While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Connecticut SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Learn more about SNAP on the Connecticut Department of Social Services website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits in the CT SNAP Policy Manual here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
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| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 | $194 |
| 2 | $355 |
| 3 | $509 |
| 4 | $646 |
| 5 | $768 |
| 6 | $921 |
| 7 | $1,018 |
| 8 | $1,164 |
| Each additional household member | +146 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in Connecticut, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Connecticut, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Connecticut’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Connecticut Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on page 3 of the Connecticut Application for Benefits. You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on ConneCT here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Connecticut Department of Social Services office location. You can complete the Application for Benefits here and drop it off.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Benefits here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to:
DSS Scanning Center
P.O. Box 1320Manchester, CT 06045-1320
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services at 1 (855) 626-6632.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you have submitted your application, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be in person or by telephone. If you apply in person, you will complete the interview with your application.
If you applied online or by mail, the Department of Social Services will make two attempts to call you using the phone number on your applications. If they are unable to get a hold of you, they will mail an Interview Notice with contact information for you to schedule your phone interview.
If documents are missing from your application or the Department of Social Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your application will be delayed.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-2666.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, you can appeal your decision by mail, fax or phone within 60 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file a claim by mail or fax, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also include a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail or fax. Send all documents by fax to 1 (860) 424-4923 or mail them to:
Fair Hearing Unit, Department of Social Services
55 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105-3724
To file a claim by phone, call 1 (800) 462-0134.
For more information on the appeal process, click here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-2666.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Connecticut Department of Social Services EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (855) 626-6632 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Connecticut’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 328-2666.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Social Services office in Connecticut.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Connecticut Department of Social Services at 1 (855) 626-6632.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Social Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Connecticut Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on page 3 of the Connecticut Application for Benefits. You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on ConneCT here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Connecticut Department of Social Services office location. You can complete the Application for Benefits here and drop it off.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Benefits here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to:
DSS Scanning Center
P.O. Box 1320Manchester, CT 06045-1320
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services at 1 (855) 626-6632.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you have submitted your application, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be in person or by telephone. If you apply in person, you will complete the interview with your application.
If you applied online or by mail, the Department of Social Services will make two attempts to call you using the phone number on your applications. If they are unable to get a hold of you, they will mail an Interview Notice with contact information for you to schedule your phone interview.
If documents are missing from your application or the Department of Social Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your application will be delayed.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-2666.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, you can appeal your decision by mail, fax or phone within 60 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file a claim by mail or fax, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also include a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail or fax. Send all documents by fax to 1 (860) 424-4923 or mail them to:
Fair Hearing Unit, Department of Social Services
55 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105-3724
To file a claim by phone, call 1 (800) 462-0134.
For more information on the appeal process, click here.
