Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)


Program Overview


The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps individuals and households buy food, eat well, and stay healthy. SNAP helps families, low-wage workers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and others with low income. 

 

 

Read More About SNAP

 

family eating in the living room

SNAP benefits are provided through a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that is used like an ATM card. An EBT card can be used at most grocery or corner stores, online at select retailers, and at many farmers’ markets.


SNAP can only be used to purchase food items and can't be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, vitamin supplements, non-food grocery items such as household supplies, or hot foods.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) works with other state agencies, nutrition educators, and community and faith-based organizations to make sure people who are eligible for SNAP can apply and maintain their benefits. Receipt of SNAP also allows families to access other opportunities such as employment and training programs, nutrition education programs, WIC, Head Start, school meals, and more.


Eligibility

 

To be eligible for SNAP, you must be a Connecticut resident or be a citizen or qualified non-citizen. Examples of qualified non-citizens include refugees, asylees, trafficking victims, and legal permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years.

  

Your eligibility for SNAP and the amount of your SNAP benefit also depends on: 

 

  • How many people you live with and buy and make meals with (which we call your household) 
  • The amount of gross income your household has (gross income is the amount you bring home before taxes and deductions) 
  • The amount of net income your household has after certain deductions are allowed (such as earned income deductions, child care expenses, and child support expenses)  
  • How much your household pays each month for things like rent or mortgage and utilities
  • Monthly medical expenses if anyone in your household is at least 60 years old or disabled. 

Asset limit:

  • There is no asset limit for the SNAP program EXCEPT for households where at least one individual in the household is at least 60 years old or disabled AND whose gross income is above the gross income limit. For those households, total assets including cash, savings accounts, stocks, and bonds cannot be more than $4,250. 
  • The home you live in, your vehicles, and retirement accounts are all excluded from the asset limit. 

Documents and Information You Need to Apply

The SNAP application asks questions about: 

 

  • You and the people that live with you (your household) 
  • Your household’s income before taxes or deductions 
  • Your household’s expenses for rent or mortgage, utilities, child support, child care, and medical bills 

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 SNAP 
  • Proof of immigration status for anyone applying that is not a U.S. citizen 
  • Proof of wages, before taxes, for anyone in your household who works (pay stubs, letter from employer, etc.) 
  • Income taxes if you are self-employed 
  • Proof other income (pension, VA benefits, child support paid directly to you, etc.) 
  • Proof of housing costs (lease, mortgage statement, rent receipt, utility bills, etc.) 
  • Proof of dependent care costs (canceled checks, statement from provider, receipts, etc.) 
  • If anyone is 60 or older or disabled, proof of medical expenses they pay out of pocket monthly 
  • Proof of child support payments and agreements 

How to Apply

Need Help?

 

DSS field offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8-4:30 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 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.

 

 
Learn More About Applying for SNAP

 

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