Apply for Services
The Department of Aging and Disability Services offers many programs and services to help older adults and people with disabilities.
The best way to apply for services is to contact the program that interests you. If you are not sure which program is best for you, you can contact our Bureaus and Departments to obtain more general information about the programs that might help you.
Access Through Technology Program - Also known as the FCC National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, this program helps provide equipment needed to make telecommunications, the internet and advanced communications and accessible to low-income individuals in Connecticut who have both significant vision loss and significant hearing loss. More information can be found at our website www.CTtechact.com/att.
Assistive Technology Loan Program - The Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) is a low-interest financial loan to help individuals with disabilities or their family members purchase Assistive Technology devices and services needed to improve independence and/or functioning in the community, education and/or employment. More information can be found at our website www.CTtechact.com/loan.
Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind - provides a full range of educational, independent living and vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with significant vision loss or blindness. To apply for services, your eye doctor should complete and submit the Eye Doctor Reporting Form at https://adsapps.ct.gov/EyeReport/Default.aspx. If you would like to self-refer, please contact your practitioner directly or Rayah.Martin@ct.gov or by phone at 860-602-4108.
Attention Doctors: Effective November 1, 2024, submission of the fillable online eye report form in the BESB portal is the only reporting method available. Your practice must set up an account in the portal. Faxed eye reports will be returned which may delay service. Visit https://adsapps.ct.gov/EyeReport/Default.aspx. For more information on services or questions about the portal please contact Rayah Martin by email at Rayah.Martin@ct.gov or by calling 860-602-4108.
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services - Vocational Rehabilitation Program - The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) provides vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to assist Connecticut residents with significant disabilities to find and keep employment. If you would like to apply for VR services, it is recommended that you make arrangements with the BRS office nearest to where you live to file the actual application in person. We do not offer online applications at this time. For more information, please call 1-800-537-2549.
Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program - This program offers information, support, and other services for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias. To apply, contact the Area Agency on Aging in your area by calling 1-800-994-9422 (in CT).
Connect-to-Work Project - This program helps individuals who receive Social Security Disability benefits understand the effect returning to work will have on their disability benefits. To apply call 1-800-773-4636 or contact your local Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Office.
Disability Determination Services - this bureau is responsible for deciding medical eligibility for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. These programs provide cash benefits and medical insurance to individuals who are unable to maintain employment due to the severity of their disabilities.
You can apply for SSDI and SSI benefits:
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Online: www.ssa.gov,
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By phone: 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 from 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday.
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In person: Find your local Social Security Office
For more information about applying for SSDI and SSI benefits, please visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/.
Level Up - Level Up is provides students with the tools, training and resources to work competitively and forge a path to independence. We build relationships with schools, families and the community and introduce students who have an IEP, 504 plan or related challenges to new possibilities. Our goal is to help students be prepared to go out and find their place in the world.
Driver Training Program - This program provides evaluation, training and license certification through the Department of Motor Vehicles for individuals with physical disabilities who must use special equipment to drive (using a modified vehicle) in the state of Connecticut. To apply, first contact the program at 1-800-537-2549 to have your name placed on our waiting list for training, then contact the DMV Driver Services Division at 860-263-5723 to obtain the required medical clearance.
Independent Living Program - The Independent Living Program provides independent living services to persons with significant disabilities through contracts with Connecticut’s five community-based Centers for Independent Living. For more information on applying for services visit www.cacil.net or call (203) 378-6977.
National Family Caregiver Support Program - This program is designed to give caregivers a variety of services to lean on so they can have support when caring for their loved ones at home. The program was created for family and other unpaid caregivers supporting older individuals, as well as grandparents, older relatives and parents 55 and over of adult children with disabilities. To apply, contact the Area Agency on Aging in your area by calling 1-800-994-9422.