Overview
Get money to buy food
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) gives people in Connecticut help to buy food. It used to be called “food stamps.” SNAP benefits include:
- Monthly money on a debit-like EBT card to buy food
- Free education and job training through SNAP
- Get $2 for every $1 when you spend your SNAP money at certain Farmer’s Markets and Farm Stands
- Free budget-friendly and healthy recipes and nutrition tips
- Free admission to the Mystic Aquarium for you and three guests
How SNAP works
- Apply
Fill out the application form online, by mail, or in-person - Wait to be asked for more documents or called for an interview
We will see if we need more information to know if you are eligible for SNAP - Get an answer in 30 days or less
We will mail you a letter with the result - Start buying food
If you’re approved, you will get an EBT card in the mail that gets money added each month - Make sure to renew [hyperlink to Renew page]
Most people need to submit forms every 6 months to keep getting SNAP
If you have little or no money right now
We will process your application as an emergency and respond within 7 days. We will give you SNAP benefits for 1-2 months as soon as we can.
We still need the rest of your documents and may interview you, so that you can keep getting SNAP benefits.
You will get emergency processing if your household:
- Makes less than $150 a month and has less than $100 in the bank, or
- Has combined rent/mortgage and utility bills that are more than your total income and assets before taxes, or
- Are migrant or seasonal farmworkers living in Connecticut.
If you need more food help
You can call 211 or visit 211.org
What you can buy with your EBT card
- You can buy groceries, such as:
○Fruits and vegetables;
○Meat, poultry, fish;
○Dairy products;
○Breads and cereals;
○Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages;
○Seeds and plants, to grow food to eat.
- You can’t buy:
○Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
○Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
○Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
○Foods that are hot when sold
○Any nonfood items such as:
■Pet foods
■Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies.
■Hygiene items, cosmetics
UPDATED!! May 30, 2023 - Expansion of purchasing options of food with SNAP benefits; Balducci’s and Kings Food Markets join growing list of online retailers.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is pleased to announce Balducci’s andKings Food Marketsnow offer online purchasing for delivery and in-store pickup to SNAP households in their Connecticut locations. Balducci’s operates stores in Westport and Greenwich, while Kings has a store located in Old Greenwich.
**We are also pleased to have other major food retailers – ACME, Aldi, Amazon, Big Y, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Food Bazaar, Geissler’s Supermarket, Price Chopper / Market 32, Price Rite, Sam’s Club Scan & Go, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Target, Walmart , and Whole Foods-- offering online purchasing of food with SNAP benefits in Connecticut. In addition, many of the retailers listed allow for online delivery through their store or with a partnership with Instacart.
Please note: only SNAP benefits on EBT cards can be used for online purchases. At this time, cash assistance benefits on EBT cards cannot be used for any part of online shopping, including shipping, delivery, or service fees. Customers will need a secondary form of payment for non-food items, such as taxes, tips, and fees, per federal SNAP guidelines.
While federal rules do not allow any SNAP benefits to be used for shipping, delivery or service fees, some food retailers may choose to waive fees, if applicable. Online shopping customers using SNAP benefits must use another means of payment for any fees and/or any non-SNAP-eligible items they wish to purchase.
SNAP benefits are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which also regulates which foods are eligible for purchase with the benefits. FNS is the authorizing agency for food retailers participating in the program. For information about enrolling in SNAP EBT and online food sales through SNAP, food retailers can visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-requirements-provide-online-purchasing.
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NEW! Connecticut’s SNAP-eligible households to receive final additional emergency food benefits Wednesday, February 15
The Connecticut Department of Social Services today announced that will it deliver over $36 million in Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to over 219,752 Connecticut households Wednesday, February 15, 2023. As a result of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, this is the last distribution of Emergency SNAP benefits that will be provided to SNAP recipients in all states.
The Emergency SNAP benefits began in April 2020, as passed in the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. Since then, and counting the final distribution on February 15, Connecticut has delivered over $1.04 billion in extra federal food assistance benefits.
The February 15 federal allocation will provide a minimum of $95 and average of $157 in extra food aid to all enrolled households.
Specifically:
- All 219,750 SNAP-eligible households statewide will receive the emergency benefits on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards by 5 p.m. on February 15, 2023. The term ‘households’ refers to families or individuals living alone who qualify for SNAP.
- Households already eligible for the maximum monthly SNAP benefit will receive an extra $95.
- The remaining households that don’t usually qualify for the maximum monthly SNAP benefit because of income or other factors will receive extra benefits of at least $95 but averaging an estimated $157.26 (depending on their specific benefit situation).
- With this additional $36 million allocation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, emergency benefits are totaling over $1.04 billion in additional SNAP assistance statewide over 34 months, with commensurate spending at supermarkets, groceries, farmers markets, online and other food retailers.
- The $95 minimum amount results from President Biden’s January 22, 2021, executive order, which required the USDA to consider new guidance allowing states to increase SNAP emergency benefit allocations for all households, including those previously ineligible to receive it.
- All households also received their normal SNAP benefits, based on the new Thrifty Food Plan amounts, on one of the first three days of the month as they normally do, according to last name.
- If a household is granted regular SNAP benefits, or has a change made to their case, any day on or after tomorrow, February 10, the additional SNAP benefits will be added to the EBT card on the next Friday, depending on the date of granting.
- The recently signed federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 requires states to end the distribution of Emergency SNAP benefits after the February 2023 distributions. As a result, beginning in March 2023, SNAP recipients will not receive a second SNAP deposit mid-month.
In light of recent reports of skimming and phishing scams affecting EBT cardholders, DSS continues to strongly recommend that clients change the PIN for their EBT cards periodically to prevent theft and especially before this deposit.
For additional information and resources regarding the ending of the Emergency SNAP benefits, visit www.ct.gov/snap/extracovidbenefits
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September 28, 2022: GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS BEGINNING OCTOBER 1
More Working Families, Single and Older Adults Will Become Eligible for SNAP; Monthly Benefits Will Rise More Than 12% For All Current Enrollees
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will implement new eligibility benefit levels in the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beginning October 1, 2022, that will result in an estimated 44,000 additional Connecticut residents in 17,600 households becoming eligible for the food assistance program. Additionally, current enrollees will receive more than a 12% increase in their monthly benefits from the program’s annual cost-of-living adjustment.
Connecticut’s SNAP program serves more than 222,600 households, including 138,800 children. Formerly known as food stamps, the federally funded service combats food insecurity for eligible working families, other qualified adults, older adults, and persons with disabilities.
“Expanding the eligibility levels will enable a greater number of individuals and families to qualify for this program and ensure greater access to quality, nutritious food at Connecticut supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers markets,” Governor Lamont said. “By continuing our partnership with the federal government, actions like this will help in our efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity.”
Under the new eligibility benefit levels, Connecticut residents will qualify for SNAP if their monthly gross income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (for example, this would include $2,265 for a single person and $4,625 for a four-person household). This is an increase from the most recent eligibility benefit level of 185% of the federal poverty level ($1,986 for a single person and $4,086 for a four-person household).
The annual cost-of-living adjustment will result in households receiving an average 12.46% increase in their regular monthly food benefits. Specific amounts are geared to household and income size. For example, a household of four receiving the maximum SNAP benefit will see an increase of $104, from $835 to $939. A single person will receive an extra $31 in maximum benefits, from $250 to $281. The first monthly payment that includes this cost-of-living adjustment will be received by enrollees on October 1, 2, or 3, depending on the spelling of their last name.
DSS Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford notes that SNAP enrollees automatically become eligible for other services, ranging from Head Start to winter heating assistance.
“Simply put, qualifying for SNAP will help more Connecticut parents support their children’s health and education in other ways,” Commissioner Gifford said. “This is because families enrolled in SNAP are automatically eligible for Head Start, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, and National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. It’s also important to point out that SNAP enrollees of all ages are also automatically eligible for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. I join Governor Lamont and our partners in human services and advocacy to encourage residents who need help with their food budget to consider applying for the SNAP program.”
Governor Lamont said Connecticut’s move to expand SNAP eligibility is especially timely with this week’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health – the first such conference since 1969 – and the release of a national strategy with actions the federal government will take to help end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030 so that fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
SNAP enrollees are issued electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which work like a debit card and are replenished for every month of eligibility. The cards can be used at participating food markets and grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, and online at many retailers for food items approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. DSS recommends that SNAP enrollees change their EBT PINs each month to prevent benefits from being stolen due to illegal scams or skimming operations.
Guidance on the new eligibility levels, along with application and program information, are available online at www.ct.gov/snap.
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September 28, 2022 - Higher income-eligibility levels for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Connecticut (up to 200% of the federal poverty level, effective October 1, 2022); please see Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP--Eligibility (ct.gov).
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Cost-of-living adjustment/benefit increase for all SNAP enrollees in Connecticut, based on household size (beginning in October 2023 monthly benefit amount):
Maximum SNAP benefits will increase, on average, 3.6%
|
Household Size |
Old Amount |
New Amount |
% Increase |
|
1 |
$281.00 |
$291.00 |
3.6% |
|
2 |
$516.00 |
$535.00 |
3.7% |
|
3 |
$740.00 |
$766.00 |
3.5% |
|
4 |
$939.00 |
$973.00 |
3.6% |
|
5 |
$1,116.00 |
$1,155.00 |
3.5% |
|
6 |
$1,339.00 |
$1,386.00 |
3.5% |
|
7 |
$1,480.00 |
$1,532.00 |
3.5% |
|
8 |
$1,691.00 |
$1,751.00 |
3.5% |
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IMPORTANT: We have received reports that individuals are receiving text messages similar to the one below from an alleged State of CT email address. This is a scam, and the sender should be ignored/blocked. DSS is not sending text messages for any programs at this time. If individuals may have responded and provided their EBT information, they should immediately call 1-888-328-2666 to cancel their card and request a new one.
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Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
Overview
The Department of Social Services is pleased to announce a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) demonstration project for older adults and those with disabilities. Once enrolled in SNAP, eligible households qualifying for the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) will experience additional flexibilities to support continued enrollment.
Flexibilities in ESAP include:
- An expanded three-year SNAP certification period of eligibility;
- No periodic report form will be due halfway through the certification cycle, as is usually the case for SNAP enrollees;
- Revised reporting requirements (explained in greater detail below); and
- The opportunity for some relaxed renewal flexibilities, when households meet additional requirements.
ESAP Eligibility Criteria:
- All adult (18 years or older) household members must be determined elderly (60 years or older) or with a disability, per SNAP regulations and
- No household members can be employed (i.e., receive countable earned income).
Revised Reporting Requirements:
Please note that ESAP-eligible SNAP households need to report information to DSS before their renewal is due if they experience a household change that would disqualify them from ESAP (for example, if the household no longer includes an older adult or adult with disability, or if they start working). All SNAP households must report if they receive lotto/gambling winnings equal to or in excess of $4,250.
SNAP Definition of a Disability:
An individual who meets one or more of the following:
- Receives disability or blindness benefits from any of these programs: Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or SSI-related Medicaid.
- Receives a federally or state administered SSI supplement based on disability or blindness, or section 212(a) of PL 93-66.
Receives a disability retirement benefit from a government agency for a disability considered permanent by SSA.
- Is a veteran the VA considers totally disabled or permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance.
- Is a veteran’s surviving spouse who the VA considers:
- in need of regular aid and attendance,
- permanently housebound, or
- approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA.
- Is a veteran’s surviving child who the VA considers:
- incapable of self-support, or
- approved for benefits because of the veteran’s death and has a disability considered permanent by SSA
- receives interim assistance benefits pending the receipt of Supplemental Security Income, receives disability related medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act, or receives disability-based State general assistance (SAGA) benefits provided that the eligibility to receive any of these benefits is based upon disability or blindness criteria established by the State agency which are at least as stringent as those used under title XVI of the Social Security Act.
ESAP is designed to increase the efficiency of SNAP and reduce food insecurity among a population whose household circumstances generally stay the same and can have additional barriers associated with age or disability, such as transportation or mobility. The Connecticut Department of Social Services was approved for this demonstration project by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the agency that administers and funds SNAP nationwide. We look forward to serving you! [updated 10-30-20]
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For Expedited SNAP cases: DSS will still issues SNAP benefits for one or two months, depending on whether the application was received before or after the 15th of the month, while the interview and verifications are pending. Just as above, If the household then responds with the needed information before completing the interview, and all the criteria above are met, the DSS worker will process the case without the interview. Please note: Expedited SNAP cases are those where the household has gross income less than $150 and liquid assets less than $100 in the month of application, whose combined income and assets are less than their combined rent/mortgage and utility expenses, or who are migrant or seasonal farmworkers who are destitute and have liquid assets less than $100 while residing in Connecticut.
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps eligible individuals and families afford the cost of food at supermarkets, grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
SNAP Time Limits for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs): What you should know
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SNAP recipients in Connecticut must report when their household’s total monthly gross income goes above 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Please follow this link to learn more about income reporting requirements.
Mensaje Importante sobre SNAP
Beneficiarios de SNAP en Connecticut tienen que reportar cuando el total del ingreso bruto mensual de su hogar exceda el 130% del nivel federal de pobreza (FPL) Oprime aquí para obtener más información.
Click this link to view the CT SNAP Policy Handbook.
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
USDA Aviso de No Discriminación - Please use IE, Chrome or Firefox browser to open this link.
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If you're enrolled in SNAP, you can now take care of your 'periodic report form' online!Check outwww.ct.gov/dss/snapreportform |
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FREE ADMISSION TO MYSTIC AQUARIUM FOR SNAP EBT CARD HOLDERS
For your safety, ALL Aquarium visits now require a timed ticket and must be reserved online. Click Here to Learn More