Tax relief for Individuals and Familes

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided immediate and substantial tax relief for individuals.  To learn more click here.

Tax incentives for Energy Efficiency

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided immediate and substantial tax incentives for those willing to invest energy efficiency or renewable energy.  To learn more, please click here.

Weatherization Assistance

The Vermont Weatherization Program (VWP) enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. VWP provides weatherization services such as sealing cracks, insulating attics and walls, repairing and replacing windows and doors, and repairing and cleaning heating systems.

For more information on the VWP, please visit: http://dcf.vermont.gov/oeo/weatherization

Unemployment Benefits

The ARRA provides $40 billion nationwide for extended unemployment benefits through December 31, 2009. Individuals receiving unemployment benefits receive an additional $25 a week of Federal Additional Compensation through December 2009. For more information on Vermont unemployment compensation, and how to apply for unemployment, go to: http://labor.vermont.gov/

Job Training

ARRA includes a variety of programs to train and retrain unemployed workers and provide them with the resources they need to find employment.  Most of these programs are being overseen by the Vermont Department of Labor.  For a complete overview and DOL contact information, please click here. 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The federal stimulus package will allow Vermont to request an increased percentage of funds for its TANF program, which provides temporary cash assistance to help families achieve independence.

For more information, or to find out if you meet the eligibility requirements and apply, visit the Vermont Department for Children and Families website: http://dcf.vermont.gov/

Childcare

Vermont will receive additional funding to expand and enhance the Agency of Human Services current program of providing qualified working families with access to quality, affordable childcare services.

For more information on the Child Care program, visit the Vermont for Children and Families website: http://dcf.vermont.gov/child_care

3SquaresVT (Food Assistance)

Low-income Vermont families who are enrolled in 3SquaresVT will receive increased monthly assistance under the federal recovery bill.

To find out more about 3SquaresVT or to apply online visit the Vermont Department for Children and Families website: http://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/3SquaresVT

Independent Living

Vermont will receive extra funding for its Independent Living Program that DHS administers in partnership with the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), providing information, referrals, and services to persons with disabilities that help them live and work in community settings.

Visit the DAIL website: http://dail.vermont.gov/

Health Care Assistance Program

The Medicaid federal match rate (FMAP - Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) is increased from its current 50.32% to 60.48% for nine federal fiscal quarters, dating back to October 1, 2008. State funds must first be used on qualifying Medicaid services to qualified individuals before the enhanced match may be drawn. The legislation requires that states meet federal prompt payment standards to be able to receive the enhanced FMAP monies.

To maximize federal matching funds, the majority of the increased funding will likely need to be used to meet prompt payment requirements. To qualify for enhanced Medicaid match funds (FMAP), Vermont may not decrease Medicaid eligibility. Further, enhanced FMAP is not applicable for costs associated with eligibility expansions that may occur after July 1, 2008. States must report to Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on how enhanced matching funds are expended.

For more information on FMAP and other health care-related stimulus programs in Vermont, please visit: http://ovha.vermont.gov

Social Security

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for the one-time payment of $250 to individuals who get Supplemental Security Income ( SSI) or Social Security benefits. Everyone who is entitled to a payment is expected to receive it by late May 2009. No action is required of beneficiaries. The US Social Security Administration is working on the details regarding how they will issue nearly 55 million one-time payments to beneficiaries.