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What are Food Stamps?
Food Stamps help people to afford more food for themselves and their families. Food Stamps benefits are now available through a credit card system (EBT). There are no more paper coupons for Food Stamps. You may use Food Stamps to buy food at some neighborhood grocery stores and most major supermarkets.

How do I know if a household qualifies?
Income: Food Stamps are available for households that meet the income guidelines set by the federal government.
What are the income guidelines? (Valid from October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008)

(each additional person, add $4,524)

If you are on SSI or TANF, you are already eligible. 

Can I have a bank account? : Households are found to be eligible if they have less than $2,000 in assets, or $3,000 for households with persons 60 years or older, or disabled.

Can I own a home or car? : If you own a home, its value is not counted as an asset. Car rules have changed.  If you did not qualify in the past, you may now qualify.

What documents are needed to apply?
Identification: This includes birth certificate, driver's license, or other proof of identity.
Social Security number: You will need the SS number for all household members.
Proof of income: Pay stubs showing income for the past 4 weeks, or a written statement from your employer showing earnings. If you are receiving child support or alimony payments, bring proof of them. If you are receiving worker's comp or unemployment benefits, you must bring proof.
Rent or Mortgage: Mortgage statements, if you own. Or lease agreements, if you rent.
Utility bills: Gas, electric, heating, and phone bills.
Bank statements: You will need proof of bank accounts. These include, checking, savings, credit unions, stocks, bonds, and CD's.
Medical expenses: These are needed if you, or someone in the household is over 60 years old, or disabled.
Other: Alien registration card, or proof of immigrant status; Childcare expenses; SSI award letter; rental income.

Where do people go to apply?
Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) at 1-800-842-1508 to find the DSS office for your town. The Food Stamp application is also available online at www.ct.gov/dss/site/default.asp.

For more information about the Food Stamp Program, call the Connecticut Association for Human Services at (860) 951-2212.