Not safe at home
If you are in danger now, call 911
You can talk with an advocate any time. It is free and private, and they can help you make a safety plan.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233
- 911Emergency
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall 988
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineText 988
If someone checks your phone, use a private window or a safer device.
What to do first
- If you are in danger now, call 911.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Someone answers any time.
- Use a phone or computer the other person cannot check, and a private browser window.
- Ask the hotline or 211 about shelter and your state's programs for people leaving abuse.
- When you are safe, apply for health coverage, food and cash help in your own name.
Talk it through
If it is safe to type, tell us what is going on. Use a private browser window on a device the other person cannot check.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
People leaving domestic abuse can sign up for their own Marketplace plan outside open enrollment. You have 60 days.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from Vermont
Vermont programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department for Children and Families
Domestic Violence Resources
DCF lists state and community services that help people affected by domestic violence.
Department for Children and Families and Department of Housing and Community Development
Emergency Housing
Also: Homelessness and Housing Stability
Emergency Housing can provide temporary lodging to eligible households in an emergency.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing Opportunity Program
The Housing Opportunity Program funds local partners that provide homelessness prevention and rental assistance.
Department for Children and Families
Reach Up
In Vermont, TANF is called Reach Up.
Reach Up provides cash and services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families
3SquaresVT
In Vermont, SNAP is called 3SquaresVT.
3SquaresVT helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Vermont Health Access
Green Mountain Care Medicaid
In Vermont, Medicaid is called Green Mountain Care.
Green Mountain Care provides Medicaid health coverage to eligible Vermonters.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
TheHotline.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free and confidential. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter near you.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Vermont 2-1-1
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988