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Grants for Single Mothers in Vermont

Vermont Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency 3SquaresVT at myBenefits portal – you can get benefits within days if you qualify for expedited service
  3. Contact Vermont Foodbank at (855) 855-6181 for immediate food assistance and local food pantry locations

Main Points

Vermont offers more generous assistance for single mothers than many other states. Vermont adds an additional 38% to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, making it one of the highest state supplements in the nation. The state also expanded eligibility for food assistance beyond federal requirements and provides comprehensive support through multiple coordinated programs.

What you need to know:

  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and emergency cash within weeks
  • Vermont’s tax credits provide major help – EITC and Child Tax Credit can provide thousands annually, with Vermont’s 38% state supplement
  • Food assistance covers more families – Vermont has expanded 3SquaresVT eligibility beyond standard federal requirements
  • Educational support is generous – Vermont grants range from $1,000 to $14,000 per year for eligible students
  • Housing assistance has long waits – Apply early and to multiple programs

Reality Check: Vermont’s cash assistance (Reach Up) provides up to $856 per month for a family of three, but has a 60-month lifetime limit. Most programs have work requirements, but childcare and transportation support is available.

Tax Credits That Make a Real Difference

Many single mothers miss these programs that can provide thousands in annual income.

Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Vermont EITC is 38% of the federal amount and is fully refundable for all qualifying Vermont residents. This means if you qualify for the federal EITC, Vermont automatically adds 38% more to your refund.

What it provides:

  • Up to $8,046 federal EITC for families with 3+ children (2025 tax year)
  • Plus Vermont adds 38% more – an extra $3,057 for maximum earners
  • Starting in 2023, Vermont EITC is available to all state residents and does not require a social security number

Income limits for EITC (2025 Tax Year):

Children Single Filer Income Limit Maximum Federal Credit Vermont Bonus (38%)
1 child $47,915 $4,213 $1,601
2 children $53,057 $6,960 $2,645
3+ children $59,899 $8,046 $3,057

How to claim: File tax return with IRS Form 1040 and Vermont Form IN-111, even if you don’t owe taxes

Vermont Child Tax Credit

Vermont provides a $1,000 credit per qualifying child under 6 years old, which is in addition to the federal Child Tax Credit of up to $2,000 per child under 17.

Benefits:

  • $1,000 per child age 6 or younger (Vermont)
  • Up to $2,000 per child under 17 (Federal)
  • Both credits are available for the same child if they qualify by age
  • Available to all qualifying Vermont residents regardless of Social Security number status

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Federal credit: 20-35% of childcare costs, up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two+ children Vermont credit: 24% of the federal credit for families using accredited providers

Contact for Free Tax Help: IRS VITA Program at 1-800-906-9887

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

Reach Up (Vermont’s TANF Program)

Reach Up helps families with children by providing temporary cash assistance for basic necessities and services that support work and self-sufficiency. Generally, an eligible family of three can receive up to $1,384 a month in cash assistance, though exact amounts depend on location and specific family circumstances.

Current benefit amounts:

  • Up to $856 per month for a family of three (outside Chittenden County)
  • Benefit rates are slightly higher in Chittenden County
  • Vermont provides a housing supplement of up to $45 per month for families whose housing costs exceed $400

Income limits:

Family Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,236 $14,832
2 people $1,236 $14,832
3 people $1,236 $14,832

Work requirements: If you’re a single mother with a child under 6 years old, you’re expected to work 20 hours per week or participate in approved activities that will lead to a job

Time limits: Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults

How to apply:

3SquaresVT (Food Assistance)

3SquaresVT provides monthly benefits to low-income Vermonters to help pay for the cost of food. Vermont’s SNAP program provides over $9 million in nutrition relief to over 82,000 Vermonters every month.

Maximum benefit amounts (2025):

Family Size Maximum Monthly Benefit
1 person $292
2 people $536
3 people $768
4 people $975

Vermont’s expanded eligibility: Vermont has expanded eligibility beyond the standard federal SNAP eligibility requirements

  • Income limit up to 185% of Federal Poverty Level ($4,108/month for family of 3)
  • No asset limit in Vermont
  • Children whose families get 3SquaresVT automatically get free school meals

Special programs:

  • 3SquaresVT in a SNAP: Simplified application for those 60+ or receiving disability benefits with no earned income
  • Benefits can be deposited directly into bank accounts for those 65+ or receiving SSI

How to apply:

  • Online: myBenefits portal
  • Phone: 1-800-479-6151
  • Vermont Foodbank assistance: (855) 855-6181

Real Educational Grants for Single Mothers

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) Grants

VSAC administers financial situation-based Vermont grants whether attending an in-state or out-of-state institution. Eligible students have received from $1,000 to $14,000 for the 2023–2024 academic year.

Vermont Incentive Grant:

  • Awards ranging from $767 to $7,395 during the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Available for full-time and part-time students
  • Vermont grants are “portable,” meaning they can be used at any approved school within or outside Vermont
  • No repayment required

Vermont Advancement Grant (formerly Non-Degree Grant):

  • Awarded to Vermont residents enrolled in a continuing education program based on financial need
  • Helps with tuition and fee costs for certificate programs and job training
  • Awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis

How to apply:

  • Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov
  • Apply through MyVSAC account
  • Students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA may be eligible to complete the Vermont Grant Pathway Application

Contact: (800) 882-4166 or info@vsac.org

Workforce Development Funding

Vermont is investing millions of dollars in state funding to address Vermont’s workforce shortage, offering programs specifically for high-demand fields.

Free Community College Program:

  • Free tuition at Community College of Vermont to eligible Vermont residents with a family income of $100,000 or less
  • Covers associate degree and certificate programs
  • Day and evening classes available

Forgivable Loans (become grants if you work in Vermont):

  • Nursing programs: Up to full tuition
  • Mental health counseling: Up to full tuition
  • Vermont Trades Forgivable Loan Program: Up to full tuition for training and certification programs in select high-demand sectors

Reach Up Post-Secondary Education

Part of the Reach Up program, helps parents earn two- or four-year undergraduate college degrees so they can get good paying jobs and support their families. This program allows Reach Up recipients to attend college while receiving benefits and counts education toward work requirements.

Healthcare for You and Your Children

Green Mountain Care (Vermont Medicaid)

Vermont expanded Medicaid, which means more single mothers can get comprehensive health coverage at no cost.

Dr. Dynasaur (Children’s Health Insurance): Vermont’s Dr. Dynasaur offers affordable, low-cost health insurance for uninsured children from birth through age 18. Dr. Dynasaur is available to children in families with income up to at least 317% of the poverty level – about $81,849 for a family of three.

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Dental & vision care
  • Immunizations
  • Special services for pregnant women such as lab work, tests, and prenatal vitamins

Costs: Depending on household income, children under age 19 may have premiums of $0 – $60 per month

How to apply:

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

The federal food and nutrition program WIC is designed to serve income-eligible pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding or who have a new baby, infants and children up to age 5 who are nutritionally or medically at risk.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification if you receive Medicaid, TANF, or 3SquaresVT

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans

Contact: (800) 649-4357 or visit Vermont WIC

Housing Assistance

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Section 8 Existing program provides rental assistance to help eligible families live in safe and decent housing of their choice. Families, elderly, disabled and single people whose income falls within the income guidelines qualify for this program.

Reality Check: The Housing-Choice Voucher Waiting List will close at 4:30pm on 31 January 2025. Waiting lists are typically 1-3 years.

How the program works:

  • You find your own rental unit
  • Voucher pays portion of rent directly to landlord
  • You pay about 30% of your income toward rent
  • Tenants are free to select their own housing unit anywhere in the state where VSHA has authority to operate

Contact: Vermont State Housing Authority at (802) 828-3295

HOME Family Housing Voucher Program

CVOEO’s HOME Family Housing Voucher Program provides up to 200 families with 24 months of rental assistance. This is specifically for families experiencing homelessness.

What it provides:

  • Rental assistance for 24 months with possible extension through June 2026
  • Security deposit for up to twice the value of one month’s rent
  • Housing navigation and retention services

Requirements:

  • Must be experiencing homelessness
  • Not receiving rental assistance through any other subsidized housing program
  • Referred through coordinated entry process

Contact: HOME.FHVP@cvoeo.org

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Child Care Financial Assistance

Child Care Financial Assistance helps eligible families with the cost of child care. The subsidy is paid directly to a qualified child care provider and the recipient pays the remaining cost.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum hours vary)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Income-based eligibility (specific limits not provided in sources)

Quality programs: The STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) is Vermont’s quality recognition system for child care, preschool, and afterschool programs. You may pay less for child care if you use a program that has stars and get a tax credit on your Vermont state income tax if you choose a program that has 3, 4, or 5 stars.

How to apply:

  • Apply through Bright Futures Information System (BFIS)
  • If you get Reach Up, ask your case manager if they can authorize Child Care Financial Assistance for you

Contact: Child Development Division at (802) 241-3110 or 1-800-649-2642

Head Start Programs

Offers childcare programs, playgroups, preschool and after-school programs, and assistance for young mothers completing an education or pursuing employment.

Services include:

  • Free preschool education (ages 3-5)
  • Comprehensive health and nutrition services
  • Family support services
  • Early Head Start for children birth to 3

Income requirements: Families at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level Automatic qualification: Families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI

Contact: Call 2-1-1 for local Head Start programs

Utilities and Home Energy Help

Fuel Assistance Program

Fuel Assistance (also known as Home Heating Assistance) can help eligible households in Vermont pay part of their home heating bills. Priority is granted to low-income Vermonters who live in public, subsidized, or Section 8 housing where rent includes the cost of heat.

Who qualifies: Households with income at or below 60% of state median income

How to apply:

Energy Assistance Program

Energy Assistance Program helps lower-income Vermonters afford energy for their homes: only available for customers of Green Mountain Power and Vermont Gas.

Additional programs:

  • Weatherization Program: Helps low income residents to save fuel and money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes
  • Water Assistance: Helps with water and wastewater bills

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

All Vermont programs serve single fathers raising children alone with the same eligibility requirements:

  • 3SquaresVT (food assistance)
  • Reach Up (cash assistance)
  • Green Mountain Care/Dr. Dynasaur (healthcare)
  • Child Care Financial Assistance
  • Housing assistance programs
  • Educational grants and workforce development

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

Vermont law prohibits discrimination in state programs based on sexual orientation or gender identity. All family programs are available to LGBTQ+ single parents without restrictions.

Additional resources:

  • Outright Vermont: (802) 865-9677 – Support for LGBTQ+ youth and families
  • Pride Center of Vermont: (802) 860-7812 – Community resources and support groups

Tribal Families

Vermont has no federally recognized tribes, but Native American families can access all state programs. Families with tribal connections to other states should check if their tribe offers additional assistance programs.

Resources:

  • Abenaki Nation: Cultural and community support
  • Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs: (802) 828-3875

Rural Vermont Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Longer distances to services
  • Fewer childcare options

Rural-specific resources:

  • 2-1-1 is a free confidential statewide information and referral service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with language translation available
  • Mobile food pantries serve rural areas
  • Telehealth services available through Green Mountain Care
  • Home visits available for some WIC programs

Resources by Region

Northern Vermont (St. Johnsbury, Newport, Morrisville areas)

DCF Office Locations:

  • Morrisville: 63 Professional Drive, Suite 4, Morrisville, VT 05661
  • Newport: 100 Main Street Suite 240, Newport, VT 05855

Food Resources:

  • Local food pantries through Vermont Foodbank network
  • Mobile food pantries serve remote areas

Central Vermont (Montpelier, Barre, Waterbury areas)

DCF Office Location:

  • Montpelier: State offices and central processing

Educational Resources:

  • Community College of Vermont campuses
  • Vermont Technical College programs

Southern Vermont (Brattleboro, Bennington, Springfield areas)

DCF Office Locations:

  • Rutland: 320 Asa Bloomer Building, 88 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701

Special Programs:

  • Southeastern Vermont Community Action programs
  • Rural outreach services

Chittenden County (Burlington, Winooski, Essex areas)

DCF Office Location:

  • Burlington: 119 Pearl St. John Zampieri State Office Building, Burlington, VT 05401

Higher benefit amounts: Reach Up benefit rates are slightly higher in Chittenden County

Additional Resources:

  • University of Vermont programs
  • Champlain College single parent support
  • More extensive public transportation

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most Vermont programs allow working families:

  • 3SquaresVT: Up to 185% of poverty level ($4,108/month for family of 3)
  • Dr. Dynasaur: Up to 317% of poverty level ($81,849/year for family of 3)
  • Child Care Assistance: Available for working parents
  • EITC: Specifically for working families

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary:

  • 3SquaresVT: 30 days (expedited in 7 days if you qualify)
  • Reach Up: 45 days
  • Green Mountain Care: 30 days
  • Housing vouchers: Years due to waiting lists
  • VSAC grants: Processed when complete applications received

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Contact Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047 for free help with appeals.

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! The myBenefits portal allows you to apply for 3SquaresVT, Reach Up, Fuel Assistance, and Essential Person with one application.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: 3SquaresVT, Green Mountain Care, WIC, Fuel Assistance, tax credits, VSAC grants
  • Educational forgivable loans: May require repayment if you don’t work in Vermont after graduation
  • Overpayments: Must be repaid if you received benefits you weren’t eligible for

Q: What if my English is limited? A: Language assistance is available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • 2-1-1 has language translation available
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments
  • Some materials available in multiple languages

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help? A: Some assistance is available:

  • Emergency medical care through Green Mountain Care
  • WIC may be available without documentation requirements
  • Food pantries typically don’t require documentation
  • Getting 3SquaresVT benefits will not count against you when you apply for your green card. The State will not report you to immigration authorities

Q: What if I live in rural Vermont? A: Rural residents have options:

  • Mobile food pantries serve remote areas
  • Telehealth covered by Green Mountain Care
  • Some programs offer home visits
  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources
  • Transportation assistance may be available

Q: Can I get help paying for school while receiving benefits? A: Yes, education is encouraged:

  • VSAC grants: Up to $14,000/year for eligible students
  • Free Community College: For families earning under $100,000
  • Reach Up education component: College can count toward work requirements
  • Child Care Assistance: Available for parents in approved education programs

Q: How do I get help filling out applications? A: Free application assistance available:

  • DCF offices provide in-person help
  • 2-1-1 can connect you with local navigators
  • Vermont Legal Aid: 1-800-889-2047
  • Vermont Foodbank: (855) 855-6181 for 3SquaresVT help

Important Phone Numbers and Resources

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency services: 911
  • 2-1-1: 24/7 information and referral service
  • Vermont Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Primary Contact Numbers

  • DCF Benefits Service Center: 1-800-479-6151
  • myBenefits Portal: mybenefits.ahs.state.vt.us
  • Vermont Health Connect: 1-800-250-8427
  • Vermont Foodbank 3SquaresVT Team: (855) 855-6181

Educational Resources

  • VSAC: (800) 882-4166 or info@vsac.org
  • Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
  • FAFSA help: 1-800-433-3243

Housing and Legal Help

  • Vermont State Housing Authority: (802) 828-3295
  • Vermont Legal Aid: 1-800-889-2047
  • HOME Family Housing Voucher: HOME.FHVP@cvoeo.org

Health Services

  • WIC: (800) 649-4357
  • Child Development Division: (802) 241-3110

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled using official Vermont state government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Vermont guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Vermont Department for Children and Families, USDA, IRS, and VSAC to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Vermont Department for Children and Families, VSAC, Vermont Commission on Women, and federal agency sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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