Find benefits and support

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Learn what DSS benefits and support are available to you

Not sure where to get started? The Department of Social Services (DSS) can help you get the resources you need to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life in the state of Connecticut.

Find out more about the kinds of benefits and support we offer and how to apply for them, including:

  • Healthcare
  • Food assistance
  • Cash assistance
  • Long-term services and support
  • Heating and utility assistance
  • Child and family support
  • Social work

Quick links

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Learn how to apply for benefits
Discover how to use tools like ConneCT, Access Health, and MyDSS to apply for and manage your DSS benefits.
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Explore all programs and services
Know exactly what program you’re looking for? Find it on the full list of programs and services available to CT residents.
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Need help? Contact us
We’re here to help you get the services you need. Contact us online, by phone, or in person for assistance.

Healthcare coverage

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Your health is our top priority

DSS offers a variety of programs to help CT residents maintain their health and pay for their medical expenses. These programs include:

  • HUSKY Health (also known as Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program)
  • MED-Connect
  • Covered Connecticut
  • More benefit programs

Explore HUSKY and other CT healthcare benefits to make sure yours and your family’s health is covered.
Discover all healthcare benefits  

How to qualify for HUSKY  

Find out if you’re eligible for healthcare coverage through HUSKY Health.

HUSKY benefit overview 

Learn what’s covered by HUSKY Health policies.

Med-Connect 

Learn about Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities (known as MED-Connect).

Covered Connecticut 

No-cost health insurance, dental insurance, and non-emergency medical transportation for CT residents between 19-64 who qualify.

Food assistance

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Apply for SNAP benefits and more

DSS is dedicated to helping eligible CT residents access nutritious, affordable food though assistance programs. These include:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
  • Senior Nutrition Program (SNP)
  • And more
Learn more about food assistance  

Find out if you’re eligible for SNAP 

Learn how to determine if you qualify for SNAP benefits based on your household income and other factors.

How to use your SNAP benefits 

Learn more about your Electronic Balance Transaction (EBT) card and how to use it to buy food in person and online.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) 

Are you a low-income person at least 60 years of age? You may be eligible for monthly food packages to supplement your diet.

Cash assistance

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Income support

Get supplemental income to help meet basic needs through programs like Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), State Administered Cash Assistance, and more.

Long-term Services and Supports

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Continuous care

Do you or a family member need longer-term solutions? DSS offers various support programs and services that can help provide ongoing care.
  • How to apply 
    Learn how to submit an application for Long-term Services and Supports.
  • CT Home Care Program for Elders 
    The CHCPE helps eligible clients 65 years of age and older continue living at home, instead of going to a nursing home.
  • Money Follows the Person 
    Learn about high-quality long-term care options for those in an institutional setting, such as a nursing home.

Heating and utility assistance

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Find help to pay your bills

Don’t let high energy costs stand in the way of your family’s health. Stay warm with CT energy assistance programs.
  • Get help with CEAP 
    The CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps residents afford to heat their homes.
  • Sign up for CTAlerts 
    Get notified about severe, life-threatening weather and other emergency conditions.
  • Save on energy bills 
    Find out how to make your home or business more energy efficient, so you can start saving money.
  • Payment plans 
    Learn more about how to set up a payment plan if you have trouble paying your bills.

Child and family support

Child and parents

Help children grow and thrive

We aim to improve children’s well-being, promote self-sufficiency, and deliver quality child support services.
  • Child support services 
    Learn more about the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) and how it works to improve the lives of children and their families.
  • CT Fatherhood Initiative 
    Discover DSS’s statewide effort to keep CT fathers engaged in the lives of their children, so they can grow up in safe, healthy, and stable environments.

Social work

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Personal support

Social Work Services is dedicated to empowering and protecting individuals, families, and vulnerable people.