Food & Nutrition

Connecticut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Connecticut pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Connecticut to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Connecticut SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). DSS Resource Centers across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Connecticut?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DSS caseworker can assist you.

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

Check your eligibility: Complete an online pre-screening to see if you’re eligible for SNAP benefits.
Fill out an application: You can apply for Connecticut SNAP online, by mail, or in person. Completing the application can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Note: No documents are necessary to begin the process and secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: You will be called for a phone interview with a DSS caseworker once your application is received.
Wait for a decision: Most Connecticut SNAP applications are processed 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 processed faster.

Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home, referred to as your SNAP “household.” Your household includes anyone you buy and cook most of your meals with. 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.
All able-bodied adults, with certain exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.
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).

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

What are the Connecticut SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Connecticut, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and all households must meet a monthly net income limit of 100% FPL. Households with a member who is age 60+ or has a disability only have to meet the net income limit.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. Common deductions include:

Earned income deduction of 20%
Standard deduction, based on household size
Dependent care expenses
Legally obligated child support expenses
Medical expenses (for those age 60+ or who have a disability)
Shelter expenses

A DSS caseworker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for.

What are the Connecticut SNAP asset limits?

There is no asset limit for Connecticut SNAP, except for households whose gross income is more than 200% FPL. For those households, total assets including cash, savings accounts, stocks, and bonds cannot be more than $4,250. If you own a home, the home and the land it sits on are not counted toward the asset limit. Most retirement and pension plans are not counted (although withdrawals from these plans may be counted as income).

How do I prepare to apply?

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 important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process 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 would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Connecticut?

There are several ways to apply for Connecticut SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the ConneCT website. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential 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:

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 DWS office. Find a location near you.

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 your food needs are urgent. 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.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Connecticut?

It can take up to 30 days for DSS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, it will be reviewed to see if you are eligible. You'll be asked to provide any documents DSS needs to understand your situation better (you can upload digital copies to your ConneCT account, or mail them to/drop them off at your local Resource Center). If you are working, you may be asked to provide the last 4 weeks of pay stubs and/or other documents showing how much you've made from your job over the past few months.

DSS will call you for an interview after you apply for SNAP. If you do not hear from them within 2 weeks of submitting your application, call DSS directly at 1-855-626-6632.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from DSS, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DSS caseworker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing. 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?

It’s a good idea to 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 requested information is received, you will get a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Connecticut SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Connecticut, that period is 12 months. Most households with older members or people with disabilities have a longer certification period of 36 months.

Shortly after you are approved, you will receive your Connecticut EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits. Going forward, your benefits will be automatically deposited each month depending on the first letter of your last name. If your last name starts with A-F, you will receive benefits on the 1st of the month; G-N on the 2nd, and O-Z on the 3rd.

Other important tips to know

What if my Connecticut SNAP application is denied?

If your application for SNAP is denied, and you disagree with the reason, you have the right to request an appeal. This request must be made verbally or in writing within 90 days of the date on your SNAP decision notice.

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?

You must report certain changes that can impact your Connecticut SNAP benefit amount within 10 days of the change. These include:

Changes in monthly household income
Reduced monthly work or employment training hours
Lottery or gambling winnings of at least $4,250 in a single game

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Connecticut?

You must renew your Connecticut SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

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