You are taking the first step to understanding if changes to SNAP impact you.
The federal government has changed the eligibility rules for SNAP. Use this question tree to find out if you must meet the new work, training, or volunteering rules to keep your SNAP benefits. Even if you have an exemption, you will still need to provide proof. Depending on your answers to the questions below, it’s likely you will have to take some sort of additional action.
- Are you younger than 18 or age 65 or older?
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ Go to Question 2
- Do you live with a child under the age of 14?
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ Go to Question 3
- Are you currently pregnant?
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ Go to Question 4
- Are you physically or mentally unable to work?
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ Go to Question 5
- Are you taking care of a person who is ill or disabled and needs help with daily living?
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ Go to Question 6
- Are you applying for or receiving Unemployment?
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ Go to Question 7
- Are you applying for or receiving or receiving disability benefits like SSI, SSDI, VA, or private disability?
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ Go to Question 8
- Are you participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program?
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ Go to Question 9
- Are you already doing any of the following?
- Working at least 20 hours/week or earning at least $217.50/week
- Volunteering 80 hours/month
- Enrolled in school or job training program 20 hours/week
- Yes → ✅ You are currently exempt from the work rules. (But you will need to provide proof)
- No → ❌ You need to submit proof that you are doing any of the above.
If you answered ‘No’ to all of the questions, it appears you are not meeting any exemption AND not fulfilling the work rules or community service requirements.
⚠️ You may only receive SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period unless you meet the work rules or an exemption.
🛑 NEXT STEPS:
If you believe you should be exempt, upload proof online through your MyAccount at MyDSS. Proof may include:
- Recent pay stubs or benefit award letter
- A letter from a medical provider or drug and alcohol counselor
- Documentation of enrollment from a school or training program
- A letter from an organization you volunteer with
If you need help finding a job, school, or volunteer opportunity, you can get help through:
- The free SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) Program. Visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/SNAP/SNAP-Employment-and-Training
- You can also contact your local American Job Center: https://portal.ct.gov/ajc
- You can find volunteer opportunities in your town through the United Way: https://www.ctunitedway.org/volunteerct/
If you are working and your hours drop below 20/week or your situation changes, report it by the 10th of the following month.