Due to a temporary situation, some people in Connecticut may receive extra benefits on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card this month. This is because the state is currently using federal funds to supplement the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The extra funds are being used to help families buy food during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of extra benefits a household receives depends on their regular SNAP benefit amount. Households that normally receive the maximum SNAP benefit will not receive any extra benefits.
Connecticut’s Enhanced SNAP Benefits
The state of Connecticut provides additional food assistance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients through a program called “Enhanced SNAP Benefits.” These additional benefits are available to all SNAP households in the state and are not based on income or household size.
When are the Extra SNAP Benefits Distributed?
- SNAP recipients can expect the extra SNAP benefits to be loaded onto their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards the same day they receive their regular SNAP benefits.
- The exact date of the distribution may vary depending on the individual’s SNAP case.
How Much Are the Extra SNAP Benefits?
- All SNAP households in Connecticut receive an extra $189 per month in benefits.
- This amount is in addition to the regular SNAP benefits that households receive.
- The extra SNAP benefits will be available through June 2023.
The extra SNAP benefits are intended to help Connecticut residents struggling to afford food during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The benefits can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and online retailers.
How to Apply for Extra SNAP Benefits
To apply for extra SNAP benefits, individuals must be residents of Connecticut and meet the eligibility criteria for regular SNAP benefits. The eligibility criteria include income and asset limits, as well as certain work requirements.
- Applications for extra SNAP benefits can be submitted online or in person at a local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
- Individuals who are already receiving SNAP benefits do not need to reapply for the extra benefits. They will automatically receive them on their EBT cards.
| Household Size | Extra SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 | $189 |
| 2 | $189 |
| 3 | $189 |
| 4 | $189 |
| 5 | $189 |
| 6 | $189 |
| 7 | $189 |
| 8 | $189 |
For more information about Connecticut’s Enhanced SNAP Benefits, individuals can visit the DSS website or contact their local DSS office.
Eligibility Requirements for Extra Food Stamps in Connecticut
To be eligible for extra food stamps in Connecticut, households must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Net income must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
- Household must have resources (e.g., savings, checking accounts, stocks, and bonds) below certain limits.
- Household members must be U.S. citizens or legal immigrants.
- Household members must live in Connecticut.
Households that meet these requirements may be eligible for extra food stamps. The amount of extra food stamps that a household receives depends on the household’s size and income.
To apply for extra food stamps, households can visit their local Department of Social Services (DSS) office or apply online. Households will need to provide proof of income, resources, and household size. Once the application is processed, the household will be notified of their eligibility for extra food stamps.
Extra food stamps can help households purchase healthy food and improve their overall nutrition. If you think you may be eligible for extra food stamps, please contact your local DSS office or apply online today.
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit | Net Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,830 | $1,321 |
| 2 | $2,463 | $1,773 |
| 3 | $3,096 | $2,225 |
| 4 | $3,729 | $2,676 |
| 5 | $4,362 | $3,128 |
| 6 | $4,995 | $3,579 |
| 7 | $5,628 | $4,031 |
| 8 | $6,261 | $4,482 |
Connecticut’s Food Assistance Programs
Connecticut provides assistance to individuals and families in need through two federal programs: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. SNAP provides supplemental food assistance to low-income households to help them purchase healthy food. TANF provides cash assistance to needy families with children and pregnant women. In addition to these federal programs, Connecticut offers state-funded assistance programs, including the Connecticut Food Bank and the Connecticut Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (C-SNAP).
How to Apply for Additional Food Stamps in Connecticut
If you are a Connecticut resident and meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for additional food stamps through the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). To apply, you will need to complete an application form and submit it to your local DSS office. You can also apply online through the DSS website.
- Be a Connecticut resident
- Meet income and asset guidelines
- Be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
To find your local DSS office, you can visit the DSS website or call the DSS hotline at 1-800-842-1508. Once you have submitted your application, you will be interviewed by a DSS representative to determine your eligibility for additional food stamps. If you are found eligible, you will be issued a Connecticut EBT card, which can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.
Amount of Additional Food Stamps You Can Receive
The amount of additional food stamps you can receive depends on your household size and income. The following table shows the maximum monthly SNAP benefits for households of different sizes:
| Household Size | SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $400 |
| 3 people | $550 |
| 4 people | $700 |
| 5 people | $850 |
| 6 people | $1,000 |
| 7 people | $1,150 |
| 8 people | $1,300 |
| 9 people | $1,450 |
| 10 people | $1,600 |
Timeline for Receiving Extra Food Stamps in Connecticut
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Connecticut is providing extra food stamps to eligible households. This additional assistance, known as emergency allotments, is intended to help families and individuals cope with the financial challenges caused by the pandemic. The emergency allotments are being issued in addition to the regular SNAP benefits, and they will continue until further notice.
- February 2023: Extra food stamps were issued to eligible households on their regular issuance dates, with the amount varying based on household size.
- March 2023: Extra food stamps will be issued to eligible households on their regular issuance dates, with the amount varying based on household size.
- April 2023 and beyond: The issuance of extra food stamps will depend on the availability of federal funding and the continuation of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
To determine your eligibility, you can apply for SNAP benefits online or contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. If you are already receiving SNAP benefits, you do not need to reapply to receive the emergency allotments. The extra food stamps will be automatically added to your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card on your regular issuance date.
The amount of extra food stamps you receive will depend on the size of your household and your income. The following table shows the maximum amount of extra food stamps that can be issued to each household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Extra Food Stamps |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $95 |
| 2 people | $190 |
| 3 people | $285 |
| 4 people | $380 |
| 5 people | $475 |
| 6 people | $570 |
| 7 people | $665 |
| 8 people | $760 |
| Each additional person | $95 |
If you have any questions about the extra food stamps or your eligibility for SNAP benefits, please contact your local DSS office or visit the DSS website.
Well, folks, that’s the scoop on the buzz surrounding extra food stamps in Connecticut this month. We know it can be a lot to take in, so we appreciate you sticking with us until the end. Remember, we’re here to keep you in the know, so be sure to drop by again soon. In the meantime, stay informed and keep an eye out for any updates. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!