If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are Vermont-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) at labor.vermont.gov, and certify weekly through your portal.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) and Reach Up (TANF) through the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) using the myBenefits portal. Apply for Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur through Vermont Health Connect. Check eligibility for WIC via the Vermont Department of Health (VDH).
- Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) through DCF’s Economic Services Division. Contact Green Mountain Power (GMP) or Vermont Gas for hardship and budget assistance programs.
- Housing stability: Find rental, emergency shelter, and mortgage help through the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) and HUD Vermont.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 Vermont or visit vermont211.org for emergency food, housing, and legal aid connections.
🔗 Links & Resources (Vermont)
Income & Jobs
Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL):
🔗 https://labor.vermont.gov/
Unemployment Insurance (File or Reopen):
🔗 https://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance
JobLink (Job Search & Training):
🔗 https://www.vermontjoblink.com/
Food Access
3SquaresVT (SNAP):
🔗 https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT
Apply via myBenefits:
🔗 https://mybenefits.vt.gov/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://www.healthvermont.gov/family/wic
Vermont Foodbank:
🔗 https://www.vtfoodbank.org/
Health Coverage
Medicaid & Dr. Dynasaur:
🔗 https://dvha.vermont.gov/
Apply via Vermont Health Connect:
🔗 https://info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/
Community Health Centers:
🔗 https://www.bi-statepca.org/find-health-center/
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP):
🔗 https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/fuel-assistance
Weatherization Program:
🔗 https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/weatherization
Green Mountain Power Assistance Programs:
🔗 https://greenmountainpower.com/billing-payment/assistance/
Vermont Gas Assistance:
🔗 https://www.vermontgas.com/residential/assistance-programs/
Housing
Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA):
🔗 https://www.vsha.org/
HUD Vermont:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/vermont
Emergency Housing & Shelter:
🔗 https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/housing
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 Vermont:
🔗 https://vermont211.org/
Community Action Agencies in Vermont:
🔗 https://capagency.us/
Legal Help
Vermont Legal Aid:
🔗 https://vtlegalaid.org/
Disability Rights Vermont:
🔗 https://disabilityrightsvt.org/
Legal Services Vermont:
🔗 https://legalservicesvt.org/
Vermont Bar Association Lawyer Referral:
🔗 https://www.vtbar.org/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.