You can apply for food stamps in Connecticut through the Department of Social Services (DSS). Note that this service is also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In order to apply for SNAP, you will need to include information on yourself and each household member who wants assistance.

With that in mind, it helps to understand that your household includes everyone who lives together, buys food together and shares meals. In other words, your household members to not need to be related to one another.

You can sign up for food stamps using several different methods. Regardless of how you submit your form, you will need to undergo an interview and provide documents to verify your information. Below, find out more about the application and interview process and discover the information you must include with your application.

What do you need to apply for food stamps in Connecticut?

A food stamp application asks for a variety of information on your household, such as your income, resources and family composition. In addition, you may need to provide the following types of documents and information to complete your application:

• Proof of citizenship or legal presence in the U.S.
• Pay stubs or tax returns to verify your income.
• Bank statements or other documentation to verify your resources.
• Proof of employment, disability or school enrollment, if applicable.

If you do not have all of this information right away, you can submit an incomplete food stamp application form as long as it has your name, address and signature. However, you will still need to provide all of the necessary details at a later date before you can begin getting benefits.

Learn more about the documents and information you need to provide by downloading our free guide.

Applying for Connecticut Food Stamps Online

Filling out a food stamp application online is usually the fastest and easiest way to request benefits. To apply for food stamps online, you must use the state’s application portal.

If you have used this portal before, you may log into your account. As a new user, you must create an account by providing the following:

• Your first and last name.
• A valid email address.
• A username.
• A secure password.
• Security questions, which will verify your identity if you cannot remember your password in the future.

Once your account is set up, you may request food stamps online by completing the appropriate form. If you cannot complete the entire application at once, you may save your progress and continue at a later time.

Submitting a Connecticut Food Stamp Application by Mail

If you prefer to fill out a SNAP benefits application on paper, you may download and print the appropriate form from the DSS website. You can also contact or visit a DSS office to obtain a copy of this form if you do not have access to a printer.

The paper food stamp application is used for several types of benefits. Make sure you fill in all of the sections that relate to food assistance. Once your form is complete, sign it and mail it to the appropriate address.

Applying for SNAP In-Person in Connecticut

It is also easy to apply for SNAP benefits by visiting any DSS office in person. DSS offices are in various cities throughout the state, including:

• Bridgeport,
• Danbury,
• Manchester,
• Middletown, and
• New Britain.

If you wish, you may fill out the application ahead of time and bring your completed form to the office. Alternatively, it is possible to pick up an application at the office and fill it out as you wait.

Checking Your SNAP Application Status in Connecticut

You can look up your food stamp application status using the website portal if you applied online. Simply log into your account to see whether your application has been processed.

If you applied through any other method, it is possible to check the status of SNAP applications by calling the DSS directly. When you call, simply select the service you need in the phone menu. You may talk to a caseworker if you call during regular business hours.

Connecticut Food Stamps Interview Process

When your application is complete, you must undergo an interview. This part of the process allows you to verify the information you provided. During the interview, a caseworker may also ask for any details that might have been missing from your application.

It is possible to have a food stamps phone interview in most cases. However, you may need to attend an in-person interview when a phone meeting is not an option.

About SNAP Recertification in Connecticut

It is important to remember that you will only receive SNAP for a certain amount of time, known as your benefit period. A SNAP recertification is required when your benefit period ends.

During the recertification, you must provide current information on your income and other details about your household. When you are ready, a food stamp renewal can be completed in the following ways:

• Online
• By phone
• Via mail

Using a SNAP calculator may be helpful if you are unsure that you can keep getting benefits. This tool will help you determine if you are still eligible for assistance based on your current situation. Learn more about keeping your eligibility and recertifying your benefits in when you download our free guide.

About Appealing a Food Stamps Denial in Connecticut

You may have your food stamps denied after your initial application or after you renew your benefits. Benefits may be denied if you do not meet the SNAP requirements or if you commit program violations.

If your benefits are denied or reduced, you will receive a notification from the DSS. If necessary, it is possible to appeal food stamps decisions by requesting a hearing. Your notification will provide instructions on requesting an appeal.

If you believe that you have faced discrimination, you may complain to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instead, which oversees SNAP at the federal level. Discrimination complaints can be made by mail or over the phone.

Last Updated: February 27, 2023