By Guy Page
After several days of furious activity on the state and federal levels about paying SNAP benefits during the government shut down, Vermonters calling the state food benefits hotline (1-800-479-6151) this morning heard the following:
“The state of Vermont has approved a temporary state-funded benefit for 3 Square recipients in November,” the recorded message said. “The state-funded benefit is equal to 50% of a household’s November 1st 3 Square benefit and will be loaded onto EBT cards or directly deposited into bank accounts on or before November 7th 2025. Existing ebt card balances can continue to be used for eligible purchases.”
After a federal court ruling Friday, President Donald Trump agreed to use a reserve fund to pay SNAP benefits (“Trump says he’ll pay SNAP benefits,” Nov. 1). He asked the courts for guidance about how to distribute the funds and said November benefits might not be available.
Leaving nothing to chance, state officials last week authorized paying SNAP benefits out of a reserve fund through November 1. Legislative leaders said recipients would receive 100% of benefits; however the hotline message promised just 50%.
One recipient contacted by VDC said he typically receives about $298/month. “I’ll probably get just under $150,” he said.