1/2/14 DSS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Overview

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Overview

New Information About SNAP (Food Stamp) Benefits

Nearly 225,000 Connecticut households eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will see an average drop of $17 in
November, as a temporary benefit boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expires.

Specific benefit reductions depend on several factors, including household size, income, and expenses.

The expiration of federal stimulus funds on November 1 comes shortly after a federal cost-of-living increase which took place on
October 1. These factors combine for an overall net reduction.

Current SNAP recipients were sent an individualized notice explaining the decrease in their specific benefits due to this federally-
required change.

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Please follow this link to read a news release about changes to the SNAP benefit amounts.

Please follow this link to read the general content of the notice sent to beneficiaries about these changes. (Versión en Español)

More information can also be found on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

Please note: to make sure you get the correct SNAP benefit, please be sure to give us all the information about your household's
income, resources and household costs. Some household costs are called "deductions." Please follow this link for information on SNAP
deductions. (Versión en Español)

Beneficiaries who would like more information may call 2-1-1.

Please follow this link for a question and answer sheet.

The rules for getting SNAP benefits in Connecticut require that a person must be a resident of Connecticut whose income and assets
are within set limits.

Income Limits

Benefits are provided by Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card—a plastic swipe card that looks and is is used like a credit or debit
card, and accepted at most grocery stores. If you qualify for SNAP, you can designate another person to do food shopping for you.
We call that person your authorized representative, and issue a separate EBT card to that person.

How to Access SNAP Benefits Using Your EBT Card

What you can and cannot buy using your SNAP benefits
Versión en Español

More on SNAP and Similar Programs

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps low-income individuals and families
afford the cost of food at grocery stores and farmers’ markets. You can apply for these benefits by completing a state application
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1/2/14 DSS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Overview
afford the cost of food at grocery stores and farmers’ markets. You can apply for these benefits by completing a state application
form. This form can be mailed, faxed, or dropped off at a local DSS Regional Office. Once the form is complete, you will be assigned an
eligibility worker who will interview you to complete the application process.

If you prefer, you can fill out the application for SNAP benefits at your local Department of Social Services office. You can also
authorize someone else to do the application paperwork for you. If you are unable to get to a DSS office, and if there is no one who
can go for you, ask DSS to do your application interview by mail and phone.

DSS Regional Offices and the Towns They Serve

How to Access SNAP Benefits Using Your EBT Card

Income Limits

Want to Shop at Farmers' Markets and Farm Stands?

Nutritional Assistance Programs

About the Electronic Benefits Transfer Project

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

End Hunger Connecticut's Food Stamp (SNAP) Prescreener - See if You May Be Eligible for SNAP benefits Before You Apply

Employment & Training

SNAP Publications

EBT Handbook - How to Get Your SNAP and/or Cash Benefits

EBT - Como Usar Su Tarjeta de EBT

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - An Issue Brief

A Guide to SNAP

Guia para el Programa De Asistencia Suplementaria Para Nutrition

Application for SNAP Benefits Only

Solicitud Para Beneficios de Cupones para Alimentos Solamente

Using Your SNAP benefits

Usandos sus Cupones para Alimentos

Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C.
20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FNS Instruction (333KB)

Are you a retailer that would like to accept SNAP benefits?

You can now apply online; it's fast, secure, easy to use,
and best of all, it's available when you are, 24/7. By applying online, you can also check the
real-time status of your application online using your USDA account.

Applying to accept SNAP benefits at your store is a simple three step process: get a USDA
account, fill out an application online, and mail us your supporting documentation to complete
your file.

Follow this link to find out more

C onte nt Last Modifie d on 11/1/2013 4:13:44 PM

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