NOTICE

The best way to protect yourself against EBT theft is to call 1-888-328-2666 to change your PIN number before the start of each month.

Due to renovations the DSS Manchester office will be temporarily closed. A new temporary location opened Monday, Jan. 27 at 146 Hartford Road, Manchester. 

Social Work Services

Other Programs

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

The Department of Social Services (DSS) contracts with non-profit organizations to provide services in their localities for victims of household abuse.

CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The Department of Social Services (DSS) contracts with Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) to provide domestic violence support services. The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) leads a statewide network focused on advocacy, outreach and education regarding domestic violence. https://www.ctcadv.org/

Services are available through CTSafeConnect the Toll-Free 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-888-774-2900 or via  Safe Connect: CT’s Domestic Violence Resource Line (ctsafeconnect.org)

Program Services

  • Emergency food and living expenses
  • Preventive education programs
  • Shelter Services
  • Social Services
  • Support Staff

Available Resources

  • Sixteen programs operate shelters around the state, offering stays up to 60 days.
  • Two programs arrange emergency shelter in a private host home for up to 72 hours.
  • Support services that do not require emergency shelter. These services include telephone hotline crisis counseling, information and referral, and in-person counseling.
  • CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) 

Domestic Violence Cash Benefit Program (DV Cash)

The DV Cash Program is a state-initiated and state-funded program administered by the Social Work Division.

Effective 7/1/21, pursuant to Connecticut Public Act 21-78, the state added an amendment to the State Administered General Assistance program to allow for a one-time assistance payment to current victims of domestic violence who are facing current and immediate danger.  The DV Cash program is intended to assist victims to escape their domestic violence situation.   

A current victim of domestic violence is an individual who has experienced at least one of the following events within the ninety days (90) immediately preceding the request for assistance and believe that their safety is currently at risk:

  • Physical acts that resulted in or were threatened to result in physical injury
  • Sexual abuse
  • Sexual activity involving a child in your home
  • Being forced to participate in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities
  • Threats of or attempts at physical or sexual abuse
  • Mental abuse
  • Neglect or deprivation of medical care

Program Services

Generally, a one-time benefit is calculated as the three-month Temporary Family Assistance award for the equivalent family size and issued in one lump sum. The alleged abuser is not included as a member of the household.

Program Eligibility

  • Connecticut resident
  • Individuals with or without dependent children may qualify
  • No income, asset, immigration/citizenship status restrictions

Eligibility Documentation

 

Individuals applying are required to provide supporting documentation, including but not limited to:

  • Verification of identity
  • Primary applicant’s social security number
  • Verification of relationship between the primary applicant, children and other household members listed on the application
  • Verification of Connecticut residency
  • Verification that the primary applicant is a current victim of domestic violence with corroborating evidence in the form of:
    • A police report, protective order or restraining order that was signed and executed within the ninety days (90) immediately preceding the request for assistance; or
    • Documentation from a domestic violence agency that confirms the applicant has experienced a domestic violence event as listed above.

How to Apply

Apply at the nearest DSS Resource Center

  • Walk-ins are welcome. You will be referred to the Social Work Division who will assign a Social Work staff member to assist with the application and evaluation of eligibility process.  
  • In-Person Application: Complete an application and bring it to one of the DSS Resource Centers.
  • By Mail: Complete an application and submit by mail to one of the DSS Resource Centers. 
  • Domestic Violence Community Partners can apply on behalf of the victim.

*Applications will not be accepted over the phone or online.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative (TPPI)

The program provides young people who are at risk of becoming teen parents with a structured, supportive, safe, after-school environment in which they can acquire the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to succeed in life and avoid early parenting.  The goal of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) program is to reduce teen pregnancies in Connecticut communities with the highest incidence of births to teens.

Food Bank

The Department of Social Services contracts with the Connecticut Food Bank, Inc. for this program. Connecticut Food Bank, Inc. purchases high protein foods and other nutritionally beneficial supplemental foods in bulk to be distributed by eligible food pantries, emergency shelters and soup kitchens to needy households. Approximately 300 food banks, pantries, shelters, etc. participate in the CTNAP program.

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