Financial Assistance, Emergency Resources, and Government Funds
for Individuals and Families
Scroll below for help with housing payments, utilities, healthcare, and more
Unemployment Insurance and
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Individuals - PUA
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To better understand if you are eligible, review the Department of Labor's PUA checklist
Unemployment Insurance
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To start a new claim for unemployment compensation, click here or call 1-877-214-3330.
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Step by Step Guide to Unemployment Applicationin Vermont here
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Unemployment benefits expanded to included part-time, self-employed, and gig economy workers through December 31, 2020.
One-time Economic Impact Payments
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Haven't received this yet? Click here to check your status or request the payment.
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November 21 Midnight ET: Deadline to Request Your Economic Impact Payment
Energy Assistance and Housing
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Vermont will receive $4.1 million in LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funds to help low-income households heat and cool their homes.
To apply for heating assistance, click here or call 1-800-479-6151. -
Vermont COVID Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program: Applications are now open. (You do not need to have a VHFA mortgage.)
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60 day moratorium on foreclosures and evictions for homeowners with federally backed mortgages, and up to 180 days of forbearance during this crisis.
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Tenants and Landlords: Help with past-due rent!
Vermonters should apply for the Rental Housing Stabilization Program through the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA). Tenants and landlords apply for this program at the same time. -
Emergency housing for people who do not have a home: The Department of Children and Family's (DCF) Economic Services Division is extending housing supports; follow this link for the program rules.
Healthcare, Insurance Coverage, and
Food Assistance
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Re-authorization of the Community Health Center programs through November 30, plus an additional $1.3 billion in emergency funding.
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Permits FQHCs to offer patient care through telemedicine.
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No out of pocket costs for coronavirus testing and prevention for people with Medicare and private insurance
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If you need health insurance, Open Enrollment on VT Health Connect runs Nov 1 to Dec 15
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Medicare is required to allow fills and refills of prescription drugs up to a 3-month supply during this emergency.
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$15.5 billion in additional funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
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To apply for SNAP benefits (3squaresVT), click here or call 1-800-479-6151.
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Emergency Loans
VSECU has partnered with Vermont Community Foundation to offer both members and non-members emergency loans. Click here for details.
Hazard Pay
Grant Program
Employers in qualified sectors may be eligible to apply for $1,200 or $2000 per employee, including former employees that worked during March-May 2020.
VT Economic Services
Vermont Economic Services is waiving in-person contact requirements for benefits programs. Apply online or by phone at
1-800-479-6151.
Transportation
Green Mountain Transit is offering fare-free bus service.
Some regular services have been disrupted or canceled;
check their website or download their app.
AgeWell Helpline for Seniors
Meals on Wheels, Grocery shopping, accessing 3SquaresVT benefits, accessing care services, Medicare counseling, and more. Free and confidential help M-F at 1-800-642-5119.