benefits are not issued for the recertification period before the previous certification period ends. Households are not eligible for expedited service if the household files an application for recertification before the end of their current certification period. Households that file applications after the end of their current certification period must receive expedited service, if eligible. See Expedited Service .

Destitute household rules apply for the first month of the recertification period for migrant or seasonal farmworkers.

Exclude income from a new source the first month of the recertification period when the income: is less than $25, and will not be received by the tenth calendar day from the 3SVT issuance.

See Destitute Defined .

Review the following at recertification: General work requirement exemptions , including but not limited to: Children who turned 16 years of age during the current certification period. Parents caring for a child who turned six during the current certification period. Time Limited benefit status , including but not limited to: Customers who met their work requirement with a work program or workfare must verify monthly compliance for each month of the last certification period. Complete an ICAN referral for any participant not enrolled.

Update general work requirement and time limited benefit work requirement exemptions, if needed.

Complete the Oral Explanation for required households.

Assign a new certification period to eligible households. See Certification Periods .

Begin the new certification period the month following the last month of the previous certification period.

Explain the household’s reporting requirement. See Reduced Reporting Requirement s or 3SquaresVT in a SNAP Reporting Requirements .

Households must verify the following: Time limited participant’s work hours . Work status and exemptions , if not previously verified. SSN or proof of application for an SSN for newborns older than six months of age, if not previously provided. Unearned income that has changed by $50 or more per household Earned Income. Income from a new source. Income stopped. Income and resource information of the non-citizen sponsor and sponsor’s spouse. Legally obligated child support changes. Medical expenses for households claiming actual medical expenses more than $151, or who wish to switch from the standard. The first $35.01 of medical expenses when the household wishes to use the standard medical expense deduction. CATN the household’s decision to use the standard deduction if their actual expenses are more than $151. Note : Accept the household’s statement regarding their medical expenses if they wish to continue to receive the standard medical expense deduction, and verification of their medical expenses is visible in OnBase. The first $35.01 in medical expenses must be verified if not visible in OnBase. Questionable information. Income changes due to unscheduled changes benefit decreases.

Use form 202RL2 to request required verification if the application was received on or before the last day of the certification month.

Use form 202V to request required verification if the application was received after the last day of the certification month.

3SquaresVT in a SNAP households must verify the following: Legally obligated child support changes. Medical expenses for households claiming actual medical expenses more than $151, or who wish to switch from the standard. The first $35.01 of medical expenses when the household wishes to use the standard medical expense deduction. CATN the household’s decision to use the standard deduction if their actual expenses are more than $151. Note : Accept the household’s statement regarding their medical expenses if they wish to continue to receive the standard medical expense deduction, and verification of their medical expenses is visible in OnBase. The first $35.01 in medical expenses must be verified if not visible in OnBase. Questionable information. Time limited participant's work hours. Work status and exemptions, if not previously verified.

Use form 202RL2 to request required verification if the application was received on or before the last day of the certification month.

Use form 202V to request required verification if the application was received after the last day of the certification month.

Release # 25-6

Release Date: 12/15/2025

Legal Base Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(8) 7 CFR § 273.4(c)(4) 7 CFR § 273.7(b) 7 CFR § 273.7(c)(1) 7 CFR § 273.7(c)(2) 7 CFR § 273.7(c)(3) 7 CFR § 273.7(j) 7 CFR § 273.10 7 CFR § 273.12(a)(1) 7 CFR § 273.12(2) 7 CFR § 273.12(5) 7 CFR § 273.14 Vermont Elderly Simplified Application Project, Approved Waivers

New information in the manual is highlighted and noted with a . See Manual Updates for details.

Section with expandable text are noted with a throughout the manual.

Benefits are 3SVT assistance issued to a household through an EBT card or through Cash Out .

An initial month is the first month the household receives benefits for the first time or following any time the household was not approved.

Exception : Initial month for migrant or seasonal farm workers is the first month the household is approved following a period of more than 30 days since the last approval.

Households applying on the first of the month and found eligible receive a full initial month’s benefits. Households applying after the first of the month and found eligible receive prorated benefits. See Prorated Benefits, Initial Month .

An issuance of benefits for both the initial month and the following month at the same time. Issue combined benefits when the: date of application is after the 15th of the month, and the initial month’s prorated benefits are approved after the adverse action deadline in the month of application, and the household is eligible to receive benefits the following month.

Suspend benefits, do not deny or close 3SVT when an eligible household qualifies for zero benefits.

Follow change processing requirements when the household reports a change that results in a benefit. See Change Processing, Benefit Increase .

Issue prorated benefits from the date the change was reported.

Issuance of less than a full month’s benefits.

Issue prorated benefits for initial month benefits when the household: Applies after the first day of the month. Benefits are issued from the date of application through the last day of the month. Was at fault for a delay in the application process. Benefits are issued from the date the household takes the required action to the end of that month. See Application, Household Caused Delay .

Issue prorated benefits at recertification if the household: Files for recertification within 30 days after the end of the certification period. Benefits are issued from the date of application through the last day of the month. Was at fault for a delay in the recertification process. Benefits are issued from the date the household takes the required action to the end of that month.

See Recertification, Household Caused Delays .

Issue prorated benefits when a household in suspended status reports a change that results in a benefit. Benefits are issued from the date the household reported the change.

Determine the prorated benefit amount using the 3SquaresVT Allotment Proration Tables : Locate the full initial month’s benefit amount from the column on the left. Next find the date of application at the top. The corresponding amount is the household’s prorated amount. Note : Prorated benefits of less than $10 are not issued for the initial month only.

Except during an initial month all eligible one and two-person households receive a minimum benefit minimum benefit . Minimum Benefits Household Size Minimum Benefit 1 or 2 $24

Eligible households of three or more may be entitled to zero benefits. Suspend the case for these households.

Follow the steps below to determine net income. Total gross monthly earned income. Add total gross monthly unearned income. Subtract farm self-employment losses, if any. If the result of step 3 is over the gross income limit gross income limit for that household size, stop here and deny the case. Exceptions : Expanded categorical eligibility (ECE) households must be below 185% gross income. Standard categorical eligibility (SCE) households or households with a Senior or disabled disabled member do not have a gross income limit. A person who meets one or more of the following: Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, SSI , or MABD . A person meets this even when the full benefit is withheld or deferred due to recoupment. Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66. Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA disability considered permanent by SSA . Any of the following conditions: Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot. Amputation of leg at hip. Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid. Statutory blindness, unless caused by cataracts or detached retina. IQ of 59 or less, established after the person becomes 16 years old. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Multiple sclerosis with damage to the nervous system caused by scattered areas of inflammation. The inflammation recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects. Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles, impairing the ability to use the arms or legs. Impaired renal function caused by chronic renal disease, resulting in severely reduced function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. Amputation of a limb of a person at least 55 years old. Is a veteran the VA considers totally (100%) disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers: in need of regular aid and attendance, or permanently housebound, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA. Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers: incapable of self-support, or approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA Income Limits and Maximum Benefit 3SVT Household Size Expanded Categorical Eligibility ( ECE ) Senior & Disabled Seeking Separate Household Status Income Change Reporting Threshold And Gross Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE Eligible Net Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE eligible Maximum Monthly Benefit 3SVT House-hold Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL ) Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) Thrifty Food Plan 1 $2,413 $2,152 $1,696 $1,305 $298 2 $3,261 $2,909 $2,292 $1,763 $546 3 $4,109 $3,665 $2,888 $2,221 $785 4 $4,957 $4,421 $3,483 $2,680 $994 5 $5,805 $5,177 $4,079 $3,138 $1,183 6 $6,653 $5,934 $4,675 $3,596 $1,421 7 $7,501 $6,690 $5,271 $4,055 $1,571 8 $8,349 $7,446 $5,867 $4,513 $1,789 9 $9,197 $8,203 $6,463 $4,972 $2,007 10 $10,044 $8,960 $7,059 $5,431 $2,225 Each Additional Member +$848 +$757 +$596 +$459 +$218 Subtract 20% of the total earned income from the result of step 3. Subtract standard deduction standard deduction for the household’s size. Standard Deduction Household Size Amount 1 $209 2 $209 3 $209 4 $223 5 $261 6 $299 Over 6 $299 Subtract the allowed net medical deduction (after the $35 is deducted). Subtract the allowed dependent care deduction . Subtract the allowed child support payment . The result, thus far, is the remaining income. Determine BSD : Total allowed shelter expenses, then subtract 50% of the remaining income (determined in Step 9) to arrive at a net shelter amount. Compare the net shelter amount (determined in Step 10i) to the maximum shelter deduction, the BSD is the lower of the two amounts. Exception: Households that include a senior or disabled member is not subject to the maximum shelter deduction. Allow the total excess shelter. Screen for the Homeless Shelter Deduction HSD . Household qualifies for the HSD if: a household is Homeless and the household incurs or expects to incur shelter, utility or basic living cost . If the household is not homeless use the basic shelter deduction in the budget. If a household is homeless, compare the BSD to the HSD . Allow the larger deduction in the budget. Subtract the appropriate shelter deduction amount (determined in step 10, 11, 12) from the remaining income (determined in step 9) to arrive at the net income for the household. If the total is over the net income limit income limit for that household size, stop here and deny the case. Income Limits and Maximum Benefit 3SVT Household Size Expanded Categorical Eligibility ( ECE ) Senior & Disabled Seeking Separate Household Status Income Change Reporting Threshold And Gross Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE Eligible Net Income Limit For Non- SCE or ECE eligible Maximum Monthly Benefit 3SVT House-hold Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL ) Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) Thrifty Food Plan 1 $2,413 $2,152 $1,696 $1,305 $298 2 $3,261 $2,909 $2,292 $1,763 $546 3 $4,109 $3,665 $2,888 $2,221 $785 4 $4,957 $4,421 $3,483 $2,680 $994 5 $5,805 $5,177 $4,079 $3,138 $1,183 6 $6,653 $5,934 $4,675 $3,596 $1,421 7 $7,501 $6,690 $5,271 $4,055 $1,571 8 $8,349 $7,446 $5,867 $4,513 $1,789 9 $9,197 $8,203 $6,463 $4,972 $2,007 10 $10,044 $8,960 $7,059 $5,431 $2,225 Each Additional Member +$848 +$757 +$596 +$459 +$218

Exception : SCE and ECE households do not have a net income test.