The Connecticut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly food benefits to help low-income households purchase nutritious groceries. Benefits are distributed via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, select online retailers, and even some restaurants that accept EBT. This program supports working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities facing food insecurity. Use the Connecticut DSS ConneCT pre-screening tool to estimate eligibility and benefits.
This guide details SNAP eligibility in Connecticut for 2025, including income guidelines, deductions, benefits, and application steps, based on the latest data from federal and state resources effective October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
Who Is Eligible for Connecticut SNAP Benefits?
Eligibility for SNAP in Connecticut depends on several factors:
- Income Level: Household income must meet federal poverty guidelines.
- Household Size: Determined by the number of people who live and eat together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident (e.g., lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the U.S., refugees, asylees, or parents applying for U.S. citizen children).
- Residency: Must live in Connecticut.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–49 must meet work criteria unless exempt.
- Asset Limits: Most households are exempt from asset limits due to Connecticut’s broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), but households with seniors or disabled members exceeding gross income limits may face asset caps.
Households with seniors (60+) or individuals with disabilities may have relaxed income and asset rules. Contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office for a precise eligibility assessment.
Income Guidelines for Connecticut SNAP (2025)
Connecticut uses gross and net income tests to determine eligibility. Gross income is total income before taxes or deductions, while net income is calculated after allowable deductions. The following thresholds apply from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Gross Income Test (200% of Federal Poverty Level)
Connecticut has expanded eligibility, allowing households with gross monthly income up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to qualify, higher than the federal standard of 130%.
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,608 |
| 2 | $3,525 |
| 3 | $4,441 |
| 4 | $5,358 |
| 5 | $6,275 |
| 6 | $7,191 |
| 7 | $8,108 |
| 8 | $9,025 |
| Each Additional | +$916 |
Net Income Test (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
All households must meet the net income limit, which is 100% of the FPL:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,304 |
| 2 | $1,762 |
| 3 | $2,220 |
| 4 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $3,137 |
| 6 | $3,595 |
| 7 | $4,054 |
| Each Additional | +$459 |
What Counts as Income?
All earned and unearned income is considered, including:
- Wages and salaries (before taxes)
- Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Unemployment benefits
- Child or spousal support
- Cash assistance (e.g., Temporary Family Assistance, TFA)
- Workers’ compensation
- Private retirement or pension withdrawals (depending on frequency)
Asset Limits in Connecticut SNAP
Due to Connecticut’s BBCE, most households are exempt from asset limits. However, households with a senior (60+) or disabled member who exceed the gross income limit (200% FPL) must meet an asset cap of $4,500.
Countable Assets:
- Bank accounts
- Property (other than your primary home)
- Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home and lot
- Personal belongings
- Most retirement accounts
- Vehicles
SNAP Household Definition
A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare food together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children under 22 living with a parent
- Personal care or live-in attendants (if they are a spouse, child under 22, or a child under 18 under parental control)
If you buy and cook food separately from others you live with, you may qualify as a separate household, unless legally required to be included. Seniors or disabled individuals may qualify as a separate household if the combined income of others they live with is below 165% of the FPL.
Work Requirements for Adults (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–49 must:
- Work at least 80 hours per month (paid, unpaid, or in-kind work)
- Participate in an approved work or training program (e.g., SNAP Employment and Training, E&T)
Without meeting these requirements, ABAWDs are limited to 3 months of benefits in a 36-month period. Counties can connect ABAWDs with local work opportunities, such as the SNAP E&T program offered through Connecticut State Community College.
Exemptions:
- Under 18 or over 49
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent
- Disabled or medically unfit to work
- Enrolled in school or a workforce development program
- Students enrolled at least half-time in post-secondary education (if working 20+ hours/week or participating in work-study)
Allowable Deductions
Deductions lower your net income, increasing eligibility chances and benefit amounts. Allowable deductions include:
- Standard Deduction: $204 for households of 1–3, $217 for 4, $251 for 5, or $291 for 6+.
- Earned Income Deduction: 20% of income from work or self-employment.
- Dependent Care: Costs for childcare or care for disabled dependents needed for work, training, or education.
- Medical Expenses: Out-of-pocket costs over $35/month for seniors or disabled members (or a standard $165 deduction if verified).
- Child Support: Court-ordered payments.
- Excess Shelter Costs: Rent, mortgage, or utilities exceeding half of net income, capped at $712 unless the household includes a senior or disabled member.
- Homeless Shelter Deduction: Up to $190.30 for homeless households.
Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
SNAP benefits are calculated by subtracting 30% of your net income from the maximum benefit for your household size. Households with no net income receive the maximum allotment.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly SNAP Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each Additional | +$220 |
Example: A household of 3 with $600 net monthly income would receive $768 (max benefit) minus 30% of $600 ($180), equaling $588/month.
How to Apply for SNAP in Connecticut
You can apply for SNAP through the following methods:
- Online: Use the Connecticut DSS ConneCT portal to submit an application.
- In-Person: Visit a local DSS Resource Center (e.g., Hartford: 55 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105).
- By Mail or Fax: Download and print an application from the DSS website or request one from a DSS office (e.g., DSS Scanning Center, PO Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045-1320).
- By Phone: Call the DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632 or End Hunger Connecticut! at 1-866-974-7627 for assistance in multiple languages.
Required Documentation:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, state ID)
- Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease)
- Income verification (e.g., last 4 weeks of pay stubs, Social Security award letter)
- Expense documentation (e.g., rent receipts, utility bills, medical expenses)
- Social Security numbers or proof of application for all household members
After applying, you’ll need to complete an interview (in-person or by phone). DSS will notify you of the interview date and time. Expedited benefits (e.g., for households with less than $100 in cash and $150 in monthly earnings, or housing costs exceeding income) may be approved within 7 days. Otherwise, decisions are made within 30 days. If you haven’t heard back within 2 weeks, call 1-855-626-6632 to schedule an interview.
What Happens After Approval?
If approved, you’ll receive an EBT card by mail, which functions like a debit card at authorized retailers. Benefits are loaded monthly, and receipts show your remaining balance. Check your balance online at Connecticut’s EBT portal, call 1-888-328-2666, or refer to how to check your SNAP balance for additional methods. DSS recommends changing your EBT PIN monthly to prevent theft.
Note: The federal authority to replace SNAP benefits stolen via electronic theft (e.g., card skimming) ended on December 20, 2024. Claims for theft on or before this date can be filed within 30 days of discovery.
Extra Perks for EBT Cardholders
- Online Shopping: Use your EBT card at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi.
- Museums for All: Free or reduced admission to participating museums, zoos, and cultural sites.
- Amazon Prime Discount: 50% off for EBT cardholders.
What You Cannot Buy With SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot or prepared foods (unless purchased at authorized restaurants under specific programs)
- Pet food, household supplies, or hygiene products
- Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
Work Requirements and Employment and Training Program
All non-exempt SNAP applicants must register for work and participate in the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program if required. This includes accepting suitable job offers or engaging in work-related activities. DSS partners with organizations like Connecticut State Community College to provide free job training.
Additional Notes
- Income limits are updated annually on October 1.
- Recertification: Most households recertify every 6–12 months; seniors and disabled individuals may recertify every 12–24 months.
- Apply even if unsure: Deductions or categorical eligibility (e.g., receiving TFA or SSI) may qualify you.
- Fraud Protection: Check for card-skimming devices at point-of-sale terminals and report suspected EBT card compromise to DSS immediately.
Additional Resources
- Connecticut DSS ConneCT – Apply or manage benefits
- End Hunger Connecticut! – Application assistance (1-866-974-7627)
- USDA SNAP Eligibility – Federal guidelines
- Feeding America Food Bank Locator
- Connecticut DSS SNAP Program – Program details
This guide is based on federal and Connecticut state resources, including USDA, Connecticut Department of Social Services, and End Hunger Connecticut, accurate as of October 1, 2024. Always verify with your local DSS office for the most current information.