State Supplement for the Aged, Blind and Disabled
Program Overview
State Supplement provides cash assistance to people who are 65+ or who are blind or have another disability. In order to receive this benefit, individuals must receive Supplement Security Income (SSI) or an equivalent such as Social Security benefits or Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits. People who are eligible for State Supplement can also qualify for Medicaid.
Read More About State Supplement
State Supplement recipients receive cash assistance that “supplements” other 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 will help you pay for the cost of living there.
The program is funded by state funds but operates under both state and federal law and regulation. Incentives are available to encourage recipients to become as self-supporting as their ages or abilities allow. State Supplement program payments also encourage a higher degree of self-sufficiency by allowing recipients to remain in non-institutional living arrangements. People eligible for State Supplement are eligible for Medicaid.
Eligibility
To be eligible for State Supplement, you must must live in Connecticut.
Who is eligible?
- Ages 65+ or ages 18-64 with a disability or blind
- Meet the criteria for the Social Security Disability Insurance Program or the State Board of Education and Services for the Blind Program, or is 65 years old or older
- You must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a source of income such as:
- Social Security
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- or veterans benefits
Income
Applicants must have another source of income such as Social Security (SSDI/SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or veterans benefits. Under most circumstances, individuals living in the community (not in a boarding home) must have income below $1054 to qualify. Couples living in the community must have income below $1710 combined to qualify.
- These numbers are based on the 1/1/23 SSI amounts, including an increase to the SSI pass-through. DSS allows certain deductions and then compares the remaining income to the standard of living established by the state. Income limits are higher for individuals living in a boarding home or residential care facility since those costs are considered when determining eligibility.
Assets
The asset limit is $1,600 for an individual and $2,400 for a couple. One motor vehicle is excluded if used for medical transportation or employment. Home property that is used as the principal residence is excluded. Transfers of assets made within 24 months of applying for assistance may affect eligibility.
Documents and Information You Need to Apply
You may be asked to provide the following:
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Proof of CT residency and household composition
- Social Security numbers for yourself and your spouse
- Proof of wages if you are working (pay stubs, letter from your employer)
- Income tax return information to verify self-employment income and expenses
- Proof of other income (pension, VA benefits, IRA distributions, etc.)
- Proof of assets (bank statements, stocks, bonds, real property, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, car loan balances, etc.)
- Proof of shelter costs (lease, mortgage statement, rent receipt)
How to Apply
- Apply online: Visit www.connect.ct.gov and click “Apply for Benefits.”
- Apply by mail: Complete the W-1E Application for Benefits and mail it to DSS ConneCT Scanning Center, PO Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045.
- Drop off your application: Complete the W-1E Application for Benefits and drop off the completed application at a local DSS Regional Office. See a list of local offices here.
- Apply by filling out application in-person for benefits at local DSS office. See a list of local offices here.
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.