The office of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont provided this list of resources for Vermonters looking for help during the pandemic crisis.

Health

 
Vermont 2-1-1: If you are sick and have questions on how to proceed, contact your health care provider or call 2-1-1. Visit 2-1-1’s site here: https://vermont211.org/
Vermont Department of Health (VDH): For the most up-to-date guidance on public health measures in Vermont, visit: https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19

The VDH has translated information about how to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and stay healthy in 11 different languages: Arabic, Bosnian, Dinka, French, Kirundi, Lingala, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese

VDH’s Vermont Help Link: Visit this new site to find free, confidential information and referrals to substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services: https://vthelplink.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: For guidance on how to protect yourself and public health measures on the federal level, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Vermont Health Connect and Vermont Medicaid are accepting applications. If you need health insurance, sign up by calling 855-899-9600 or visiting: https://portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action
Vermont Department of Mental Health: For mental health resources visit https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/how-to-get-help or call 2-1-1

Vermont Peer Support Line: To receive non-judgmental support and speak to a “peer” call or text 833-888-2557
Vermont Health Care Advocate: A free resource available to help all Vermonters solve problems related to health care: https://vtlawhelp.org/health
Crisis Text Line: For 24/7 free, confidential counseling text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: For 24/7 free, confidential support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, call 1-800-273-8255

 

General Information and State Resources:

 
Vermont 2-1-1: For statewide resources call 2-1-1 or visit: https://vermont211.org/
Vermont Emergency Management: For information on the state’s response to COVID-19: https://vem.vermont.gov/covid19/disaster

Local governments and private nonprofit organizations taking emergency protective measures in response to COVID-19 may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement — learn more here: https://vem.vermont.gov/news/information-federal-public-assistance-eligibility-covid-19
Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development: Visit their new COVID-19 Resource Recovery Center site with information for businesses, communities and individuals: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19
VT state volunteer site: If you’d like to volunteer your skills and help our state get through this crisis visit: https://www.vermont.gov/volunteer
Office of the Vermont Attorney General: To report a scam related to the coronavirus pandemic, contact the VT AG’s Consumer Assistance Program at 1-800-649-2424 or by email at [email protected]. 

Find updates from this office here: https://ago.vermont.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information-from-the-attorney-general/#
Vermont Public Service Department:

Vermont’s utility response — a moratorium on disconnections: https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/covid-19-vermont-electric-and-natural-gas-response

Connectivity resources — internet and telecommunication services: https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/new-connectivity-resources-support-you-during-covid-19-state-emergency-vermont

An interactive map of public buildings where WiFi is publicly available for Vermonters to access at all hours, safely from a parked vehicle: https://vtpsd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c926d155167d4a5586e8e1aca1701cfa
FEMA: Information for Vermont manufacturers about how they may help provide medical supplies for front line health care workers and patients: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help
Social Security Administration: Offices are closed for in-person service. Vermonters should use online services or reach their local office directly by phone. Find information here: https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/
Vermont League of Cities and Towns: Find information on state and local funding in the federal stimulus package here: https://www.vlct.org/coronavirus
How to Report a Concern Regarding Potential Non-Compliance of the Stay-Home Executive Order: here

 

Food & Nutrition

 
Vermont 2-1-1: If you’re experiencing food insecurity call 2-1-1 for assistance. 
Hunger Free Vermont: How to access food during this crisis — from school meals, to resources for families with young children, to meal delivery programs for seniors — read this comprehensive guide: https://www.hungerfreevt.org/coronavirus
SNAP (3SquaresVT) benefits: If your financial situation has changed due to this crisis, you may be eligible for this benefit. To apply call 1-800-479-6151 or visit: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT
WIC Nutrition Program benefits: If you’re pregnant, a caregiver, or a parent with a child under 5, you may be eligible for this benefit. To find more information call 1-800-464-4343, text VTWIC to 855-11 or visit: https://www.healthvermont.gov/family/wic
School Meals: Contact your child’s school to apply for free meals and to find meal sites in your district. More information on how to apply for school meals can be found here: https://education.vermont.gov/student-support/nutrition/school-meals-information-for-families-and-caregivers/apply-for-free-and-reduced-lunch
Meal programs for seniors: Find information about meal delivery programs for seniors by calling the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119
Vermont Food Bank: Call 1-800-585-2265 or visit: https://www.vtfoodbank.org/
Vermont Retail & Grocers Association: For information on what retailers and grocers throughout the state are doing in response to the crisis — delivery, curbside pick-up and designated hours: https://vtrga.org/news/stores-offering-vulnerable-hours-and-additional-services-in-response-to-covid-19

 

Economic Services

 
VT Department of Children and Families — Economic Services Division (ESD): If your financial situation has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may qualify for economic benefits including 3SquaresVT, Fuel Assistance, General Assistance and Housing Assistance. Visit the ESD page here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/esd

To reach the Benefits Service Center call 1-800-479-6151 or visit: https://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact-us%20

To apply for heating assistance call 1-800-479-6151 or click here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/fuel-assistance

To apply for SNAP benefits (3SquaresVT) call 1-800-479-6151 or click here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT

DCF COVID-19 Information Page: https://dcf.vermont.gov/COVID-19
Community Action Agencies: For statewide services — including emergency food help, fuel and utility assistance, housing assistance, and referral information —visit: https://vermontcap.org/ or https://dcf.vermont.gov/partners/caps

Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council (BROC) — Southwestern Vermont: https://www.broc.org/

Capstone Community Action Agency — Central Vermont: https://www.capstonevt.org/

Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) — Northwestern Vermont: https://www.cvoeo.org/

Northeast Kingdom Community Action Agency (NECKA) — Northeast Kingdom: http://nekcavt.org/

Southeastern Vermont Community Action Agency (SEVCA) — Southeastern Vermont: https://www.sevca.org/

 

Economic Relief Payment Information

 
Read our full summary and FAQ information regarding the economic impact payments here
Read our update regarding how Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their payment here
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Visit the IRS economic impact payment FAQ site for comprehensive information: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know

The IRS will post key information and updates as it becomes available here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

If you need to file your 2018 or 2019 tax return, you can file for free using the IRS Free File program here: https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

The tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15th, 2020

For Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries who did not file tax returns for 2018 or 2019 and have children under the age of 17 — they should enter their payment information on the new Non-Filer website to ensure they receive the full amount they’re eligible for here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

New beneficiaries since January 1st, 2020 should also enter their information on this site. 

Check on the status of your payment here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

 

Small Businesses and Nonprofits

 
Read our full summary on support for small businesses and nonprofits here
Small Business Owner’s Guide: here
Nonprofit Resource Guide: here
Paycheck Protection Program: To apply for the program with an eligible lender, use this form: https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form–paycheck-protection-program-borrower-application-form

Visit https://www.sba.gov/ for a list of SBA lenders

Paycheck Protection Program Overview: here

Paycheck Protection Program — Borrowers Information Sheet: here
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): To apply for a loan, and the advance of up to $10,000, click here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
The Small Business Administration (SBA) coordinates with the Vermont Small Business Development Center, which can assist with applications and help businesses think through their options. Call 802-728-9101 or 800-464-7232, or request assistance here: https://www.vtsbdc.org/register/
Local SBA office: Call 1-800-659-2955 or visit: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/
Employee retention tax credit: Find information about refundable tax credits available to employers that provided paid sick and family leave to employees due to COVID-19 here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-employee-retention-credit-available-for-many-businesses-financially-impacted-by-covid-19
Small Business Debt Relief Program: Find information about immediate relief for small businesses with existing non-disaster SBA loans here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans
Vermont SCORE can assist with EIDL applications. Call 802-764-5899 or email: [email protected]. Visit the website here: https://champlainvalley.score.org/
The Center for Women and Enterprise can assist women-owned businesses: https://www.cweonline.org/About-CWE/CWE-Vermont
Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development: For further business resources: https://accd.vermont.gov/about-us/disaster-planning/covid-19-guidance-vermont-businesses
Vermont Department of Labor: https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19
Vermont Agency of Agriculture: Support for food producers here: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/covid-19-information

 

Unemployment Insurance 

 
Read our full summary on unemployment insurance here
Vermont Department of Labor: To file an initial claim call 1-877-214-3330 or 1-888-807-7072, or complete this form: https://vermont.force.com/DOLClaim/s/

If you are self-employed: Submit an initial claim by completing the same form: https://vermont.force.com/DOLClaim/s/

Sign up to receive newsletter updates from the VT DOL here: https://labor.vermont.gov/CARESact_Vermont/SelfEmployed

If you’ve already applied for unemployment insurance: Complete your weekly claim by calling 1-800-983-2300 or complete the online form: https://uipublic01.labor.vermont.gov/Claimantportal/portal/login.aspx

For general assistance: Call 1-877-214-3332. Visit the VT DOL site for more information on establishing your unemployment claim, and answers to some frequently asked questions: https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19/employees

The VT DOL has implemented an alphabetized order for Vermonters to file their weekly claims in an attempt to reduce call volumes and deliver benefits faster. Visit the following site to see when you should file your weekly claim or receive assistance: https://labor.vermont.gov/alphabetized-structure-information

 

Employment

 
Vermont Emergency Management: List of Essential Workers: here
How to File a Complaint about Health or Safety Concerns at the Workplace: 

Federal Employees (OSHA): https://www.osha.gov/workers/file_complaint.html

All Other Employees (VOSHA): https://labor.vermont.gov/vermont-occupational-safety-and-health-administration-vosha
Career Resource Centers: https://labor.vermont.gov/workforce-development/find-your-local-career-resource-center

 

Child Care/Early Education

 
Vermont Department of Children and Families: Child care for essential workers — if you need childcare, fill out this form: https://webportalapp.com/webform/essentialworkers

If you need child care for foster families, fill out this form as well. 
Vermont Agency of Education: Find information about providing childcare for essential workers here: https://education.vermont.gov/documents/guidance-child-care-essential-persons-covid19
Let’s Grow Kids: Find information and resources for children and families, early educators, and employers here: https://www.letsgrowkids.org/coronavirus
Centers for Disease Control: How to speak with children about coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html

 

Education

 
Vermont Agency of Education: Guidance for VT schools: https://education.vermont.gov/news/covid-19-guidance-vermont-schools
Vermont Afterschool Inc: Resources for afterschool and youth-serving organizations:  http://www.vermontafterschool.org/coronavirus/
School Meals: Contact your child’s school to apply for free meals and to find meal sites in your district. More information on how to apply for school meals can be found here: https://education.vermont.gov/student-support/nutrition/school-meals-information-for-families-and-caregivers/apply-for-free-and-reduced-lunch
Consumer Finance Protection Bureau: Information for student loan borrowers: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-student-loans-and-coronavirus-pandemic/
Federal Student Aid & COVID-19: Information about relief for federal student loan borrowers: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC): https://www.vsac.org/covid-19-updates-ways-vsac-can-help

 

Housing

 
Emergency Housing: If you need emergency housing call 2-1-1. 

To learn about emergency assistance for housing needs click here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/EA-GA
Federal Housing Finance Agency: Relief for homeowners: https://www.fhfa.gov/Homeownersbuyer/MortgageAssistance/Pages/Coronavirus-Assistance-Information.aspx
USDA Rural Development: Relief for homeowners with USDA mortgages: https://rd.usda.gov/coronavirus
Vermont Legal Aid: If you need legal advice regarding your housing situation call 1-800-889-2047 or fill out a request form: https://vtlawhelp.org/vlh-intake

Information on foreclosures: https://vtlawhelp.org/foreclosures-coronavirus
Vermont Tenants: For information and referrals for tenants call 802-864-0099
Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development — COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/individuals#individual-housing
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Guide to COVID-19 mortgage relief options: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/
Public Housing Authorities in Vermont: To apply for public housing and housing choice vouchers (Section 8), visit the following sites: 

Barre Housing Authority: http://www.barrehousingauthority.com/

Burlington Housing Authority: https://burlingtonhousing.org/

Montpelier Housing Authority: https://www.montpelier-vt.org/434/Housing-Authority

Rutland Housing Authority: https://www.rhavt.org/

Winooski Housing Authority: http://www.winooskihousing.org/

Vermont State Housing Authority: https://www.vsha.org/
Directory of Affordable Housing in Vermont: https://www.housingdata.org/
USDA Rural Development Multi-Family Housing Rentals: https://rdmfhrentals.sc.egov.usda.gov/RDMFHRentals/select_county.jsp?st=vt&state_name=Vermont&st_cd=50
Champlain Housing Trust: Find affordable apartments, homebuyer education, energy efficiency and rehab loan resources, and financial counseling here: https://www.getahome.org/
Vermont Housing Finance Agency: Find information about grants now available to nonprofit housing providers and public housing agencies here: https://www.vhfa.org/news/blog/vhfa-grants-120000-help-meet-immediate-housing-needs-arising-coronavirus-pandemic
Mobile Home Program: Find information about support available to mobile home owners and resident associations here: https://www.cvoeo.org/?fuseaction=dep_intro&dept_id=13
Vermont Department of Children and Families: Find information about extended housing support for homeless Vermonters here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/dcf-blog/covid19-housing-supports
Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs: https://vcrhyp.org/
Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness: https://helpingtohousevt.org/

 

Emergency Responders

 
Vermont Fire Academy: COVID-19 updates for work/volunteer fire departments — join the mailing list here
State of Vermont: Request personal protective equipment here
Center for Crime Victim Services: http://www.ccvs.vermont.gov/news/center-for-crime-victim-services-covid-19-response-and-resources/

 

Immigrants

 
Vermont Immigrant Assistance Project: South Royalton Legal Clinic — Vermont Law School: https://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/clinics-and-externships/south-royalton-legal-clinic/projects
Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV): https://www.aalv-vt.org/copy-of-health-and-behavior

 

Intimate Partner Violence

 
VT Network: If you are experiencing sexual or domestic violence you can still access resources during this crisis. Visit the following site to contact your local organization: https://vtnetwork.org/covid-19-resources/

Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-228-7395

Sexual Violence Hotline: 800-489-7273

 

Legal Resources

 
Vermont Law Help: COVID-19 legal benefits and updates for Vermonters: https://vtlawhelp.org/coronavirus-updates
Legal Services Vermont: https://legalservicesvt.org/
South Royalton Legal Clinic — Vermont Law School: https://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/clinics-and-externships/south-royalton-legal-clinic/projects

 

Seniors

 
Vermont Area Agencies on Aging: Information and help for older Vermonters and their families: https://dcf.vermont.gov/partners/aaa

Age Well VT:  https://www.agewellvt.org/

Central Vermont Council on Aging: https://www.cvcoa.org/

Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging: https://www.nekcouncil.org/

Senior Solutions- Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont: https://www.seniorsolutionsvt.org/

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging: https://www.svcoa.org/
Meal programs for seniors: Find information about meal delivery programs for seniors by calling the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119

Vermont Meals on Wheels: https://www.vermont4a.org/meals-nutrition
Vermont Senior Centers: https://asd.vermont.gov/services/vermont-senior-centers

 

Resources for Vermonters with Disabilities

 
Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living Department: Find information for developmental services providers here: https://dail.vermont.gov/novel-coronavirus-information/developmental-service-providers
Green Mountain Self Advocates: Find information about peer support here: http://www.gmsavt.org/about-us/locate-a-group-near-you/
Vermont Meals on Wheels: https://www.vcil.org/services/meals-on-wheels

 

Military Personnel

 
Department of Defense: 

Fact Sheet regarding COVID-19 personnel, pay and benefits: https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2127448/fact-sheet-covid-19-military-personnel-pay-and-benefits-policy/

Coronavirus response: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/

 

Veterans

 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Coronavirus FAQs — What veterans need to know: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/
VA White River Junction Medical Center & Community Based Outpatient Centers (CBOCs): https://www.whiteriver.va.gov/emergency/index.asp
Vermont Veteran and Family Outreach: Available 24 hours a day — call 1-888-607-8773: https://www.ngfamily.vt.gov/Programs-Services/Vermont-Veteran-Outreach/
Vermont National Guard Family Programs: https://www.ngfamily.vt.gov/Programs-Services/Vermont-Veteran-Outreach/Veteran-Outreach-Contact/
Veterans Crisis Line: Available 24 hours a day — call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255. Find more information here: https://veterans.vermont.gov/veterans-crisis

Support for deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-800-799-4889
VA Debt Management Center & COVID-19: If you have a VBA benefit debt and need financial relief, call 1-800-827-0648. Find more information here: https://www.va.gov/debtman/
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Benefits and services for Vermont veterans: https://veterans.vermont.gov/
Vermont Veterans Legal Clinic: South Royalton Legal Clinic — Vermont Law School: https://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/clinics-and-externships/south-royalton-legal-clinic/projects

 

Traveler Information

 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
U.S. Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html

Country Specific Information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
American Citizens Services and Crisis Management: Information and assistance for Americans overseas experiencing emergencies: https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/american-citizens-services-and-crisis-management
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:  https://step.state.gov/step/
Department of Homeland Security: Information about COVID-19 screening and traveler restrictions: https://www.dhs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-news-updates

Information about travel across the U.S./Canadian border: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/03/23/fact-sheet-dhs-measures-border-limit-further
Vermont Stay-Home Order: https://vem.vermont.gov/StayHome
 

 

How Can We Help?
The Burlington officeof Sen. Sanders has a team of experienced caseworkers who help Vermonters navigate federal agencies every day. If you think my office can help you, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-339-9834 or (802) 862-0697, or click here. 
If you would like to share your thoughts on pending legislation, or if you have an idea that we could address through new legislation, click here.