Connecticut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

A healthy diet helps us feel good and stay independent as we get older. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Connecticut buy nutritious food and eat better on a budget.

If you're approved for SNAP, you will get an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card works just like a prepaid debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Connecticut to buy SNAP food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

It’s worth checking Connecticut SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.Learn more and find out if you're eligible for SNAP in Connecticut by using the state's benefits screener tool (click here).

Frequently asked questions

• How does Connecticut SNAP work?

• What is the SNAP application process like in Connecticut?

• How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

• How do I apply for SNAP in Connecticut?

• What happens after I apply for SNAP in Connecticut?

• How can I get help with my application?

• Other important tips to know

How does Connecticut SNAP work?

SNAP helps people with limited means put healthy food on their table. If you’re eligible, it makes it easier to buy healthy groceries each month, like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, bread, and seeds to grow food. Connecticut SNAP can free up money in your budget for other needs, like utility bills, prescriptions, and medical care.

SNAP is run by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). DSS Resource Centers across the state help people apply for SNAP, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions.

What is the SNAP application process like in Connecticut?

Applying for SNAP is simpler than you might think. A friend, family member, or DSS case worker can help you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Connecticut SNAP:

• Fill out an application: You can apply for Connecticut SNAP online, by mail, or in person. This takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You don’t need documents to start an application and get a benefit start date.

• Have an interview: You will be called for a phone interview with a DSS case worker once your application is received.

• Wait for a decision: Most Connecticut SNAP applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster.

• Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new EBT card in the mail.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

When you apply for SNAP in Connecticut, you can include everyone in your home who shops for and prepares meals with you. This group is called your “household.” You may be able to get SNAP if you meet these guidelines:

To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

• All applicants must be a resident of Connecticut.

• All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.

• Most adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.

• The household must meet certain income limits (and in some cases, an asset limit).

• All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

What are the SNAP work requirements in Connecticut?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. The age limit for these rules used to be 55.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get SNAP benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local DSS office to find out exactly what these new work rules mean for you.

How much SNAP can I get?

The amount of money you will get in Connecticut SNAP benefits depends on:

• How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security

• How many people live with you

If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more Food Assistance benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188.

What are the Connecticut SNAP income limits? How do they affect my eligibility?

There are income guidelines to qualify for SNAP. In Connecticut, most households can apply if their gross (total) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. There are special SNAP rules that give more flexibility to people who are age 60+ or have a disability.Many older adults are surprised they qualify for SNAP and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.

The SNAP guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. If you’re not sure if you qualify, your local DSS office can help. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum gross monthly income (200% FPL)

1 $ 2,609

2 $ 3,525

3 $ 4,442

4 $ 5,359

5 $ 6,275

For each additional person, add: +$ 917

Source: CT DSS SNAP Eligibility (October 2025)

Some SNAP households may also have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home).

How do I apply for SNAP in Connecticut?

• Get important documents ready

If you’re not sure whether you can get SNAP benefits, take a quick, online pre-screening to see if you may qualify.

If you decide to apply, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather the following details to make things easier:

• Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources

• Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members

• Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs

• Child care or dependent care costs

• Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID

• Birth certificate

• Proof of citizenship or refugee status (legal immigrants with permanent residence status should call to ask what documentation is required)

• Social Security card (or proof you’ve applied for a Social Security number)

• Bank statements

• Pension statements

• Social Security statements

• Pay stubs

• Tax returns

• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)

• Proof of out-of-pocket child and dependent care expenses

• Proof of court-ordered child support payments

• Marriage license or divorce decree

• For those age 60+ or with a disability: proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses

If you want a friend or family member to help you gather documents, complete your SNAP application, and join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative.

2. Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the ConneCT website. All your personal information is kept 100% private and protected by special security technology

Apply on ConneCT Website

• Visit the ConneCT website and click ‘Apply Now.’

• On the next screen, check the box next to ‘Start a new application for any of the following’ and then click ‘Next.’

• On the next screen:

• If you already have an account, click ‘Login using your existing account’ and enter your username and password.

• If you do not have an account, click ‘Create a MyAccount.’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password.

• On the screen that appears once you’re logged in, follow the prompts to complete your SNAP application. It should take you about 30 to 60 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to).

Tips for success:

• Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information.

• If Spanish is your primary spoken language, click '¿Habla español?' at the top right of the screen. This will switch the language from English to Spanish.

• If you need assistance in another language, help is available at no cost to you. Call 1-855-626-6632 or TTY: 1-800-842-4524.

• For additional guidance, click on ‘Page Help’ at the top right of your screen.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the Connecticut benefits application that you can download and print out at home:

• SNAP Application (English)

• SNAP Application (Spanish)

To apply by mail, send your completed application to:

DSS Scanning Center

P.O. Box 1320

Manchester, CT 06045-1320

You can also apply in person by dropping off the form at your nearest DSS office. Find a location near you.

Is everyone in your household 60 or older?

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) makes it easier for older people to apply for and get SNAP in Connecticut. The application is shorter, benefits can last 3 years, and you do not have a mid-period check-in with DTA. When it’s time to renew, you may not need an interview, and you have fewer changes to report.

You will automatically be on ESAP if everyone in your household is age 60 or older and no one has wages or self-employment income.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Connecticut SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if you need food right away. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

• You make less than $150 a month and have less than $100 in the bank.

• You have combined rent/mortgage and utility bills that are more than your total income and assets before taxes.

• You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker living in Connecticut.

Need food today? Visit the Connecticut Foodshare website to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Connecticut SNAP application. You can:

• Call Connecticut Foodshare at 1-860-856-4357 Monday through Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm to talk to a SNAP Outreach specialist.

• Contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Locate one near you.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Connecticut?

After you apply, DSS will review your information to see if you qualify. This can take up to 30 days. They may ask you to send papers about your income, bills, or living situation. You can upload them to your ConneCT account, mail them, or bring them to your local DSS office. If you work, you may need to provide your last 4 weeks of pay stubs or other proof of how much you earned.

DSS will call you for a short interview. If you do not get a call within 2 weeks after applying, call 1-855-626-6632. Check your mail often and answer your phone, even if the number shows as unknown, because DSS may be trying to reach you.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry. The interview is not a test. Your DSS case worker is just checking the information you already gave. They can also explain the program, answer your questions, and help you get any papers you are having trouble finding.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What is your full name and birthday?

• What is your Social Security number?

• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)

• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)

• What is your monthly income?

• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?

• What other regular bills do you have?

Practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all your information is received, you will get a letter telling you if you were approved or denied for Connecticut SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will show your benefit amount and when benefits will start. If you are denied, the notice will tell you why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for SNAP in Connecticut, DSS will mail you a letter. The letter will tell you how much money you will get each month and how long you can receive benefits. Most households get benefits for 12 months. Many households with older adults or people with disabilities get benefits for 36 months.

Soon after approval, you will get your EBT card in the mail. Your first month of SNAP benefits will already be on the card.

Other important tips to know

What if my Connecticut SNAP application is denied?

If your application for Connecticut SNAP is denied, and you disagree with the reason, you can ask for an appeal. A judge will review your case.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can use your ConneCT account to perform basic tasks online, such as checking your EBT card balance, reporting a change, uploading documents, getting reminders, and renewing your SNAP benefits. You can also use the mobile-friendly MyDSS portal to log in and manage your benefits through your smartphone.

How do I manage my Connecticut EBT card?

Call 1-888-328-2666 (the phone number on the back of your card) to set up/change your personal identification number (PIN), check your card balance, or report a lost/stolen EBT card. If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can also call the DSS Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632 or visit any of the Resource Centers in person.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?…