Apply for Services
The Department of Aging and Disability Services offers a myriad of programs and services to assist older adults and people with disabilities.
The best way to apply for services is to contact the program that interests you. If you are unsure of the exact program you are interested in, you can contact our Bureaus and Departments to obtain more generalized information about programs that might assist you.
Access Through Technology Program - Also known as the FCC National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, this program helps provide equipment needed to make telecommunications, advanced communications and the internet accessible to low-income individuals in Connecticut who have both significant vision loss and significant hearing loss. More information can be found at our website www.CTtechact.com/att
Assistive Technology Loan Program – The Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) is a low-interest financial loan to help individuals with disabilities or their family members purchase Assistive Technology devices and services needed to enhance independence and/or functioning in the community, education and/or employment. More information can be found at our website www.CTtechact.com/loan.
Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind – provides a full range of educational, independent living and vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with significant vision loss or blindness. To apply for services, have your eye doctor complete and submit the Eye Doctor Reporting Form by fax to 860-706-5809. For more information on services please contact Christopher Lassen by email at christopher.lassen@ct.gov or by calling 860-602-4180.
Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program - This program offers relief to stressed caregivers by providing information, support, the development of an appropriate plan of care, and services for the individual with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias. To apply, contact the Area Agency on Aging in your area by calling 1-800-994-9422 (in CT).
Connect-to-Work Project - Allows individuals who receive Social Security Disability benefits to better understand the impact returning to work will have on their disability benefits. To apply call 1-800-773-4636 or contact your local Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Office.
Disability Determination Services - this bureau is responsible for deciding medical eligibility for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. These programs provide cash benefits and medical insurance to individuals who are unable to maintain employment due to the severity of their disabilities.
You can apply for SSDI and SSI benefits:
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On line: www.ssa.gov,
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By phone: 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 from 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday.
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In person: Find your local Social Security Office
For more information about applying for SSDI and SSI benefits, please visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
Level Up - Level Up is all about providing students with the tools, training and resources to work competitively and forge a path to independence. Working together we are building relationships with schools, families and the community and have created a collaborative partnership that introduces students who have an IEP, 504 plan or related challenges to new possibilities. Our goal is to help students be prepared to go out and find their place in the world. To request more information on Level Up follow this link and fill out the form or call 1-866-844-1903. To find the Level Up region for your school follow this link.
Driver Training Program - This program provides evaluation, training and license certification through the Department of Motor Vehicles for individuals with physical disabilities who must utilize special equipment to drive using a modified vehicle in the state of Connecticut. To apply, first contact the program at 1-800-537-2549 to have your name placed on our waiting list for training, then contact the DMV Driver Services Division at (860) 263-5723 to obtain the required medical clearance.
Independent Living Program - The Independent Living Program provides comprehensive independent living services to persons with significant disabilities through contracts with Connecticut’s five community-based Centers for Independent Living. For more information on applying for services visit www.cacil.net or call (203) 378-6977.
National Family Caregiver Support Program - This program is designed to give caregivers a variety of services to lean on so they can have support when caring for their loved ones at home. The program was created for family and other unpaid caregivers supporting older individuals, as well as grandparents, older relatives and parents 55 and over of adult children with disabilities. To apply, contact the Area Agency on Aging in your area by calling 1-800-994-9422 (in CT).
Vocational Rehabilitation Program - Bureau of Rehabilitation Services - The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) provides vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to assist Connecticut residents with significant disabilities to find and keep employment. If you would like to apply for VR services, it is recommended that you make arrangements with the BRS office nearest to where you live to file the actual application in person. We do not offer online applications at this time. For more information please call 1-800-537-2549 or email DORS.BRS.ContactUs@ct.gov.