What is ESAP
ESAP helps older adults and people with disabilities keep getting SNAP benefits. It uses a simpler renewal process because their situations are less likely to change. This helps SNAP run more smoothly and helps more people get the food they need.
Due to H. R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) the President signed into law on July 4, 2025, rules for ESAP have changed. This new law raises the age for ESAP from 60 to 65 years old. Please note, if you have a disability, you will still be eligible for ESAP if you are age 18 and older.
For more information about the ESAP program, see the CT SNAP Policy Manual.
Eligibility for ESAP
You will automatically be on ESAP if your household is all of these things:
- All adults are either 65 years or older and/or have a disability as defined by the SNAP program, and
- No one in your household is working, and
- You are currently on SNAP and continue to be eligible for SNAP.
Note: While on ESAP, children may be in the home. But if your child is the only one disabled, this will not make you ESAP eligible.
If you are on ESAP
There are benefits to being eligible for ESAP that can help you stay on SNAP:
- You only have to renew your SNAP benefits 1 time every 3 years;
- You do not have to complete a Periodic Report Form (PRF), which is usually required 6 months after every renewal;
- You do not have to do an interview when you renew your SNAP, unless we have questions, or you ask for an interview; and
- You may be able to submit fewer documents when you renew your SNAP.
What you have to report if you are on ESAP
You will need to report changes if they make you not eligible for ESAP anymore.
You must report the following changes within 10 days from the month in which the change happens:
- If anyone moves in or out of your home (For example, you start living with someone who is an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWDs).)
- Your home no longer includes an older adult (65+) or an adult (18+) with a disability.
- The adult in your home starts working.
- If you receive lotto/gambling winnings that are $4,750 or more in a single game.
Contact Us
There are several ways you can contact us to report changes. If we need proof from you, we will ask for it. You can contact us by phone at our Benefit Center. You can also upload documents to MyDSS, or mail documents to the DSS Scanning Center at P.O. Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045-1320. If you want, you can even stop into one of our 12 local Resource Centers, and a worker will be happy to assist you.