Caucasian mother sitting with two children on couch in front of tablet.

Help for Benefit Recipients

 

We know your benefits are an important part of how you keep food on the table and make sure your family stays healthy. The State of Connecticut is working closely with federal, state, and local partners to make sure you still get the services you need as emergency COVID-19 funding ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about how your benefits may be affected
× close  
A federal PHE is an official declaration made by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a federal agency, when a disease or disorder presents an emergency to public health, or that a PHE otherwise exists due to significant outbreaks of infectious disease.  A PHE declaration allows states to take certain actions to address the causes and effects of a disease outbreak.  In 2020, HHS declared a PHE to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, HHS declared a PHE to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. HHS declared an end to the COVID-19 PHE on May 11, 2023.
The PHE ended May 11, 2023. Some of the rules that changed during the PHE are coming to an end. The process of ending these changes is being called “PHE Unwinding”.
× close  
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Connecticut continued health care coverage for most Medicaid members, even if they no longer qualified, a process the federal government calls Continuous Enrollment. The federal rules have changed, and Continuous Enrollment will be ending March 31st, 2023 and the process of reviewing households for eligibility will resume, this process is being referred to as a Continuous Enrollment Unwinding.
We will attempt to renew your coverage automatically around 60 days before your HUSKY Health renewal is due. If we are unable to automatically renew your coverage, you will be notified that you must complete a renewal to see if you qualify for continued coverage. Each month for the next 12 months after March 31st, 2023, a portion of HUSKY Health members will be sent a renewal notification. All you have to do is wait until you receive your renewal notification. No need to rush to renew coverage right away, just make sure to do so when you receive your notice of renewal.

If we are unable to automatically renew your coverage, you will receive a renewal notice 45 days before coverage is due to end. It is important to complete your renewal quickly and provide any documentation that may be requested. This may help to avoid any gaps in medical coverage.

When you receive your renewal notification, the fastest way to complete it is to go online.

Once the renewal is completed, you will be notified of the outcome, including whether your HUSKY Health coverage will be renewed or if you qualify for another program.

If you no longer qualify for HUSKY Health, you can shop for health coverage through Connecticut’s Health Insurance Marketplace: Access Health CT. Additional full coverage options for some CT households are available at little or no cost. Contact Access Health to find out what you may qualify for:

Online at: Access Health CT

Over the phone at: 1-855-805-4325

  • Update us so we can update you! Make sure your address and phone number are up to date! Visit Update Us (ct.gov) to update your information.
  • Wait for a notice telling you when it’s time to take further action
  • There is no need to contact us until you receive your notice
× close  
  • Update us so we can update you! Make sure your address and phone number are up to date! Update your information by visiting Update Us (ct.gov)
  • Be on the lookout for mail from the Connecticut Department of Social Services
  • Follow DSS on social media for updates on Facebook and Twitter.
  • The last monthly emergency benefit, normally sent in the middle of the month was issued in February 2023.
  • Visit www.ct.gov/snap/extracovidbenefits for frequently asked questions
  • Your normal monthly SNAP benefits will continue.Visit mydss.ct.gov to check your regular benefit amount
  • Visit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP--SNAP PHE Flexibilities (ct.gov) for more information.
  • Interviews will be required again at application and renewal for most households
  • Periodic Report Forms (halfway through your renewal cycle) will resume for most households. These can be completed via mail or online at mydss.ct.gov
  • Expanded exemptions for college students will end
  • When the Federal PHE ends, a college student will be required to be participating in work study, or have another exemption allowed under normal policy to be eligible for SNAP
  • A college student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will no longer be allowed as an exemption
  • If you are currently getting SNAP benefits and using these exemptions, they will no longer apply at your next renewal which will be at least 30 days after the federal PHE ends. Also, 30 days after the PHE ends, these flexibilities will no longer apply to new SNAP applicants

You will receive notification from DSS if your benefits will be affected

  • We will call you for a phone interview, if required. If you miss your phone call, we will send you a Notice of Missed Interview in the mail
  • You will receive your Periodic Report Form (PRF) in the mail when it is due. If you have signed up for paperless notices, you will receive an email to log in to your MyAccount to complete your PRF. PRFs can be completed via mail or online at mydss.ct.gov
  • We will advise you during the application or renewal process if you no longer qualify for one of the exemptions for college students
  • Update us so we can update you! Make sure your address and phone number are up to date!   Visit DSS online at ct.gov/UpdateUsDSS
  • Wait for a notice telling you when it’s time to take further action
  • There is no need to contact us until you receive your notice
× close  
Connecticut Community Action Agencies provide help for housing, home energy assistance, and other programs in your area.
Contact End Hunger CT! seven days a week with flexible appointments.
Call EHC!’s SNAP Call Center toll-free at 866-974-SNAP (7627) or visit www.ctsnap.org for more information. Also learn about SNAP-doubling at farmers’ markets, school breakfast and supper programs, CT’s free summer meals program for children, and more at www.endhungerct.org.
For mobile pantry distribution information click the link here: Mobile Pantry Schedule
211 Connecticut online search feature
AffordableCT for more programs available to Connecticut residents.
Medicaid Enrollment

What CAN I Do?

The most important thing for you to do is report any changes to your information so we can contact you.

  • Make sure you don’t miss any important information about your benefits by updating the information on file with the Department of Social Services (DSS). This includes your address and any life changes like a change in income, a move, or a divorce.

  • Find even more resources and support programs in Connecticut.