Artwalk, new deadlines energy, food

May 8, 2020

I hope you are safe and healthy. I’m writing to tell you about extended deadlines for energy and food support, and invite you to a virtual neighborhood celebration.

Although many of you have never applied for unemployment or public assistance before, our neighbors are in the same situation. As of this week, the state estimated that our unemployment is at 20%, so apply, that’s why the programs are there. I cannot guarantee that you are eligible, but we can work something out. Call 211 but also see below.

Energy: The Department of Social Services has extended the application period for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program until June 1, 2020 to apply for assistance to help with this past winter’s heating bills (deadline was May 1). For application sites and eligibility information, click here, call 2-1-1, text CTWARM to 898-211, or contact a community action agency.

Food: Additional SNAP benefits: The Department of Social Services is providing Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to nearly half of Connecticut SNAP participants on Friday, May 8, 2020. Authorized by the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, the extra food benefits will go to nearly 100,000 households not currently receiving the maximum benefits allowed for their household size. This means that all households enrolled in SNAP will receive the maximum food benefit allowable for their household size, even if they aren’t usually eligible for the maximum benefit. More information here.

Food: Planning for online access to food with SNAP benefits. DSS is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and the state’s EBT vendor toward SNAP online purchasing. When implemented, SNAP enrollees will be able to purchase eligible food items online for delivery or curbside pickup.

I’ll send more next week. But this weekend you can enjoy a virtual Artwalk in Westville Village beginning at five o’clock Friday. Stop by!