Special SNAP Services in Connecticut

Connecticut offers special SNAP services for residents facing specific hardships. These programs can provide faster benefits in emergencies, disaster relief, or simplified applications for certain households, like seniors or those with disabilities.

Expedited SNAP (Expedited Service)

This service provides SNAP benefits within seven days to households in a financial emergency. It uses minimal verification initially, allowing families to purchase food right away while their full application is processed.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) automatically screens every new SNAP application for expedited rules. Eligibility typically includes households with very low cash, those whose housing costs exceed their income, or certain migrant and seasonal farmworkers. There is no separate application needed.

Applicants just need to complete the standard online or paper SNAP form. If deemed eligible for expedited service, DSS issues the first month of benefits within a week and completes the full verification later.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

Disaster SNAP, or D-SNAP, offers one month of food aid after a major disaster. It helps families replace lost food or income. The aid is available to new applicants and as a supplement for current SNAP recipients.

For D-SNAP to become active, the President must declare a major disaster, and the USDA must approve the state's plan. Eligibility requirements state that households must have lived or worked in the disaster area, incurred disaster-related expenses, and meet specific income tests.

Current SNAP households in the affected area receive supplements automatically. Other eligible households must apply in person at temporary D-SNAP sites during a publicly announced application window. A separate application is not required for existing recipients.

SNAP Replacement Of Lost Food

Households can receive replacement benefits for food purchased with SNAP that was destroyed. This applies to misfortunes like floods, fires, hurricanes, or power outages lasting at least four hours.

Any SNAP household that loses food under these conditions is eligible. To receive aid, they must report the loss to DSS within 10 days. Following the report, they must submit Form W-1225 within another 10 days.

DSS will issue replacement benefits, up to the household's last monthly allotment, within 10 days of receiving the form. Households cannot receive both D-SNAP and these replacement benefits for the same disaster.

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) streamlines the SNAP process for specific households. It reduces paperwork and extends certification periods, making access easier for eligible individuals.

A household qualifies for ESAP if every adult member is either age 60 or older or has a disability, and the household has no earned income. This program is designed to simplify benefit access for those on fixed incomes.

There is no separate application for ESAP. Applicants use the standard SNAP form, and DSS staff will identify the case as ESAP-eligible and apply the simplified rules. These households are also automatically screened for expedited service.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Connecticut

Once approved for SNAP, you'll need to know how to use your benefits, including what you can purchase and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. It is a plastic card, similar to a debit card, that is automatically reloaded with your food assistance funds each month.

Using it is just like using a debit card. You swipe or insert the card at the checkout terminal in authorized stores and enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete your purchase. The amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are designed to help households purchase staple food items to prepare at home. The program focuses on providing access to nutritious foods, so it's important to know which items are covered before you get to the checkout line to ensure a smooth transaction.

You can use your EBT card to purchase most grocery items. However, there are some restrictions on what is eligible.

• Eligible items include: Fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Ineligible items include: Alcoholic beverages, hot foods sold ready-to-eat, vitamins, medicines, and any non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, or cosmetics.

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most major grocery stores and supermarkets. Many smaller convenience stores and corner markets are also authorized SNAP retailers. Look for a sign in the window or at the register that indicates they accept EBT payments for eligible food items.

Many farmers’ markets also accept EBT cards, allowing you to buy fresh, local produce directly from growers. Some markets may even offer matching dollar programs, stretching your benefits further. Check with individual market managers to confirm their participation and any special programs available.

You can also use your benefits to shop for groceries online. Several major retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, are approved for online SNAP purchases. This allows you to have groceries delivered to your home, though delivery fees cannot be paid with SNAP funds.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can stretch your budget further by earning cash back on everyday purchases. Get money back when you shop for groceries at stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. You can also earn rewards on services you use regularly, including Uber and Lyft.

Download Benny for free and connect your EBT card to begin earning cashback as you shop.