How To Apply For Connecticut Food Stamps

View the information below if you are interested in applying for food stamps in Connecticut. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the Connecticut SNAP hotline at 855-626-6632. The department that handles this program is called the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

The Connecticut 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. You can apply for these benefits by completing a state application form. This form can be done online, mailed, faxed, or dropped off at a local DSS Regional Office. Once the form is complete, you will be assigned an eligibility worker who will interview you to complete the application process.

If you prefer, you can fill out the application for SNAP benefits at your local Department of Social Services office. You can also authorize someone else to do the application paperwork for you. If you are unable to get to a DSS office, and if there is no one who can go for you, ask DSS to do your application interview by mail and phone, or you can apply online. For application information, please visit www.ct.gov/dss/apply, or view the information below.

• Households and individuals who wish to apply for SNAP can download the application. English - Spanish
• To apply online you can go to www.connect.ct.gov, under Apply for Benefits
• You may also use the DSS ConneCT pre-screening tool online at www.ct.gov/dss or www.connect.ct.gov

Connecticut SNAP eligibility requirements

To receive SNAP benefits in Connecticut, household income and other resources have to be under certain limits and are reviewed. For some households, there is also an asset limit. The income standards for SNAP are based on the federal poverty levels (FPL). All income standards listed in table listed below are monthly figures. There are gross and net income limits.

The gross income limit is equal to 185% of the current FPL and is the amount of income the household has before taxes and deductions. The gross income limit applies to most households. The gross income limit does not apply to households in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income. However, all households are subject to a monthly net income limit. The net income limit is equal to the current FPL and is the amount left over after certain deductions are allowed.

Monthly Income Limits

There is no asset limit except for households whose gross income is more than 185% of the FPL. For those households, total assets including cash, savings accounts, stocks and bonds cannot be more than $3250. They do not include the home the client lives in as an asset, nor do they put a lien on the home. They also do not count vehicles or retirement accounts, such as IRAs. Again, these asset limits only apply to households whose gross income is more than 185% of the FPL.

A "household" is all the people who live together and buy and prepare food together. Once a household meets the eligibility requirements, they calculate the amount of the household's SNAP benefit based on the household's income and certain allowable deductions for shelter, dependent care expenses, medical costs and child support payments to others outside the household. Shelter costs are rent and mortgage payments, heating or cooling not included in rent, and utility and monthly telephone services charges.

The maximum SNAP benefit amounts are listed in the table below. For more information about income limits and benefit amounts for households of 5 or more, or for any other information about SNAP, please call 800-842-1508. To find out if you may be eligible for SNAP based on income, go to the End Hunger Connecticut's SNAP Prescreener.

SNAP Benefit Amounts

When will I know if I am eligible?

If you apply for SNAP, they may be able to give you emergency assistance within 7 days of when you apply. To get emergency assistance, you must prove your identity and meet the following,

• Your household's total income is less than $150 a month and your household's cash and bank accounts total less than $100; or
• The total of your household's income, cash, and bank accounts are less than your total housing and utility cost for a month; or
• There is a migrant or seasonal farm worker in your household

For SNAP applicants who are not eligible for emergency 7-day processing they will tell you within 30 days if you are eligible. If the SNAP applicant is in an institution and applying for SNAP and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the same time, the filing date is the date of release from the institution. All SNAP applications are processed in accordance with SNAP procedures, even if you apply for SNAP and other programs. You will not be denied SNAP solely because you are denied benefits from other programs. If they decide you are eligible for SNAP, your benefits usually start from the date they receive your application form.