3Squares In a SNAP

Across the nation, there are stories of older community members stretching their budgets to meet daily needs. To be better equipped to deal with uncertainty, many people take part in food support programs. Here in Vermont, Jo is a retired art teacher who is doing the best she can during these difficult times.

“I’m probably just skimming by with my bills, which leaves me not very much money to buy food.”

Thankfully, she has recently enrolled in 3SquaresVT which supplements her food budget so she can keep her pantry stocked. If you are interested in learning more about Jo’s story, you can find it on our blog here.

Because of the unique challenges facing older adults in accessing food, states are adopting measures to make accessing SNAP (known as 3SquaresVT here in VT) benefits easier. The Elderly Simplified Application Project, or ESAP, is designed to increase enrollment in food assistance programs by people ages 60 and up.

Vermont is doing its part by recently adopting its own ESAP to make it easier for people over the age of 60 and/or living with disabilities to access 3SquaresVT benefits. This simplified application process, known as 3Squares in a SNAP or 3SNP (“Three Snap”) consists of a shorter application and waives requirements that are not practical for eligible households. There is even a dedicated eligibility specialist assigned to each district to help with enrollment.

These are all measures shown to increase participation in the program and simplify the process. 3SNP households receive benefits for 36 months at a time. This is an increase from the 12-24 month period for a 3SquaresVT household before they must complete paperwork to recertify. Uninterrupted benefits ensure households with little change to their finances can stay on the program longer. The shorter application and simplified verification make use of existing information to avoid unnecessary paperwork. The eligibility specialist receives dedicated training around 3SNP and is there to help participants with questions around receiving benefits.

What makes someone eligible for 3SNP? 3SNP is a program for people over the age of 60 and/or living with a disability who have no sources of earned income. Earned income includes wages or salary, income from a rental property or self-employment.  A person can have sources of unearned income and still qualify for 3SNP. Some examples of unearned income are Social Security, child support, retirement, and disability benefits.

If a household is already receiving 3SquaresVT benefits and is eligible for 3SNP they will automatically be transferred over to the shorter 3SNP application the next time they reapply for benefits. If a household is new, they will be signed up for 3SNP during the initial application.  If a household has a change that makes them ineligible for 3SNP and they are currently receiving benefits, they will simply become a typical 3SquaresVT household again with the necessary reporting steps. However, they will retain a 36 month certification period instead of returning to the 12-24 month period.

3SNP, like 3SquaresVT is a federal entitlement program, meaning everyone who is eligible is able to receive benefits. This program is put in place to support our community. Our whole state benefits when someone signs up. Every SNAP dollar that is spent puts $1.50 back into our local economy.

COVID-19 has forced us to adapt in unexpected ways and continues to alter our daily routines. It is the Vermont Foodbank’s goal to connect people with the best support possible so they are prepared for whatever challenges may come next.

To learn more about 3SNP or 3SquaresVT, our friendly specialists are ready to answer your questions and, if you like, guide you through the application process. To reach us call 855-855-6186 (toll free), email 3SVT@vtfoodbank.org, text VFBSNAP to 85511 or click here.