Connecticut Benefits & Assistance Programs
Explore official Connecticut government resources for SNAP food benefits, HUSKY Health (Medicaid & CHIP), rental and housing support, cash aid programs, and other essential assistance for Connecticut residents.
🍎 Food Assistance in Connecticut (SNAP)
Connecticut provides food stamps and food assistance through its statewide SNAP program — including income limits, eligibility rules, and how to apply online or through DSS.
Connecticut’s main food benefit program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It helps low-income individuals and families buy healthy groceries at supermarkets, farmers markets, and participating stores.
🍎 Food Stamps (SNAP) and Food Assistance in Connecticut
Connecticut’s primary food assistance program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as “food stamps.” SNAP helps low-income individuals and families buy groceries at participating grocery stores, markets, and authorized retailers.
What SNAP Provides
- Monthly funds on an EBT card to purchase groceries
- Helps stretch household food budgets during hardship
- Accepted at most stores, some farmers markets, and select retailers
SNAP Income Limits in Connecticut (Monthly Gross Income)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $3,288 |
| 3 | $4,144 |
| 4 | $5,000 |
| 5 | $5,858 |
| 6 | $6,714 |
| 7 | $7,570 |
| 8 | $8,428 |
| Each additional member | + $858 |
*Income limits from the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). Eligibility may vary based on expenses, deductions, and individual household circumstances.
How to Apply for SNAP in Connecticut
- Online: Apply through ConneCT (MyDSS portal).
- By phone: Call the DSS Benefits Center.
- In person: Visit your local DSS field office.
Major Food Assistance Providers & Food Banks in Connecticut
1. Connecticut Foodshare
The main hunger-relief organization serving Connecticut, supporting food pantries, mobile food distributions, and community partners.
- Website: Visit Connecticut Foodshare
- Find Food: Use their food finder tool.
2. Hands On Hartford (Community Pantry)
Provides food support, community meals, and basic needs assistance to Hartford-area residents.
- Website: Visit Hands On Hartford
- Provides pantry & community meals.
3. Local Connecticut Food Pantries
Many towns support food pantries, community fridges, and nonprofit distribution partners.
- Directory: View CT Pantry List
📝 Official SNAP Resources
🥗 Connecticut Foodshare
The state’s largest hunger-relief network.
- Visit Connecticut Foodshare
- Use their pantry locator to find help near you.
📍 Find Food Help Near You
- Feeding America Food Locator
- Search your ZIP code + “food pantry.”
- Check local churches and community centers.
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with any government agency or listed organization. Always confirm details with official sources.
🏥 Medical Assistance in Connecticut (HUSKY Health)
Find information about medical and health coverage in Connecticut — including eligibility, income limits, and how to apply for benefits.
Connecticut’s main public health programs fall under HUSKY Health, which includes Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs offer free or low-cost health coverage for eligible individuals and families.
🏥 Medical Assistance in Connecticut (HUSKY Health)
HUSKY Health — Connecticut’s Medicaid and CHIP program — provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents. Learn about coverage, eligibility rules, and how to apply through the official state website: HUSKY Health (Official Site).
🩺 What HUSKY Health Covers
Most essential services are free or have very small copays.
- Doctor visits and primary care
- Emergency room and hospital care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health & substance-use treatment
- Dental & vision services
- Maternity, prenatal, and postpartum care
- Vaccinations and preventive screenings
👨👩👧 Who Can Get HUSKY Health
You may qualify if you live in Connecticut and:
- Have low or moderate income
- Are pregnant, a parent, or a child
- Are a senior or have a disability
- Receive SSI benefits
- Are a lawful permanent resident or qualified immigrant
- Children under 19 qualify regardless of immigration status
📊 Income Limits
Income rules depend on your household size and category. Full eligibility details: HUSKY Income Requirements
- 1 person: ~$1,732/month (varies by category)
- 2 persons: ~$2,352/month
- 3 persons: ~$2,970/month
- 4 persons: ~$3,588/month
- 5 persons: ~$4,208/month
- 6 persons: ~$4,828/month
- Each additional: +$620
🧾 Documents You'll Need
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2, or tax return)
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
🖥️ How to Apply
Online:
- Apply through Connecticut’s official portal Access Health CT (Apply Online)
By Phone:
- Call the DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632
In Person:
- Visit your local DSS field office for help with your application
By Mail:
- You can print the HUSKY application and mail it to DSS
⏳ Processing Time
Most applications are processed within 45 days.
Pregnant individuals, children, and people needing urgent care may receive expedited processing.
💡 If You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid
- CHIP (HUSKY B): Learn about HUSKY B
- Marketplace health plans with subsidies: Access Health CT Marketplace
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder provides general information about HUSKY Health and is not affiliated with the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). Always verify benefits through the official state website.
🏡 Housing Assistance in Connecticut
Find information about housing programs, rent help, and emergency shelters in Connecticut — including eligibility basics, waiting lists, and how to apply for support.
Most housing assistance in Connecticut is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), community agencies, and the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH). Additional support comes from federal HUD programs, including Section 8 and public housing. These programs help low-income individuals and families access safe, stable, and affordable housing.
🏘️ Main Housing Programs in Connecticut
1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (CT)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families afford safe, stable housing. Rent subsidies are paid directly to the landlord while the household pays the difference.
Who Can Qualify- Low-income households meeting HUD income limits
- U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants
- Seniors, families, and people with disabilities
- Must apply through a local Connecticut PHA
- Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA)
- Voucher can be used with approved private landlords
- Program usually pays around 70% of the monthly rent
👉 Find your Connecticut PHA: Connecticut Public Housing Authority Directory (HUD PDF)
2. Public Housing (CT)
Public Housing offers affordable rental units owned by housing authorities. Rent is income-based and designed to support low-income households.
- Low-income individuals and families
- Seniors and people with disabilities
- U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens
3. Connecticut Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
The RAP program helps eligible low-income households pay rent in privately owned units. This is Connecticut’s state-funded alternative to Section 8.
- Helps pay monthly rent
- Works similar to Section 8
- Administered through local housing authorities & DOH
👉 Learn about Connecticut RAP: Connecticut DOH – Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
4. Emergency & Transitional Housing (CT)
Connecticut provides shelters, transitional housing, and rapid-rehousing services for people experiencing homelessness.
- Emergency shelters (short stay)
- Transitional housing (3–24 months)
- Rapid rehousing with rent & support services
👉 CT Homeless Services: Connecticut Department of Housing – Homeless Services
📊 Income Limits
HUD sets income limits yearly. Below are general Connecticut low-income guidelines:
- 1 person: ~$66,650
- 2 persons: ~$76,200
- 3 persons: ~$85,700
- 4 persons: ~$95,200
- 5 persons: ~$102,850
- 6 persons: ~$110,450
- 7 persons: ~$118,050
- 8 persons: ~$125,650
*Income limits vary by county and housing authority. Check your local PHA for exact numbers.
🧾 Documents You’ll Need
- Photo ID (CT state ID or driver’s license)
- Proof of residency (lease, mail, or utility bill)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, benefits)
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Birth certificates (sometimes required)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
📝 How to Apply
1. Apply Through Your Local PHA- Check open waiting lists
- Submit online or paper applications
👉 Find your local PHA: Connecticut PHA Directory (HUD)
2. Apply Online (If Available)- Some CT PHAs take online applications for Section 8 or RAP
- CT Info Line (Housing & Shelters): Dial 2-1-1
- HUD Connecticut Field Office: (860) 240-4800
☎ Helpful Contacts
-
2-1-1 Connecticut — shelter & housing referrals
Visit 2-1-1 Connecticut -
Connecticut Department of Housing
Visit CT Department of Housing
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder is an independent resource and is not affiliated with HUD, CT PHAs, or the Connecticut Department of Housing. Always confirm information using official sources.
💵 Cash Assistance in Connecticut
Find information about cash aid and financial assistance in Connecticut — including eligibility rules, monthly benefit details, and how to apply.
The main cash assistance programs in Connecticut include:
• Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) — Connecticut’s TANF program for low-income families
• State Supplement Program (SSP) — additional cash support for aged, blind, or disabled residents
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — federal cash assistance for seniors & people with disabilities
These programs help eligible individuals and households afford basic living needs such as food, rent, utilities, transportation, and personal care items.
📋 Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) – Connecticut’s TANF Program
Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) is Connecticut’s version of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides monthly cash assistance and employment support to eligible families with children.
👨👩👧 Who Can Get TFA (Connecticut)
You may qualify if you:
- Live in Connecticut
- Are pregnant or caring for a child under age 18
- Have low income and limited assets
- Are a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
- Participate in required employment & training activities
In some cases, children living with relatives or non-parent caregivers can also qualify.
📊 TFA Benefit & Income Guidelines (Example)
TFA benefit amounts and income limits vary by region (Region A, B, C). Below are sample monthly maximum gross income limits used to demonstrate eligibility:
- 1 person: ~$1,000 / month
- 2 persons: ~$1,350 / month
- 3 persons: ~$1,680 / month
- 4 persons: ~$2,000 / month
- 5 persons: ~$2,350 / month
- 6 persons: ~$2,700 / month
*Income limits differ by CT region and household composition. Always check DSS (Department of Social Services) for exact rules.
💵 What TFA Includes
- Monthly cash benefits (EBT card or direct deposit)
- Employment services & job search support
- Education, skills training & work programs
- Help with basic needs (rent, utilities, transportation)
- Child care support or referrals
🧾 How to Apply for TFA in Connecticut
- Online: Apply through ConneCT / MyDSS Online Portal .
- Phone: Call DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632
- In person or by mail: Submit forms at a DSS field office (Find Your DSS Office)
Applications are usually processed within 30–45 days. An interview and work participation plan may be required.
📌 Other Cash Assistance Programs in Connecticut
Connecticut also offers additional cash support programs:
- State Supplement Program (SSP) — extra monthly cash for aged, blind, or disabled residents receiving SSI or State Aid.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — federal cash benefits for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities (apply through the Social Security Administration).
- State Administered General Assistance (SAGA) — small cash benefit for adults without children who have extremely low income.
📞 Other Cash or Crisis Help in Connecticut
-
Call 2-1-1 Connecticut for emergency financial help, rent assistance, utilities help, and crisis resources.
Visit 2-1-1 Connecticut - Many cities offer General Assistance / Emergency Aid for one-time help with rent, utilities, or transportation.
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder provides general information about Connecticut cash assistance programs and is not affiliated with the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), the Social Security Administration, or any government agency. Always verify details with official state resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Connecticut’s main food program is SNAP. Additional support includes WIC, Foodshare, community food banks, and mobile pantry programs across the state.
Apply online through the ConneCT / MyDSS portal, call DSS, or visit a local DSS field office.
Connecticut offers HUSKY Health (Medicaid & CHIP), which provides free or low-cost coverage for children, parents, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Income limits vary by HUSKY program (A, B, C, D) and household size. Check the official DSS/HUSKY website for updated guidelines.
Programs include Section 8, the Rental Assistance Program (RAP), public housing, and emergency shelter services through PHAs and the Connecticut Department of Housing.
Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Many PHAs open waiting lists at specific times and may accept online applications.
Cash programs include Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), State Supplement Program (SSP), SAGA, and SSI for eligible individuals and families.
Some emergency programs through 2-1-1 CT or local agencies may offer same-day help. Standard DSS processing takes 30–45 days depending on the program.
Yes. You can receive SNAP, HUSKY Health, housing assistance, and cash benefits if you qualify. These programs do not automatically disqualify each other.
No. OBenefitFinder does not process applications or determine eligibility. We only provide informational resources and are not affiliated with DSS or any government agency.