What is State Supplement?
The State Supplement to the Aged, Blind or Disabled program is a cash assistance program administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). The program serves:
• adults who are ages 18 to 64 and have a permanent disability,
• individuals aged 65 and older,
• and individuals who are blind.
To be eligible, individuals also must have income and assets that are below allowable limits. Eligible recipients receive cash assistance that “supplements” their other qualified income to help them pay for living expenses. If you are eligible and live in a boarding home or residential care home (RCH), the State Supplement cash assistance program may also help you pay for the cost of residing there.
What are the income limits to be eligible for State Supplement Cash Assistance?
The income limit for the program is three times the current maximum SSI amount per eligible person. Each applicant’s income is compared to their monthly needs to determine eligibility. If you live in a boarding home or RCH, the income limit is higher because we will consider your monthly boarding home or RCH costs when determining your eligibility. DSS will determine the amount of your total countable income after allowable deductions.
What are the asset limits to be eligible for State Supplement Cash Assistance?
Your assets may not exceed $1,600 if you are unmarried or $2,400 if you are married. The value of one motor vehicle may be excluded as a counted asset if the vehicle is used for employment or medical transportation. The value of some life insurance policies and monies placed in a trust for burial costs may also be excluded. Be sure to report all your assets so we can determine which assets count toward the asset limit.
How are benefits calculated?
If your income and assets are at or below the program’s eligibility limits and you meet other requirements based on age, disability, or blindness, then DSS will take a closer look at your financial situation to determine if you are eligible to receive a cash benefit award. We will ask you about the cost of your living expenses, such as rent or mortgage, as well as your current living arrangement. We will then create a financial budget for you, calculating the costs of certain expenses you have, up to allowable limits. Your income is then compared to your allowable expenses. If there is a deficit, you may be eligible to receive a State Supplemental cash award to help you pay your living expenses.
How to Apply for State Supplement Cash Assistance?
Online—The fastest and easiest way to apply is online. Visit http://www.connect.ct.gov and click on the “Apply Now” button on. You can also use the “Am I Eligible?” feature on http://www.connect.ct.gov to find out if may you qualify for State Supplement cash benefits.
By Mail—To request an application that you can mail back to us, call the DSS Client Information Line and Benefits Center at 1‐855‐CONNECT (1‐855‐626‐6632); TTD/TTY 1‐800‐842‐4524 for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. You can also print an application to complete by visiting https://portal.ct.gov/dss.www.ct.gov/dss
In Person—Visit any DSS Resource Center to complete an application. Office locations can be found at www.ct.gov/dss under the “About Us” tab or call 2-1-1 to be referred to your nearest DSS Resource Center.