Cash assistance

Need Help With Money?

Sometimes families need extra help. DSS has programs that give cash to help pay for basic needs.

Programs include:

Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) – for families with children
State Administered General Assistance (SAGA) – for people who need help
State Supplement – extra help for people on SSI
Refugee Cash Assistance – for refugees starting out
Funeral and Burial Allowance – help with funeral costs

And more!

Apply through ConneCT to get started

Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)

Financial help for families in need

TFA gives cash to families with children to help pay for basic needs. You can apply for TFA if you need money while you are in school, getting job training, or going through a hard time.

To get TFA, families must meet certain rules. These include limits on time, income, and what you own.

TFA is part of a federal program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). To see all the programs TANF pays for, check out our TANF State Plan.

Learn more about Temporary Family Assistance

Discover more financial assistance programs

State Administered General Assistance (SAGA)

SAGA gives cash help to people who cannot work because of medical or other reasons.

Find out if you qualify.

State Supplement Cash Assistance

This program gives cash help to older adults and people who are blind or have a disability.

Learn more and see if you qualify.

Refugee Assistance Programs

These programs give cash and medical help to refugees, asylees, and other eligible non-citizens. Help is available for up to four months from your ORR eligibility date.

Learn more and see if you qualify.

Funeral and Burial Allowance

DSS can help pay for funeral and burial costs for some people who get SAGA, TFA, or State Supplement benefits, and others who qualify.

Learn more about how to apply.

Cash assistance resources

Apply for financial help

Find out how to apply for cash assistance and manage your benefits.

Start your application now

Documents and forms for cash assistance

Find the forms and documents you need to apply for cash assistance programs.

Get the forms here.

Using your EBT Card

Learn how to use your EBT card and keep your benefits safe.

Get tips and information here.

Enroll in Direct Deposit

You can have your cash assistance sent straight to your bank account.

Learn how to set it up.