WESTMINSTER — Tax season is right around the corner, and families with children who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are eligible for an additional benefit they might not even be aware of - help with food expenses through 3SquaresVT.
3SquaresVT is Vermont's nutrition assistance program, designed to help households lacking sufficient resources meet their need for healthful, nutritious food. The program helps eligible households stretch their food budgets and put three square meals a day on the table, at the same time freeing up money for other basic living expenses.
Whether families are experiencing a short-term financial crisis or longer-term challenges, 3SquaresVT helps state residents with lower incomes make ends meet.
The EITC is a refundable tax credit for lower-income working families and individuals. Allowing households with children claiming the EITC to automatically be eligible for 3SquaresVT essentially extends the program to many more households than otherwise would receive benefits.
Generally, households must have incomes at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or $3,678 per month for a family of four, to be eligible for 3SquaresVT. But the income limits for claiming the EITC are higher - up to $52,427 annually, or $4,369 per month.
Many families who qualify for EITC don't receive other benefits but still struggle to pay their bills due to the high cost of living. This exception is meant to ensure such families are still able to afford healthful food for their children.
SEVCA's Family Services staff are available to assist households to apply for 3SquaresVT.
Nine out of 10 3SquaresVT participating households get at least $50 each month, program organizers say. The program is open to individuals, families with or without children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
In addition to special rules for EITC recipients, rules make it easier for households that include a senior or a person with disability to receive benefits. Monthly benefits come on a debit card accepted at many grocery stores and farmers' markets, making it easy for households to use them.
3SquaresVT also helps Vermont by bringing federal dollars to the state and encouraging local spending, helping to support businesses and farmers in our communities.