FAQs

• What are the extra COVID SNAP benefits?+
  Answer:

  The extra COVID SNAP benefits, also known as Emergency Allotments, are the difference between your normal benefit amount and the maximum amount for your household size, with a minimum amount of $95 a month. These extra payments—funded by the federal government, like regular SNAP benefits--have been put on EBT cards in the middle of each month.

  Since March 2020, Connecticut has elected to utilize this temporary benefit program that was made available under the federalFamilies First Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

• Why are the extra SNAP benefits ending?+
  Answer: Recently, the Federal Government passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.  This bill ends the extra SNAP benefits after the February 2023 distributions. This means that Connecticut’s SNAP-eligible households will receive their last extra payment in February 2023. 
• When will I get my last extra COVID SNAP payment+
  Answer: You will get your last payment in February 2023on a date to be announced by DSS.
• How will this impact my SNAP benefits?+
  Answer:

  The last extra COVID SNAP payment will be in February 2023. Starting in March, your household will get only one SNAP payment every month (on one of the first three days of the month, depending upon your last name).That amount is your normal monthly benefit. You can find out your normal benefit amount and EBT balance by visiting https://myDSS.ct.gov from your computer or mobile device, or by calling 1-888-328-2666.

  You will continue to receive SNAP until the end of your renewal period, unless you report changes that make you ineligible or do not return any documents we DSS may requestfor the purpose of eligibility review.

  Important note: individuals who receive Social Security, SSDI or SSI also may have seen a change in their January SNAP benefit amount due to Social Security’s cost of living adjustment, which occurs each January.

• How do I check my balance/find out my normal monthly SNAP benefit amount?+
  Answer: You can check your balance online or on your mobile device at https://mydss.ct.gov, or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card (1-888-328-2666).
• Do I have to use all my SNAP in one month?+
  Answer: No, unused SNAP benefits roll over month to month. SNAP benefits will not be removed from your card if you use your benefits any time within 274 days (about 9 months).
• Who do I contact for additional food help?+
  Answer:

  You can find local food pantries and community meal sites near you calling or visiting 2-1-1, CT Foodshare Inc., or your local Community Action Agency.

  If you are a new parent, have children under age 5, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, you may be eligible to receive healthy foods, free nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to helpful resourcesthrough the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. To apply or learn more, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/WIC/WIC

• What Other Help Can I get?+
  Answer:

  • Resources to ensure all Connecticut families have the support they need: AffordableCT
  • If you have children/are pregnant and have no income or low income, you may be able to get Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) cash benefits.
  • If you are 65 or older or disabled with no or very low income, you may be able to get State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA) or State Supplement cash benefits. Learn more and apply online: ConneCT
  • Get help paying your winter heating bills: Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
  • Get help paying your water bills: CT Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
  • Money to help pay for the internet or a computer/tablet: Affordable Connectivity Program
  • Rent or mortgage help: myHomeCT | CHFA or CT DOH Rental Assistance Program
  • Preparing for the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: PHE Unwinding