SNAP and food help for older adults in Connecticut

SNAP for older adults

SNAP is run by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Benefits come on an EBT card you use at grocery stores.

Who qualifies

If someone in your household is 60 or older or disabled, special rules help you:

• Net income test only. You only need to meet the limit on income after deductions. From October 2026 that is $1,330 a month for one person or $1,804 for two.
• Medical costs count. Medical costs you pay yourself, such as premiums, copays and prescriptions, can be deducted from your income.
• Assets. Most households have no asset test. DSS's program chart lists an asset limit of $4,750 only for households with a member 60 or older or disabled whose gross income is over 200% of the poverty level.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Apply online at www.connect.ct.gov, by mailing form W-1E to DSS ConneCT Scanning Center, PO Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045, or at a DSS regional office.
2. Send proof of income (such as your Social Security award letter), rent or mortgage, utilities, and medical bills you pay.
3. Decision. DSS decides within 30 days. If you have very little money and need food right away, you may get expedited SNAP within 7 days.
4. Questions: DSS Benefits Center, 1-855-626-6632 (1-855-6-CONNECT). EBT card help: 1-800-385-4052.

After you are approved

• Report income that rises above 130% of the poverty level by the 10th of the next month.
• Return renewal forms on time so your benefits do not stop.
• If you are denied or your benefit is cut, you can ask for a fair hearing within 90 days of the notice. For SNAP, you can ask by phone. If you ask within 10 days, your benefits can stay the same while you wait.

CSFP senior food box

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) gives a free box of food each month. DSS runs it with Connecticut Foodshare, which delivers boxes to local pickup sites.

• Who qualifies: you are 60 or older, live in Connecticut, have a valid photo ID, and your household's gross income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
• What is in the box: shelf-stable foods such as canned fruit, vegetables, meat or fish, cheese, milk, juice, dry beans, cereal, oats, rice, pasta and peanut butter.
• How to apply: contact Connecticut Foodshare at (203) 469-5000, [email protected], or www.ctfoodshare.org/csfp-resources. DSS does not take CSFP applications itself.
• Pickup: you pick up one box a month at a participating site. You can name someone to pick it up for you.
• Rules: you may get only one box a month. Taking more than one may end your participation. You can get CSFP and SNAP at the same time.

DSS's CSFP page still shows older income amounts. Ask Foodshare for the current dollar limit.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture runs this program with state and federal money.

• Who qualifies: you are 60 or older with household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Some people under 60 with a disability also qualify if they live in senior housing where group meals are served.
• What you get: a SoliMarket Shopper card to buy fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, cut herbs, honey and eggs from approved farmers' markets.
• When: June 1 to November 30 each year.
• How to apply: go to a participating distribution site listed on the Department of Agriculture's yearly distribution list. The Department cannot mail benefits to you.
• Check your balance at shopper.soliportal.com with your card number and PIN.
• Questions: Department of Agriculture, 860-713-2500.

Other food help

• CT Fresh Match doubles what you spend on fruits and vegetables at many farmers' markets and farm stands. Ask at the market.
• Food pantries and meals: call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org. Your local Area Agency on Aging can help you find senior meal sites and home-delivered meals.

Things people miss

• Medical costs lower your income for SNAP. Keep receipts for premiums, copays and prescriptions. Many older adults who think they earn too much qualify once these are counted.
• You can use more than one program. SNAP, CSFP and farmers market benefits can all be used together.

Free help

• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): call 1-800-994-9422 for help applying and finding meals near you.
• DSS general information: 1-800-842-1508. TTY: 1-800-842-4524.

See all benefits in Connecticut for health care, energy help and more.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Connecticut agencies

Check what you may qualify for