Important Changes Coming in 2009:

• Income limits will increase from 130% to185% of poverty so that more Vermonters will qualify for benefits.
• For those who are income eligible, the asset test will be eliminated, meaning that resources like savings accounts will no longer count against you. Even if you have money in the bank, you could still qualify for food stamps.

If you are not currently eligible but think you may become eligible in 2009 given these changes, please do not apply now -- you will be denied! Wait until the changes take effect -- watch for an announcement on the website and in the media.

Other Important Changes Have Already Taken Effect:

• Each year on October 1, the federal government adjusts the program's income and benefit standards to reflect the current state of the economy. Your eligibility or benefit may improve with these changes.
• You can now deduct all child and dependent care costs from your gross income. This may increase your benefit amount and help you buy more food each month.
• Resources like retirement accounts and college savings accounts no longer count against you. If you have these kinds of savings, you may now be eligible for the program even if you were not in the past.

To find out how much you might be able to receive in benefits now, close this window and click the 'how much can I get?' link on the home page.