Low-Income Resources in Vermont

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with 3SquaresVT (SNAP) through the Vermont Department for Children and Families. Nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options are also available statewide.

3SquaresVT (SNAP) — Vermont Department for Children and Families

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: 3SquaresVT (SNAP)
Apply / manage benefits: myBenefits Vermont

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Vermont Department of Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and find a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: Vermont WIC Program

Find a food pantry — Vermont Foodbank

Helps with: Locating food shelves, meal sites, and community food resources across Vermont.
How to start: Use the food finder to search by location.

Vermont Foodbank Find Food

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, Vermont offers assistance through energy programs and housing agencies. Many services are delivered locally through community action agencies.

Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) — Vermont Department for Children and Families

Helps with: Assistance paying heating and energy costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and apply through myBenefits Vermont or a local office.

Program overview: Vermont Fuel Assistance
Apply: myBenefits Vermont

Housing programs and renter resources — Vermont State Housing Authority

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter guidance.
How to start: Review renter resources and housing search tools.

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Vermont, these programs are administered through the Department for Children and Families.

Child Care Financial Assistance Program — Vermont DCF

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Review program information and apply through myBenefits Vermont.

Program overview: Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance
Apply: myBenefits Vermont

Reach Up — Temporary cash assistance

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply when ready.

Program overview: Reach Up Vermont
Apply: myBenefits Vermont

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Vermont offers Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur for eligible residents. Applications are handled through Vermont Health Connect.

Vermont Medicaid & Dr. Dynasaur — Eligibility and enrollment

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Vermonters, including children and families.
How to start: Review eligibility information and apply online when ready.

Program overview & apply: Vermont Health Connect

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Vermont

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 Vermont

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Vermont)

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Vermont Crisis Text Line

Helps with: 24/7 text-based support for emotional distress and crisis.
How to start: Text the Vermont keyword to connect with a trained counselor.

Text: VT to 741741
Crisis Text Line

Vermont Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline

Helps with: Confidential support and connection to domestic and sexual violence services statewide.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline to reach an advocate.

Call: 1-800-228-7395
Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/vermont/