This December, Connecticut residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP or food stamps, may see an extra boost in their benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a one-time emergency allotment. This additional allotment is intended to provide extra food assistance amidst the ongoing public health emergency. The exact amount of the extra benefit will vary based on household size and other factors. Eligible households will receive the extra funds on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Connecticut’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Connecticut, SNAP benefits are administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS).
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and some convenience stores. SNAP benefits are also used to purchase seeds and plants to grow food at home.
SNAP Benefits in Connecticut
- SNAP benefits are based on household size and income.
- The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of one person is $281 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of two people is $516 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of three people is $765 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of four people is $1,011 per month.
Households with more than four people may receive additional SNAP benefits.
To Apply for SNAP Benefits
- You can apply for SNAP benefits online, by mail, or in person at your local DSS office.
- You will need to provide proof of your identity, income, and expenses.
- You can find more information about how to apply for SNAP benefits on the DSS website.
How to Use SNAP Benefits
- SNAP benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
- You can use your EBT card to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- When you use your EBT card, the amount of your purchase will be deducted from your SNAP benefit balance.
- You can check your SNAP benefit balance online or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
SNAP Benefits and COVID-19
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has provided additional SNAP benefits to households that are eligible for the program.
- These additional benefits are called emergency allotments.
- Emergency allotments are available to all SNAP households, regardless of their income or household size.
- The amount of the emergency allotment is equal to the maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of the same size.
| Household Size | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $765 |
| 4 | $1,011 |
| 5 | $1,258 |
| 6 | $1,504 |
| 7 | $1,750 |
| 8 | $1,996 |
Emergency allotments are expected to continue through at least September 2023.
Eligibility Requirements for SNAP in Connecticut
To be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Connecticut, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of Connecticut.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant.
- Meet income and asset limits.
- Be unemployed or underemployed.
- Be a member of a household that includes a child or other eligible individual.
- Be pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Be disabled or elderly.
Benefit Amounts for SNAP in Connecticut
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive each month is based on the size of your household and your income. The maximum benefit amount for a household of one person in Connecticut is $250 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of two people is $439 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of three people is $646 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of four people is $835 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of five people is $1,006 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of six people is $1,178 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of seven people is $1,350 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of eight people is $1,522 per month.
In addition to the basic benefit amount, you may also be eligible for extra SNAP benefits if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a child under the age of 6.
- Are disabled or elderly.
- Live in a high-cost area.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $439 |
| 3 | $646 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $1,006 |
| 6 | $1,178 |
| 7 | $1,350 |
| 8 | $1,522 |
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Connecticut
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Connecticut, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Connecticut resident.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Meet the income and asset limits.
- Be employed or actively seeking work, or be exempt from this requirement.
- Be a member of a SNAP eligible household, such as a family, elderly individual, or disabled person.
Income and Asset Limits for SNAP in Connecticut
The income and asset limits for SNAP in Connecticut vary depending on your household size. The following table shows the income and asset limits for a household of one:
| Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|
| $1,438 per month | $2,250 |
Application Process for SNAP in Connecticut
To apply for SNAP benefits in Connecticut, you can:
- Apply online at the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) website.
- Download an application from the DSS website and submit it by mail or in person at your local DSS office.
- Call the DSS SNAP hotline at 1-800-842-1424 to request an application be mailed to you.
Documents Needed to Apply for SNAP in Connecticut
When you apply for SNAP benefits in Connecticut, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Your Social Security number.
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs, bank statements, or self-employment records.
- Proof of expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and child care costs.
- Proof of assets, such as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds.
- Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or state ID card.
SNAP Benefits in Connecticut
If you are approved for SNAP benefits in Connecticut, you will receive a monthly electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. You can use your EBT card to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of SNAP benefits you receive will depend on your household size and income.
Resources for SNAP Recipients in Connecticut
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Connecticut, there are a number of resources available to SNAP recipients, including:
- Emergency Food Assistance: SNAP recipients who are facing an emergency situation, such as a job loss or a medical emergency, may be eligible for emergency food assistance. This assistance can provide up to $1,500 in food benefits over a six-month period.
- SNAP Employment and Training Program (E&T): The SNAP E&T program provides job training and employment assistance to SNAP recipients. The program can help participants find a job, develop job skills, and improve their employability.
- Healthy Incentives Program (HIP): The HIP program provides financial incentives to SNAP recipients who purchase healthy foods. The program can help participants save money on healthy foods and improve their overall health.
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): The SFMNP provides fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income seniors. The program can help seniors improve their access to healthy foods and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.
Other Resources
In addition to the resources listed above, SNAP recipients in Connecticut may also be eligible for the following benefits:
- Medicaid: Medicaid provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP recipients may be eligible for Medicaid if they meet certain income and asset limits.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI provides monthly cash payments to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. SNAP recipients may be eligible for SSI if they meet certain income and asset limits.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF provides cash assistance to low-income families with children. SNAP recipients may be eligible for TANF if they meet certain income and asset limits.
How to Apply for SNAP
To apply for SNAP in Connecticut, you can:
- Apply online: You can apply for SNAP online at the Connecticut Department of Social Services website.
- Apply by mail: You can download a SNAP application from the Connecticut Department of Social Services website and mail it to the address provided on the application.
- Apply in person: You can apply for SNAP in person at your local Department of Social Services office.
Contact Information
For more information about SNAP in Connecticut, you can contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services at 1-800-842-1535.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,520 |
| 2 | $2,047 |
| 3 | $2,573 |
| 4 | $3,099 |
| 5 | $3,625 |
| 6 | $4,150 |
| 7 | $4,676 |
| 8 | $5,202 |