Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
 As a result of the passage of the Farm Bill of 2008, SNAP is the new name for the Food Stamp Program. According to preliminary USDA figures, there are currently over 300,000 Connecticut residents receiving SNAP benefits. However, there are still tens of thousands of people who are eligible, yet not taking advantage of the program. Considering the recent changes to SNAP, it is more important than ever that potentially-eligible people are aware of SNAP guidelines.
CAHS provides information, presentations, and trainings on SNAP for community groups and social service providers. Any social service agency that serves people who may not know about their eligibility should contact a CAHS Outreach Staff member to set up a presentation. Presentations include SNAP rules, changes, income guidelines, and assistance to avoid some of the potential problems encountered by applicants. CAHS staff also provides benefit pre-screenings, which are intended to give people an idea of whether or not they will qualify for SNAP. In the past year, Outreach Staff members conducted dozens of presentations for community groups, reaching and pre-screening over 2,000 state residents.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 ( TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?
SNAP helps people to afford more food for themselves and their families. SNAP benefits are delivered through a credit card system (EBT). Eligible people may use SNAP to buy food at some neighborhood grocery stores, most major supermarkets, and a growing number of farmer’s markets.
How do I know if a household qualifies?
Income: SNAP is available for households that meet the income guidelines set by the federal government.
What are the income guidelines?
(Valid from October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010)
| Income Limits |
| Household Size |
Monthly Gross Income Limit
(applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income)
|
Net Income Limit
(applies to
ALL households)
|
| 1 |
$1,671 |
$903 |
| 2 |
$2,248 |
$1215 |
| 3 |
$2,823 |
$1526 |
| 4 |
$3,400 |
$1838 |
(Larger households can have higher income. Please contact CAHS for more information.)
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. Other income sources include: child support, alimony payments, worker's comp, unemployment benefits, SSI, TANF/TFA, cash assistance.
- Rent or Mortgage: Mortgage statements, if you own. Or lease agreements, if you rent.
- Utility Bills: Gas, electric, heating, and phone bills.
- Bank Statements: These include, checking, savings, credit unions, stocks, bonds, 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
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 SNAP application is also available online at www.ct.gov/dss/site/default.asp.
For more information about SNAP, call the Connecticut Association for Human Services at (860) 951-2212 x238.
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