How can I check my EBT balance online?
Download the Providers app to check your balance instantly. And while you’re there, explore opportunities to save and earn money.
Scan to
download now!
What's the Connect Card?
The Connect Card is Connecticut’s EBT card.
EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps (also known as SNAP benefits) and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.
You’ll get the Connect Card once you’re approved for benefits.
Connecticut’s EBT customer service number is 1-888-328-2666.
How do I apply for food stamps?
The easiest way to apply for food stamps is online. If you’d rather apply in person, call your local office or the Connecticut SNAP hotline (1-855-626-6632) to find out how.
How do I renew my food stamps?
You’ll have to renew your food stamps before your certification period (the amount of time you’ll get food stamps) ends. For most Connecticut households without elderly (60+) or disabled people, that period is 12 months. For most Connecticut households with elderly (60+) or disabled people, that period is 36 months.
You’ll get a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.
To find out the easiest way to renew in your county, call your caseworker, local office, or the Connecticut SNAP hotline: 1-855-626-6632.
When will I get my food stamps?
Connecticut sends out benefits from the 1st to the 3rd of every month, based on the first letter of your last name. Check the full deposit schedule to find out which day you’ll get your food stamps.
What household changes do I have to report and when?
Most households only have to report the following two changes twice a year (at the halfway point and when you recertify):
- When someone moves in or out of your household.
- Financial changes like income, rent, savings, or child support.
Most households need to report the following three changes no more than 10 days after they happen:
- When your household income goes over the monthly income limit. This could be because someone starts making more money or someone with income moves in.
- When an adult without a disability or a child (what the government calls an ABAWD) who was working or training 20 hours/week starts working or training less.
- The receipt of substantial lottery or gambling winnings. If you are moving, you should report your new address ASAP to make sure you don’t miss any important letters.
You can report changes online with a ConneCT account.
How do I replace a lost or stolen EBT card?
If you can’t find your EBT card, call the Connecticut EBT hotline as soon as you can: 1-888-328-2666.
If someone manages to use your card, you won’t be able to get those benefits back, so make sure you call right away!
What can I buy with EBT?
You can use food stamps to buy groceries, snacks, and seeds or plants that will produce food.
You can’t use food stamps to buy alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, live animals, prepared foods, or any non-food household items.
WIC food packages typically include cereal, juice, eggs, milk, peanut butter, dried and canned beans, tofu, fruits and vegetables, and whole-wheat bread. WIC packages also include canned fish and cheese for breastfeeding moms, and baby food for babies.
Which stores and restaurants take EBT food stamps?
Download Providers to see nearby stores and farmer’s markets that take EBT. You don’t need an account to use the map.
Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?
Yes! Your EBT card can get you and your family discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.
Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?
Once your child is born, your household size will increase. More household members = more benefits.
While you are pregnant, you can’t get more food stamps, but you can apply for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.
WIC provides food and resources for pregnant women, new parents, and children up to 5 years old.
My family can’t afford other basic needs besides food.
If you have a child who’s 18 or younger, you may qualify for cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
TANF provides monthly cash assistance to help families with children get by during tough times.
Am I eligible for other benefits?
Check out this benefit finder tool and find out.
This information was compiled by Providers from publicly available government websites. Please check in with your local office if you have questions.
FAQs
What are the guidelines for SNAP in CT? ›
| Monthly Income Limits | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | 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 | $2,265 | $1,133 |
| 2 | $3,052 | $1,526 |
| 3 | $3,838 | $1,920 |
You can check your balance by calling the EBT customer service number listed on the back of your EBT card - 1-888-328-2666. SNAP Benefits that are not used within 274 days will be removed from your account, and you are no longer eligible for them.
What is the limit for food stamps in CT? ›| Household Size | Old Amount | New Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $250.00 | $281.00 |
| 2 | $459.00 | $516.00 |
| 3 | $658.00 | $740.00 |
| 4 | $835.00 | $939.00 |
Your net income is your gross income minus any allowable deductions. And assets are "countable resources" like cash, money in a bank account, and certain vehicles. For fiscal year 2023 (Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023), a two-member household with a net monthly income of $1,526 (100% of poverty) might qualify for SNAP.
What are the income guidelines for CT cash assistance? ›Income Rules: Adjusted income (gross minus certain exclusions and deductions) may not exceed $62 or $245 per month, depending upon the individual's Unemployable or Transitional status. Asset Rules: The asset limit is $250 per person, or up to $1,000 for a family of four or more.
What is considered low income in Connecticut? ›The federal poverty level in 2022 is considered any income under $13,590 for a one-person household. That number increases by $4,720 per year per member of the household. For example, a household of two would be considered in poverty if the total household income were less than $18,310.
Do CT SNAP benefits expire? ›Any SNAP benefits in your SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account at the end of the month will be carried over into the next month. However, if you do not use your SNAP benefits at all for 9 months, then they will be permanently removed from your account.
How long will the increase in food stamps last in CT? ›This bill ends the extra SNAP benefits after the February 2023 distributions. This means that Connecticut's SNAP-eligible households will receive their last extra payment in February 2023. Answer: You will get your last payment in February 2023on a date to be announced by DSS.
Do you have to pay back cash assistance in CT? ›You will not have to pay back any benefits you were eligible to receive. Unless, there is a mistake and you receive more than you are eligible for, you will be responsible for paying that amount back.
Who qualifies for cash assistance in CT? ›If your family has very low income or no income at all, you may be able to get cash assistance. If you cannot work because of a disability, you should also apply for Social Security disability and SSI.
What does CT food stamps cover? ›
Things you CAN buy using EBT / SNAP:
Meats, fish and poultry. Dairy products. Seeds and plants that produce food such as tomato seeds. Bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages.
Yes. You have a right to use your SNAP in all 50 states.
How much do you get for 2 people on SNAP? ›Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) raised its annual SNAP cost of living adjustment in 2023, the minimum monthly program benefit remained nearly steady over last year, at $23 for most one- or two-person households. That's up from about $15 or $16 just over a year ago.
What are the income guidelines for food stamps in SC 2023? ›| HOUSEHOLD SIZE | GROSS MONTHLY INCOME |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1287 |
| 2 | $1736 |
| 3 | $2184 |
| 4 | $2633 |
Your CalFresh allotment depends on the size of your household. Starting October 1, 2022, the maximum allotment for one person is $281 per month. The maximum allotment for a four person family is $939.
What is the income limit for Husky in CT? ›| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 5 | $105,420 |
| 6 | $120,840 |
| 7 | $136,260 |
| 8 | $151,680 |
If you have just been certified to receive SNAP benefits, your benefits should be in your EBT account within 30 days from the date you filed your application.
What is the income limit for WIC in CT? ›| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $45,991 |
| 4 | $55,500 |