Food assistance

A couple shopping for produce

Find CT programs to assist with food security and nutritional support

Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy, happy life. The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) is here to support you every step of the way. Our mission is to help make it easier for you to get food and learn how to make healthy food choices.

We have many tools and programs to keep you and your loved ones well fed and supported. CT food assistance programs include:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Summer EBT (S-EBT)
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program
  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
  • SNAP Nutrition Education
  • SNAP employment and training
  • And more

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Learn about Connecticut's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Access food benefits, eligibility details, application info, and resources for healthy living.


Eligible

Am I eligible for SNAP?

Learn about who can get SNAP. This includes income limits, who counts as part of a SNAP household, work rules, and the rules for students. 
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How do I apply for SNAP?

Find step-by-step directions, a link to apply for SNAP online, and how to apply by mail or in person. You'll also learn what papers you need and where to get more help. 
Use snap

How do I use SNAP?

Learn how to use your Connecticut SNAP benefits. Find tips on using your EBT card, what foods you can buy, where you can shop, and how to make the most of your SNAP benefits. 
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How do I keep SNAP benefits active?

Learn how to keep your SNAP benefits active. Complete your reviews, report any changes, and stay up to date. 
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What can I buy with SNAP?

Find out what foods you can buy with SNAP. Get the details to help you plan smarter and stretch your budget. 
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SNAP Policies and Forms

Learn about SNAP rules and laws at the federal and state level. Find SNAP forms and documents. 

More nutrition assistance programs

Find other state and federal food and nutrition assistance programs available in Connecticut.


Child Nutrition Programs 

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) provides healthy food programs through grants funded by the USDA.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 

WIC provides nutrition support, and resources for eligible women, infants, and children.

WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) 

If you receive WIC, you are automatically enrolled in the WIC FMNP. Use these benefits to buy fresh and unprocessed fruits, vegetables, eggs, and cut herbs at markets. 

Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) 

Low-income seniors can access fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs through this program.

Senior Nutrition Program 

Meals on Wheels offers healthy meals to older adults. Find out more about healthy eating tips and activities. 

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) 

Learn how CSFP gives healthy food boxes to low-income seniors. Find out who can join and how to sign up. 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) 

TEFAP gives emergency food assistance at no cost. We give American-grown USDA foods to those who qualify.

CT Fresh Match 

CT Fresh Match helps people who use SNAP get more fruits and vegetables. It doubles what they can buy at farmers markets and farm stands across the state. 


SNAP Q&A

DSS ofrece formularios en inglés y en español. DSS también tiene servicios de interpretación y traducción gratuitos para cualquier persona que se comunica con DSS o solicita beneficios. Llame a la Línea de Información al Cliente y al Centro de Beneficios del DSS al: 1 (855) 626-6632, y oprima 2 para español.

Si necesita más ayuda, también puede comunicarse con una organización comunitaria que puede ayudarle en español, como Connecticut Association for Community Action (CAFCA) (860) 832-9438.

USDA provides several resources to help you prepare healthy meals on a low budget:

MyPlate.gov
Plan, Compare and Prepare
Eat Right When Money’s Tight

The SNAP Recipe Finder helps you create cookbooks and shopping lists. Use it to search for recipes based on total cost or cost per serving.

You can call the DSS Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 between 8:00am-4:00pm on Monday through Friday.

If you are waiting more than 2 minutes on the phone, you may be offered a call back. The system will ask if you want us to call you as soon as staff are available or you can pick a time to get a call in the next 7 days. We do not call back if you have a question about the status of your benefits or forms - please stay on the line or try calling another time.

You can check your EBT card many ways:

  • From a computer, go to MyAccount at www.connect.ct.gov
  • Use the MyDSS Mobile App on your phone or tablet at www.mydss.ct.gov
  • Call 1-888-328-2666 to hear the last ten (10) transactions on your account
  • Save your store receipt to keep track of your SNAP balance

The fastest way to get your current benefit letter is online through your MyAccount on MyDSS. You can print out this letter once you have it. For help, watch this video in English or este vídeo en Español.

If you are unable to get the letter online, you can also get a copy of your current benefit letter by calling the DSS Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or go to a DSS Resource Center from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Monday through Friday.

New on MyDSS! Learn how to protect EBT card from criminals!

You can now control your EBT card online. You can lock or unlock your card anytime. You can also stop or allow purchases made in other states.

To learn more, visit Protect Your EBT Card Benefits.

If you forgot or lost your password, call (877) 874-1612.

You can change your password anytime by logging into your MyAccount on MyDSS or ConneCT. Once you are logged in, click on “Manage MyAccount.” In the “Change Password” section, you will need to enter your old password and your new password. You will get a confirmation message that your password has been changed.

Go online to your MyAccount on MyDSS or ConneCT to update your information. If you need help, watch this video in English or este vídeo en Español.

Please update your information as soon as possible. DSS will use the information on your MyAccount to contact you, such as mailing you important information like changes to your benefits or your renewal forms and text messaging you reminders and updates about your case.

You will be notified of any changes to your SNAP benefit amount through DSS notices in the mail. You can also see any changes or updates made to your case via Myaccount or MyDSS.
If you get a text message with the wrong name, this might be because someone else listed your phone number as their contact information on their file. If we are texting the wrong number, simply reply to the message with either OptOutSNAP or STOP. You should get a text message confirming that you will not receive any future messages from DSS at that phone number.

MyDSS is a new online portal that is easier to use on a mobile phone. You can log in with your MyAccount username and password, the same username and password works on MyDSS and ConneCT.

On MyDSS you can do many things, such as:

  • Renew your benefits
  • Check the balance of your EBT card in real-time
  • Report any changes
  • Take pictures of documents with your phone to submit
  • See when documents you sent to DSS online were received & processed
  • See notices that were mailed to you
  • SNAP Periodic Report forms can be submitted

The best way is to complete your renewal forms online now through your MyAccount on MyDSS or ConneCT.

If you prefer to do your renewal on paper, you can ask for an additional copy to be mailed to you by either calling the DSS Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or going to a DSS Resource Center from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Monday through Friday.