If you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in Vermont, you may qualify for federal and state benefits to help with medical costs, food, and daily living. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, federal vs. state programs, ABLE accounts, income limits, and where to get more help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must show that your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome prevents you from working a full-time job and is expected to last at least 12 months. SSI is for people with low income and few resources, while SSDI is for those with a work history who’ve paid into Social Security. Both programs require detailed medical records and, often, specialist evaluations to prove your disability. For SSI, you generally cannot have more than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for couples), not counting your home, one car, or certain other resources. SSDI does not have an asset limit but requires a qualifying work history. Both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration and have lengthy application processes[2].
Vermont may have rules that make it easier for people with disabilities like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to qualify for state benefits. For example, 3SquaresVT (SNAP), the state’s food assistance program, lets many Vermonters with disabilities skip some income limits and resource tests—especially if everyone in your household gets disability benefits[1]. If you have high out-of-pocket medical costs (like medications, insurance premiums, or medical supplies), you may get a higher monthly food benefit. Vermont Medicaid, including long-term services waivers, may also be available depending on your income and health needs. For developmental disability services, Vermont offers additional supports, but you must apply and sometimes appeal decisions if you’re denied[3]. If you’re not sure about your eligibility, contact state agencies or legal aid for help.
Start by applying for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) through the Social Security Administration. If you have limited income, also apply for 3SquaresVT and Vermont Medicaid. Collect medical records, proof of income, and a list of your medications and medical expenses. If you’re denied, ask for help from Vermont Legal Aid or Legal Services Vermont. For food and health benefits, you can apply online, by mail, or by phone[1][3].
1. Apply for SSI/SSDI: Go to ssa.gov to start your application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You’ll need detailed medical records showing your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work. Be ready for a long process—SSI decisions can take months. Appeal if denied.
2. Apply for 3SquaresVT: If you’re living on a fixed income or have high medical costs, 3SquaresVT can help with groceries. Apply online at mybenefits.vermont.gov, by phone, or by mail. Vermonters with disabilities often have easier eligibility rules, and you may get benefits even if you own a car or have some savings[1].
3. Apply for Vermont Medicaid: If you have low income, apply for Medicaid to cover doctor visits, prescriptions, and possibly home care. You can apply through the Department of Vermont Health Access. If you need long-term services, ask about Medicaid HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) waivers.
4. Get help if you’re denied: If you’re told you’re not eligible for benefits or services, contact Vermont Legal Aid or Legal Services Vermont for free legal help. They can help you appeal decisions, understand your rights, and connect you to other resources[3].
5. Report changes: Always tell the Social Security Administration and Vermont agencies if your income, health, or living situation changes to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
6. Consider an ABLE account: If you became disabled before age 26, you can open a Vermont ABLE account to save for disability expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits.
Social Security Disability Programs: The main federal programs are SSI (Supplemental Security Income) for low-income people, and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) for those with a work history. Both require that your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is severe enough to prevent full-time work for at least 12 months. SSI has strict income and asset limits; SSDI does not limit assets but requires enough work credits. For more, see our SSI vs SSDI guide[2].
Medicare vs Medicaid: Medicare is for people over 65 or with certain disabilities; Medicaid is for low-income people and may cover more services. Some people get both. See our Medicaid vs Medicare guide.
Work Incentives: Both SSI and SSDI have rules that let you try working without losing benefits right away. See SSI & SSDI Work Incentives for details.
3SquaresVT: Vermont’s food assistance program (SNAP) helps people with disabilities stretch their food budgets. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, you may not have to meet income limits or a resource test. Benefits can be deposited as cash or on an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores and farmers’ markets in Vermont and across the U.S.[1]
Medicaid and Waivers: Vermont Medicaid covers a wide range of health services, and waivers (HCBS) can help pay for home care, personal care, and other supports. Eligibility depends on income and disability severity. See our Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide.
Developmental Disability Services: For long-term supports, contact Vermont Developmental Disabilities Services. Legal help is available if you need to appeal a denial of services[3].
Legal Support: Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid offer free help with benefit applications, appeals, and disability rights issues[3].
State-specific information is limited for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; start with Vermont Adult Services, Department of Vermont Health Access, and Vermont Legal Aid.
If you became disabled before age 26, you can open a Vermont ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other needs-based benefits. You can contribute up to $17,000 per year (2025), and the first $100,000 in ABLE savings does not count toward SSI asset limits. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
For SSI, the federal income limit is very low (about $1,000/month in 2025 for an individual), with a $2,000 asset limit ($3,000 for couples)—but your home and usually one car don’t count. For 3SquaresVT, Vermonters with disabilities may not have to meet the usual income limits if everyone in the household receives disability benefits[1][2].
If your income goes up or your health improves, tell the Social Security Administration and Vermont agencies right away to avoid overpayments—you might have to pay back benefits if you don’t. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more.
If you get stuck with applications or appeals, Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont offer free legal help—call 1-800-889-2047 or use their online form[3].
Many people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome qualify for more than one benefit—federal disability, state food assistance, Medicaid, and sometimes developmental disability services. Apply for all you might be eligible for, and ask for help if you need it.
Yes, if your CFS is severe enough to prevent you from working full-time for at least 12 months and you meet income and asset rules for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. You’ll need strong medical evidence of your condition[2].
3SquaresVT helps with groceries, especially if you have high medical costs. Vermont Medicaid may cover health care and home supports. Vermont Legal Aid can help if you’re denied services or benefits[1][3].
For SSI, income and assets must be very low. For Vermont food benefits, rules are often easier for people with disabilities—sometimes, income limits don’t apply if you get disability benefits[1].
If you pay for medications, insurance, or medical supplies out of pocket, you may qualify for a higher food benefit. Report these costs when you apply[1].
Appeal the decision—sometimes more medical evidence or legal help can make a difference. Vermont Legal Aid offers free help with appeals[3].
Both SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits right away. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save for disability expenses without losing benefits. If you became disabled before age 26, an ABLE account can help you build savings for your future.
Apply for 3SquaresVT and Vermont Medicaid online, by phone, or by mail. For help, contact Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047[1][3].
You don’t need a lawyer, but legal aid can help if you’re denied. The application process can be complicated, especially if you’ve been denied before[3].
Contact the Social Security Administration and Vermont benefits agencies right away if your income, health, or living situation changes to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting) guide.
