Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is a system that allows recipients of government assistance in Vermont to access their benefits through a card similar to a debit card. In the Green Mountain State, these benefits not only help families buy food and other essentials but also offer numerous discounts and perks. EBT cardholders in Vermont enjoy reduced admission to educational and cultural institutions, among other benefits, making it easier for individuals and families on tight budgets to enjoy the state’s resources.
In addition to accessing food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the EBT card in Vermont opens the door to discounts on services and entertainment. These include museums, parks, and other attractions that are part of the state’s effort to ensure all residents, regardless of income, have the opportunity to experience Vermont’s cultural and natural heritage. This system is also part of a larger network of state programs designed to support those in need, providing a more inclusive environment for the state’s citizens.
Museum Discounts
EBT cardholders are eligible for reduced or free admission to numerous museums across the state. Notable examples include:
- ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: $3 per person for up to four people.
- Montshire Museum of Science: Admission is discounted to $3 per person for up to two adults and all children in the household.
Educational Benefits
EBT cardholders can access educational resources that provide learning opportunities for both adults and children. Programs include:
- Vermont State Parks: The day-use entry fee is waived for one vehicle holding up to eight people.
- Vermont Historical Society: Offers free entry to the Vermont History Museum and the Vermont History Center for EBT cardholders.
Public Transportation Concessions
Subsidized transportation fares are available for EBT cardholders, making travel more affordable across the state:
- Green Mountain Transit: Offers a discounted fare of 50% off for EBT cardholders.
- Go! Vermont: Provides various travel incentives, which might include transit fare reductions for EBT cardholders.
Amazon Prime Discount
Residents of Vermont holding an EBT card can now access Amazon Prime at a significantly reduced price. This initiative is part of the USDA’s pilot program that integrates online vendors for the acceptance of food stamps for delivery services.
Amazon Prime Standard and Discounted Rates
- Standard Prime Membership: $14.99 per month
- Discounted Prime for EBT Cardholders: $6.99 per month, which is more than 50% off the regular price.
Benefits of Amazon Prime Membership
1. Discounted and Free Delivery Options:
- Free Shipping: Access to fast, free shipping on over 50 million items.
- Same-Day and 2-Hour Delivery: Residents in certain cities can benefit from free same-day delivery on over a million products and free 2-hour delivery for daily essentials and groceries through Prime Now.
2. Entertainment and Streaming:
- TV Shows and Movies: Instant streaming access to thousands of options at no additional cost, available on various devices including Smart TVs, Roku, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, and mobile devices.
3. Additional Prime Benefits:
- Grocery Shopping: Use your EBT Card to order groceries through Amazon Pantry for delivery in eligible states.
- Music: Enjoy over two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations without ads.
- Reading: Unlimited access to books and magazines on any device.
- Audible Originals: Unlimited listening to original audio series from Audible.
- Twitch Prime: Access to free monthly game content, exclusive discounts, and more.
- Photo Storage: Free unlimited photo storage for all your images in one place.
Discounted Cell Phone Services
Below is a table detailing the cell phone provider participating in the Lifeline program for Vermont residents.
| Company Name | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Q Link Wireless | 855-754-6543 |
Discounted Home Phone Services
Below is a table of home phone providers that participate in the Lifeline program within Vermont.
| Company Name | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Consolidated Communications | 844-968-7224 |
| TDS Telecom/Perkinsville Telephone Company, Inc. | 888-225-5837 |
| Waitsfield-Fayston Telephone Company | 800-496-3391 |
| Vermont Telephone Company | 802-885-9002 |
| Franklin Telephone Company | 888-396-9944 |
| Topsham Telephone Company | 802-439-5325 |
| TDS Telecom/Ludlow Telephone Company | 888-225-5837 |
| Shoreham Telephone | 877-643-6246 |
| TDS Telecom/Northfield Telephone Company | 888-225-5837 |
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers substantial discounts to assist EBT cardholders with their internet costs. Here are the details:
- Monthly Internet Discount: Eligible households receive a $30 monthly discount on their internet service.
- One-Time Device Discount: There is also a one-time discount of $100 available for the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
Additionally, this internet discount can be combined with the Lifeline phone service discount to further reduce monthly expenses on both phone and internet services.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Vermont Food Stamps and EBT.