State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA)

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State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA)


Program Overview


The State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA) program is a cash assistance program that serves adults who don't qualify for any other cash program with the Department of Social Services (DSS). Individuals who qualify for SAGA must have little to no income, little to no assets, and no other means of self-support.  

 

 

More About SAGA


an empty walletSAGA benefits are provided through a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that is used like an ATM card. Benefits can also be directly deposited into a bank account.

SAGA helps adults who don't qualify for any other state or federal cash benefits, or who are in the process of waiting for a decision from another program, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplement Security Income (SSI). In addition to applying for SSI/SSDI, applicants must agree to reimburse the state from their SSI lump sum payment. To qualify for SAGA, an individual must be unable to work. Most people who qualify have a documented medical condition that severely impacts their employability; however, some people may qualify based on non-medical factors that make them eligible.


To receive SAGA, a person must be either unable to work for a short-term period (two-six months) or be unable to work or participate in education or training for a long‐term period (six months or more). Individuals may also qualify as unemployable for certain non-medical reasons. Those unable to work for a short-term period also need to show a recent connection to the job market. Individuals qualifying for SAGA who also have documented substance abuse issues must participate in substance abuse treatment to remain eligible for SAGA benefits. SAGA can help pay for someone's stay in a boarding home or residential care facility.
 

 

Eligibility


To be eligible for SAGA, you must must live in Connecticut. You must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen.

 

Who is eligible?

  • Must meet one or more of the following:
    • Unable to work for 2-6 months and have a recent connection to the labor market
    • Unable to work for 6 months of more based on a DSS medical review
    • Under age 16 and emancipated by a court or be legally married
    • Age 65 or older
    • Age 55 and worked less than 6 months in the last 5 years
    • Full time high school student aged 18-21
    • Caring for an incapacitated spouse or child
    • Caring for a child under two
    • VISTA volunteer
    • Former TFA child who aged off TFA and still resides in a TFA-eligible household
    • Living in a boarding home or residential care facility
  • Must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Must be a resident of Connecticut

 

Income limits: 

 

  • Gross income limit: For each person, the monthly gross income cannot be more than 300% of the maximum SSI limit. 300% of the maximum SSI limit for one is about $2,442/month, although this amount changes slightly each year. Gross income is the amount of money you make before taxes are withheld.
  • Applied income limit – There are also limits on the amount of “applied income” you may receive and still be eligible. Applied income is the amount of your gross income that is left over after deducting certain costs. Your monthly applied income must be less than the maximum SAGA benefit available to you.

 

Asset limit:

  • To receive SAGA cash assistance, a person can’t have more than $250 in assets. Up to $4,500 of a motor vehicle’s value may be excluded as a counted asset. There is no asset test for individuals aged 18-21 who are unmarried, living with a family that still receives Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), and no longer receive TFA because of their age.

Documents and Information You Need to Apply


SAGA applications require an interview over the phone. The purpose of this interview is to review, discuss, and clarify all information listed on the application. DSS will also explain the program rules and requirements and answer any of the applicant’s additional questions.

 

You may be asked to provide the following: 

  • Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
  • Social security numbers for everyone in your household applying for SAGA
  • Proof of gross wages, before taxes are subtracted, for anyone in your household who works (pay stubs, letter from employer, etc.)
  • Income tax documents if anyone is self-employed
  • Proof of other income (pension, VA benefits, child support paid directly to you)
  • Proof of assets (bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real property, vehicle loans, etc.)
  • Proof of shelter costs and any housing subsidies (lease, section 8 or housing letter, rent receipt, etc.)
  • Proof of citizenship or non-citizen status.
  • Proof of medical condition that prevents the applicant from working (DSS medical packet, doctor’s note)
  • Proof the applicant applied for all other types of financial assistance for which they might qualify (SSI/SSDI, other SSA benefits, private pensions, etc.)
How to Apply

Need Help?

DSS field offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays). The DSS Client Information Line & Benefits Center phone line can be reached by calling 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632). Phones are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

Need Help or an Accommodation?

Visit a DSS field office where a worker can help you fill out forms, get documentation, make medical appointments, and get medical documentation to prove a disability. 

People who are deaf or hard of hearing and have a TDD/TTY device can contact DSS at 1-800-842-4524.  

Persons who are blind or visually impaired can contact DSS at 1-860-424-5040. 


See a full list of DSS field offices here.

 

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