Benefits for seniors in Vermont

Medicaid for people 65 and over

Vermont Medicaid is run by the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA). The program for older adults is MABD (Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled).

• Who qualifies: You live in Vermont and are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and you meet the money rules.
• Income: Vermont uses a "protected income level" (PIL). For one or two people it is $1,375 a month outside Chittenden County, or $1,483 in Chittenden County.
• Over the income limit? You may still qualify through a "spenddown." Your medical bills are used to bring your income down to the PIL, and Medicaid can start once you reach it. Ask DVHA how this works for you.
• Assets: Up to $2,000 for one person, or $3,000 for two.
• What it covers: Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and more. With Medicare, it helps with costs Medicare does not pay.
• If you get SSI: You can usually get Medicaid automatically.

Long-term care Medicaid. Vermont's long-term care Medicaid program is Choices for Care. It pays for care at home, in an enhanced residential care home, or in a nursing home. In a nursing home you keep a personal needs allowance of $79.93 a month, and most of the rest of your income goes toward your care. A spouse at home can keep assets up to $162,660. Your home may not count if your equity is under $752,000. You apply with form 202LTC.

Estate recovery: If you were 55 or older and got long-term care through Medicaid, Vermont can seek repayment from your estate after you die, including your home. Heirs can ask for a hardship exemption in some cases. Call DVHA at 1-855-899-9600.

Help paying Medicare costs

Vermont's Medicare Savings Programs have no asset test, and the income limits are well above the federal levels.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays your Part A and Part B premiums, plus deductibles, coinsurance and copays. Income up to 150% of the poverty level: $1,995 a month for one person or $2,707 for a couple.
• QI (Qualifying Individual): Pays your Part B premium. Income above the QMB limit and up to 202% of the poverty level: $2,687 a month for one person or $3,645 for a couple. You cannot get QI if you also get Medicaid.
• SLMB has ended. Vermont closed SLMB on December 31, 2025. Most SLMB members were moved to QMB, which pays more.
• Household rule: Since April 1, 2026, relatives who live with you and depend on you for at least half their support may count in your household size. If that applies, call 1-800-250-8427.

If you get QMB or QI, you also get Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically. You still need a Medicare drug plan.

Prescription drug help

VPharm helps people on Medicare pay for prescriptions. It works with your Medicare drug plan. Income can be up to 225% of the poverty level: $2,993 a month for one person or $4,060 for a couple.

• VPharm 1: Income up to $1,995 a month for one person. Premium $15 a month per person. You must also apply for Extra Help.
• VPharm 2: Premium $20 a month per person.
• VPharm 3: Premium $50 a month per person.

When you apply for MABD, DVHA also checks you for VPharm, the Medicare Savings Programs and the Healthy Vermonters drug discount.

Extra state payment with SSI

Yes. Vermont adds money to the federal SSI payment. This state part is called AABD (Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled). For a single person living independently, the state adds $55.68 a month, for a total of $1,049.68. Social Security pays the state part with your SSI check, so you apply through Social Security.

Food help

Vermont's SNAP program is called 3SquaresVT, run by the Department for Children and Families (DCF).

• Income: Most households must have gross income at or below 185% of the poverty level.
• Over that limit? If someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled, you may still qualify. Your resources are then counted, up to $4,750. Your home and some retirement accounts do not count.
• Medical costs: Some medical costs of members 60 or older or disabled can be deducted from your income.
• Easier application ("3SquaresVT in a SNAP!"): If everyone applying is 65 or older or gets disability benefits, and no one has job income, use the short form 202-3SNP. You keep benefits for three years with no more paperwork. Call 1-800-479-6151 for a form.
• Direct deposit: If everyone in your home is 65 or older or gets SSI, benefits can go straight into your bank account.

For community meals and home-delivered meals, call your Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-642-5119.

Help staying at home

Choices for Care. This Medicaid program helps people who need nursing home level of care get that care at home or in the community.

• Who qualifies: You are 65 or older (or 18 or older with a physical disability), meet long-term care Medicaid money rules, and meet the "High" or "Highest" care need level.
• Where you can get care: At home (Traditional, Flexible Choices or Adult Family Care), in an enhanced residential care home, or in a nursing home.
• Income at home: If you get care at home, you keep a maintenance allowance of $1,483 a month for living costs.
• Two parts to approval: DVHA checks your money. The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) checks your care needs.
• Help applying: Call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 or your local home health agency.

Property tax and housing help

These programs are not just for seniors, but many older Vermonters qualify.

• Property Tax Credit (homeowners): If you file a Homestead Declaration for your home, you may get a credit on your property tax. For tax year 2025, household income must be at or below $115,400. The credit can be up to $5,600 on the state education tax and up to $2,400 on the town tax. File Form HS-122 and Schedule HI-144 by April 15, usually with your income tax return or on myVTax.
• Renter Credit: If you rented in Vermont for at least six months last year, you may get a credit of up to $2,500, depending on your county and home size. For one person, the 2025 income limit runs from $47,190 to $59,090, depending on county. File Form RCC-146 on myVTax or by mail by October 15 for the year before. Late claims are not accepted. Your landlord must file a Landlord Certificate; if they will not, call 802-828-2865.

Help with energy bills

• Seasonal Fuel Assistance: Vermont's LIHEAP program, run by DCF, helps pay heating costs over the winter. Gross monthly household income must be at or below 185% of the poverty level. Apply on myBenefits, call 1-800-479-6151 for a paper form, or visit a DCF district office.
• Crisis Fuel Assistance: For a heating emergency, such as running out of fuel or a shut-off notice, with income up to 200% of the poverty level. For oil, propane, wood and other bulk fuels, apply from the last Monday in November to the second Friday in April. Apply at your local Community Action Agency; older or disabled people may be able to apply by phone. Do not wait until you run out to apply.
• Weekend or holiday emergencies: If you are out of fuel and someone in your home is 60 or older, call 1-866-331-7741. For a furnace that is not working, call 1-877-295-7998.
• Weatherization: Households that get Seasonal Fuel Assistance can also get free weatherization.

Free help and counseling

• SHIP (State Health Insurance Program): Vermont's free Medicare counseling program, run by DAIL's Adult Services Division and provided by your local Area Agency on Aging. Counselors help you choose and use Medicare coverage. Call 1-800-642-5119.
• Senior HelpLine: 1-800-642-5119 connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging for meals, caregiver help, in-home services and benefits help.
• Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL): Vermont's state aging agency. Its Adult Services Division can be reached at 802-241-0294.

How to apply

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Vermont agencies

Check what you may qualify for