Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: April 28, 2026
This guide was checked using information available through 30 April 2026. Program rules can change, so always confirm details with the agency before you apply.
Bottom line
Many Vermont seniors can get help with food, heat, health care, rent, home care, property taxes, rides, legal issues, and emergency needs. The fastest first calls are Vermont 2-1-1 for urgent local help, the Senior Helpline for aging services, DCF for food and fuel help, and Green Mountain Care for Medicaid and Medicare cost help.
Contents
- Go to urgent help first.
- Use starting points for first calls.
- Check Vermont facts for context.
- Review health care and home care.
- Find food help and meals.
- Read housing help and repairs.
- Use utility help for heat.
- Check tax help and money issues.
- Find ride help, legal help, and safety.
- Use local resources for county help.
- Try phone scripts before calling.
- Read the FAQs at the end.
Urgent help in Vermont
If you are in danger, call 911. If you need shelter, food, fuel, a ride, or local help today, call 2-1-1 or use Vermont 2-1-1 during your search. It is a statewide referral service for community, health, and human services.
If you are being abused, neglected, or financially used by someone, call Adult Protective Services at 1-800-564-1612. You can also use Adult Protective Services to report online, but call 911 first if there is immediate danger.
If you are thinking about suicide, self-harm, or feel unsafe, call or text 988. You do not need to be alone when a crisis is happening.
| Need | Call first | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Food, shelter, fuel, local aid | 2-1-1 | Ask for nearby emergency help and Coordinated Entry if homeless. |
| Benefits like food or fuel | 1-800-479-6151 | Ask for DCF Economic Services and benefit screening. |
| Aging services | 1-800-642-5119 | Ask for the Area Agency on Aging that serves your town. |
| Medicaid or Medicare cost help | 1-800-250-8427 | Ask Green Mountain Care which application to use. |
Best starting points
For most needs: Start with one of these doors, then keep notes on the date, name of the person you spoke with, and what they told you.
| Starting point | Best for | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Helpline | Meals, Medicare counseling, caregiver help, case management, and local aging services. | Some services depend on your county, funding, and urgency. |
| MyBenefits | 3SquaresVT, Fuel Assistance, Reach Up, and Essential Person benefits. | You may still need documents and a follow-up call. |
| Green Mountain Care | Medicaid for people age 65+, blind, or disabled. | Income, resources, and forms can be different from regular Medicaid. |
| VSHA rental help | Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and rental assistance. | Waiting lists are common. Apply early and update your address. |
For a deeper list of official state benefit sites, use our Vermont portal guide when you are not sure which website to trust.
Key Vermont facts for seniors
Vermont has a large older population and a small rural service network. The Census QuickFacts page lists Vermont’s July 2025 population estimate at 644,663, with 22.8% age 65 or older. It also lists a 2020-2024 median gross rent of $1,234 and a poverty rate of 9.0%.
| Fact | Latest figure found | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| People age 65+ | 22.8% of Vermont residents | More demand for meals, home care, rides, and Medicare help. |
| Median gross rent | $1,234 | Rent help often has waitlists and paperwork. |
| Poverty rate | 9.0% | Food, fuel, tax, and health programs may be worth checking. |
| Rural travel | Many towns have limited transit | Ask early about medical rides and meal delivery. |
Health care, Medicare costs, and in-home care
What it helps with: Health programs can lower doctor bills, Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and long-term care costs. Some programs also help you stay at home instead of moving into a nursing home.
Who may qualify: Rules depend on income, resources, health needs, disability status, age, and whether you have Medicare. Do not guess. Apply or ask a benefits counselor to screen you.
Medicaid for older Vermonters
Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled may help low-income adults age 65 or older, blind adults, and disabled adults. If you are 65+ and need this type of Medicaid, call Green Mountain Care at 1-800-250-8427 and ask for the correct aged, blind, or disabled application.
Reality check: This program can count income and resources in special ways. If you are denied, read the notice and ask for help before the appeal deadline passes.
Choices for Care
Choices for Care is Vermont’s long-term care Medicaid path for people who need a nursing home level of care. It may help pay for care at home, in an enhanced residential care setting, in adult family care, or in a nursing facility.
Where to apply: Call DCF at 1-800-479-6151 or ask the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for help getting started. You can also ask your doctor, hospital discharge planner, or Area Agency on Aging to help gather records.
Reality check: You must meet both care need rules and money rules. An assessment is part of the process. In-home care may still depend on worker availability in your area.
Medicare Savings Programs and VPharm
Vermont expanded Medicare Savings Programs in 2026. Medicare Savings Programs can help pay Medicare costs such as the Part B premium, and QMB can help with certain Medicare cost sharing. Our MSP guide gives Vermont-specific details if your Medicare costs are the main problem.
VPharm is a state pharmacy program for Medicare Part D enrollees. VPharm help can lower Part D premiums and prescription costs for people who meet Vermont’s rules.
Where to apply: Call Green Mountain Care at 1-800-250-8427. If you want someone to compare Medicare plans with you, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Reality check: Medicare plan choices can change each year. Check Part D or Medicare Advantage coverage each fall, especially if your drugs changed.
Dental and medical equipment
Dental care can be hard to find, even when a program helps pay. Start with your insurance card, then ask your Area Agency on Aging for nearby clinics and donated-care options. Our dental guide can help you check Vermont dental options without calling random offices first.
If you need a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, or other durable medical equipment, ask your doctor for a prescription when needed. Our Vermont DME guide lists reuse and loan options for equipment.
Food, grocery, and meal help
What it helps with: Food programs can help with groceries, home-delivered meals, senior meal sites, produce, and monthly food boxes.
Who may qualify: Some programs are for people age 60 or older. Others look at income, disability status, household size, or whether you can shop and cook safely.
3SquaresVT
3SquaresVT is Vermont’s name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It puts food money on an EBT card that can be used at many grocery stores and some farmers markets. Older and disabled Vermonters may use 3SquaresVT in a SNAP if everyone applying meets the simplified-application rules.
Where to apply: Apply through MyBenefits or call DCF at 1-800-479-6151. If you are age 60 or older, the Senior Helpline can also help you find an application helper.
Reality check: Tell DCF about high medical costs, rent, utilities, and who buys and cooks food with you. These details can matter.
Meals and food boxes
Area Agencies on Aging can connect older adults to home-delivered meals, senior meal sites, and nutrition counseling. If money is tight, ask about both meals and grocery help. The Vermont Foodbank CSFP program provides monthly staple food boxes for eligible adults age 60 or older.
Vermont also has seasonal produce programs. Senior Farm Share helps eligible older adults receive local produce through farms and partner agencies.
Reality check: Meal routes, CSFP, and farm shares can fill up. Ask to be put on the list anyway, and ask what food pantry or VeggieVanGo site can help while you wait.
Housing, rent, and home repair
What it helps with: Housing help may lower rent, prevent homelessness, find senior apartments, repair unsafe homes, or add accessibility changes.
Who may qualify: Rules depend on income, age, disability, household size, housing status, and whether a waiting list is open.
Rental help and senior housing
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers help low-income renters pay part of the rent in private housing. Older adults and people with disabilities may qualify, but there is no promise of fast placement. Use VSHA applications to check how the Vermont State Housing Authority handles applications.
If you need a broader plan, our housing guide covers vouchers, senior apartments, emergency housing, and repair paths in Vermont.
Reality check: Apply to more than one housing list when allowed. Keep your phone, email, and mailing address current. Many people lose a spot because a letter is returned.
Homelessness and emergency housing
If you are homeless or may lose housing, call 2-1-1 and ask for Coordinated Entry. Coordinated Entry is the local process used to connect people in a housing crisis with shelter and housing help. If DCF denies emergency housing and you think the decision is wrong, ask for the written reason and get help quickly.
Vermont Legal Aid explains emergency housing issues on its emergency housing page, and local legal aid can help you understand appeal steps.
Home repairs and accessibility
For owners, repair help may come from weatherization, USDA, a local nonprofit, or a disability access program. USDA home repair offers loans and grants for very-low-income homeowners, with grants for homeowners age 62 or older who cannot repay a loan.
Our home repair guide can help you sort grants, loans, weatherization, and safety repairs without assuming every program is free.
Reality check: Repair help often takes time. Programs may inspect the home, ask for proof of ownership, and limit work to health, safety, energy, or access needs.
Heat, utilities, and phone discounts
What it helps with: Vermont energy programs can help pay part of heating costs, fix some heating emergencies, lower future energy use, or reduce phone and internet costs.
Fuel Assistance and crisis fuel
Vermont Fuel Assistance helps eligible households with heating costs. Start with Fuel Assistance through DCF or apply through MyBenefits if you also need 3SquaresVT.
Crisis Fuel Assistance is for urgent heating problems during the heating season. The state posts rules and seasonal details in its crisis fuel rule, but the faster step is to call DCF at 1-800-479-6151 or 2-1-1 when you are nearly out of fuel or facing shutoff.
Reality check: Do not wait until the tank is empty. Crisis programs often need vendor information, account numbers, and proof of the emergency.
Weatherization and utility help
Weatherization can improve insulation, air sealing, heating systems, and safety issues for income-eligible households. Renters may qualify, but landlords often must agree to the work.
For electric bills, ask your utility about budget billing, hardship plans, and arrearage help. Green Mountain Power customers can check Green Mountain Power assistance options and ask about payment plans before a shutoff date.
The federal Lifeline program can lower phone or internet costs for eligible households. It is not the same as the ended Affordable Connectivity Program.
Taxes, property relief, and money help
What it helps with: Vermont tax programs can lower property taxes, offer a renter credit, or reduce state tax on some Social Security benefits.
Property Tax Credit and Renter Credit
Older homeowners should check the Vermont Property Tax Credit each year if they own and live in a Vermont homestead. Renters should check the Renter Credit even if they do not have to file a regular income tax return.
Our property tax guide explains Vermont filing dates, forms, and local hardship options in more detail.
Reality check: Tax credits have yearly deadlines and forms. File even if you think the amount may be small, and keep a copy of your claim.
Local financial help
For small gaps like a car repair, a fuel shortfall, a co-pay, or a late bill, call 2-1-1 and your Area Agency on Aging. Our local aid guide can help you decide whether to call a town office, Community Action Agency, church fund, or charity first.
Reality check: Local funds are limited. Ask what documents they need before you travel, and ask when funds reopen if money has run out.
Rides, legal help, caregiving, and safety
Transportation help
Vermont has ride programs for older adults, people with disabilities, and Medicaid members. O&D rides may help fill gaps for people age 60+ and people with disabilities. Medicaid members should ask about non-emergency medical transportation for covered medical visits.
Our transportation guide gives more ways to ask for rides, fare help, and volunteer driver programs.
Reality check: Book early. Shared rides can take longer, and rural areas may have limited trip times.
Legal help and appeals
Benefits can be denied for missing papers, income questions, missed interviews, or changed rules. Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont help low-income Vermonters with many benefit, housing, health care, and legal problems.
If you get a denial, do not throw the notice away. It should say why you were denied and how long you have to appeal. Ask for help before the deadline.
Caregivers and veterans
Family caregivers can call the Senior Helpline for respite, training, and support. Our caregiver pay guide explains when family caregiver pay may be possible in Vermont.
Senior veterans should also check VA benefits, state veteran services, tax relief, and home-care options. Our veterans guide can help veterans and surviving spouses find Vermont-specific starting points.
Scams and consumer help
Never pay to apply for a government benefit. Do not pay callers with gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or payment apps. If you think you were scammed, contact the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer help program and call your bank right away.
How to start without wasting time
- Pick the most urgent need first: heat, food, rent, medical care, or safety.
- Call the matching first door from the table near the top.
- Ask for screening for every program that may fit, not just one benefit.
- Write down names, dates, phone numbers, and next steps.
- Keep copies of all forms, notices, uploads, and mailed documents.
- Follow up if you do not hear back by the date they gave you.
Documents to gather
| Document | Why it helps | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Shows who you are. | Ask about other proof if your ID expired. |
| Social Security or pension letters | Shows monthly income. | Use the newest award letter. |
| Bank statements | Needed for some Medicaid and care programs. | Ask how many months are needed. |
| Rent, lease, mortgage, or tax bill | Shows housing cost. | Include lot rent if you own a mobile home. |
| Utility or fuel bill | Needed for energy help. | Have the account number ready. |
| Medical bills and drug costs | May affect food or health help. | Keep receipts and pharmacy printouts. |
| Denial or shutoff notice | Shows urgent need or appeal rights. | Take a clear photo before mailing anything. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long: Apply before the shutoff, move-out date, or empty fuel tank.
- Not reporting medical costs: Older adults may miss help if they leave out out-of-pocket costs.
- Using only one housing list: Apply to several legal options when allowed.
- Missing mail: Agencies may close a case if you miss a notice.
- Paying application fees: Real public benefits do not require a private fee to apply.
- Giving up after denial: Some denials can be fixed with one missing document or an appeal.
What to do if denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
Ask for the decision in writing. Read the reason, the date, and the appeal deadline. If the problem is missing proof, ask exactly what proof will fix it. If the issue is eligibility, ask a legal aid office or benefits counselor to review the notice.
If you feel overwhelmed, call the Senior Helpline and say you need help making a plan. If you have a disability, ask the agency for a reasonable accommodation, such as extra time, phone help, large print, or help gathering documents.
For disability-related services, our disabled seniors guide lists more Vermont resources that may help with access and support.
Backup options when a program is full
When a program is full, ask three questions: Can I get on the waitlist? Is there another program in my county? When should I call again? For housing, ask about HomeShare, subsidized apartments, local housing trusts, and town funds. HomeShare Vermont may help match people who have extra room with people who need an affordable place to live.
For care at home, ask whether SASH Vermont is available in your housing site or community. It is not a cash grant, but it can connect some older adults with wellness and care coordination.
Local Vermont resources
Vermont’s five Area Agencies on Aging serve different counties, but the statewide Senior Helpline can route you. If you are not sure which office covers your town, call 1-800-642-5119.
- Age Well serves northwestern Vermont, including Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties.
- Central Vermont Council on Aging serves many central Vermont towns.
- Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging serves Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties.
- Senior Solutions serves southeastern Vermont.
- Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging serves Bennington and Rutland county areas.
Our Vermont AAA guide can help you match your county to the right aging office.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling DCF about food and fuel
“Hello, my name is ____. I am a Vermont resident age ____. I need help with food and heat. Can you screen me for 3SquaresVT, Fuel Assistance, and any emergency help? Please tell me what documents you need and how I can send them.”
Calling the Senior Helpline
“Hello, I need help staying safe at home. I need help with meals, rides, Medicare costs, and local services. Can you connect me to the Area Agency on Aging for my town and tell me what programs I should ask about first?”
Calling about housing
“Hello, I am a senior on a fixed income. I need rent help or senior housing. Are any voucher, senior apartment, or project-based waiting lists open? Can you tell me how to apply and how to keep my address updated?”
Calling after a denial
“Hello, I received a denial notice dated ____. I do not understand the reason. Can you explain what proof is missing, the appeal deadline, and whether my benefits can continue while I appeal?”
Resumen en español
Los adultos mayores en Vermont pueden pedir ayuda para comida, calefacción, vivienda, Medicaid, costos de Medicare, transporte, impuestos, servicios legales y emergencias. Para ayuda rápida, llame al 2-1-1. Para servicios de envejecimiento, llame al 1-800-642-5119. Para 3SquaresVT y Fuel Assistance, llame a DCF al 1-800-479-6151. Para Medicaid y ayuda con Medicare, llame a Green Mountain Care al 1-800-250-8427. Guarde copias de todos los documentos y pida una carta por escrito si le niegan ayuda.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a Vermont senior start for help?
Start with Vermont 2-1-1 for urgent local help, the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for aging services, DCF at 1-800-479-6151 for food and fuel help, and Green Mountain Care at 1-800-250-8427 for Medicaid or Medicare cost help.
Can seniors get help paying for food in Vermont?
Yes. 3SquaresVT can help with groceries, Area Agencies on Aging can help with meals, and Vermont Foodbank programs may help with monthly food boxes or produce options.
What helps with heating bills in Vermont?
Fuel Assistance may help with heating costs, and Crisis Fuel Assistance may help during a heating emergency. Weatherization can also lower future energy costs for eligible households.
Can Vermont Medicaid pay for care at home?
Choices for Care may help pay for in-home care if you meet both the nursing-home-level care rule and financial rules. Call DCF or the Senior Helpline to ask for screening.
What if my benefit application is denied?
Keep the notice, read the appeal deadline, ask what proof is missing, and contact Vermont Legal Aid or Legal Services Vermont if you need help with a benefits, housing, or health care appeal.
Are there grants for home repairs in Vermont?
Some help may be available through USDA home repair, weatherization, local nonprofits, or accessibility programs. Many programs have inspections, income rules, and waitlists.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Next review date: July 28, 2026
About this guide
We check this guide against official government, local agency, and trusted nonprofit sources. GrantsForSeniors.org is independent and is not a government agency.
Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply.
See something wrong or outdated? Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections.
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