Maria Horn

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 

• Dairy Stabilization Payments Available for Connecticut Dairy Farmers. Click here.
• Medical Dent Erased for 97,000 CT Residents. Click here.
• State Funding to Cover SNAP Benefits. Click here. 
• Access Health CT Temporary Premium Assistance. Click here. 
• Nominations for AARP Award. Click here. 
• Funding Opportunities for Local Food Pantries. Click here. 
• ICYMI - Connecticut Open House Day. Click here.
• ICYMI -  Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Day . Click here.
• Northwest Corner Events. Click here. 

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has begun distributing the first round of Dairy Stabilization Payments authorized by Governor Lamont to help support Connecticut's dairy industry. This initial round totals $12 million, with an additional $3 million expected later this year.

Eligible dairy farmers must opt in to receive these payments. Farmers already participating in existing Department of Agriculture dairy payment programs simply need to confirm their participation. Producers not currently in the system, including some raw milk producers, may need to submit production information before receiving payments.

The June Dairy Stabilization Payment rate is $5.5415 per hundredweight (cwt). This program is separate from the existing Agricultural Sustainability Account–Dairy Program funded through the Community Investment Act.

Additional dairy payments anticipated include:

• June 2026: Dairy Stabilization Payment ($5.5415/cwt)
• July 2026: Special Agricultural Sustainability Dairy Payment (amount TBD) and quarterly dairy payment for April–June production
• October 2026: Dairy Stabilization Payment (amount TBD) and quarterly dairy payment for July–September production
• January 2027: Quarterly dairy payment for October–December production

The Department of Agriculture has notified licensed dairy producers directly and worked with agricultural partners statewide to ensure farmers are aware of this opportunity.

Farmers with questions or those needing assistance should contact Ally Hughes at Ally.Hughes@ct.gov.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) is alerting residents to prepare for changes to SNAP and HUSKY Health.

The good news: most people will not lose their benefits. However, it is important to review the new requirements and determine whether they apply to your situation.

SNAP Work Requirements

As of November 2025, some SNAP recipients must meet one of the following work rules:

• Work at least 80 hours per month or earn at least $217.60 per week
• Participate in a job training or work program, such as SNAP Employment & Training, for at least 80 hours per month
• Complete at least 80 hours per month of community service or volunteer work
• Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling 80 hours per month

Click here to use the SNAP Work Rules Pre-Screener and find out whether these requirements apply to you.
 

Upcoming HUSKY Health (HUSKY D) Changes

Starting January 1, 2027, some HUSKY D recipients may be subject to new work requirements. To meet the rules, individuals must fulfill at least one of the following:

• Earn at least $580 per month
• Work at least 80 hours per month
• Complete at least 80 hours per month of volunteer work or community service
• Participate in a qualified work or training program for at least 80 hours per month
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an education program
• Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling up to 80 hours per month

Click here to answer a few questions to learn if the new proposed rules apply to you.

These rules do not start until 2027 and may change before then. This tool provides answers based on the current status of the rules.

Connecticut's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) offer free, in-person assistance with SNAP and HUSKY Health benefits. To find the agency serving your area, visit: www.cafca.org/agencies.

Time is running out to sign up for Access Health CT's health insurance plan with Temporary Premium Assistance!

The Temporary Premium Assistance program was created to help customers who lost all financial assistance when the federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits expired late last year.

The program has provided over $1.6 million in savings for 10,580 Connecticut residents so far.

The Special Enrollment Period for the event will end Tuesday, June 30, and I hope you'll consider applying!

Customers who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:

• Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced Premium Tax Credit amounts.
• Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% of the FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced Premium Tax Credit amounts.

Do you know an extraordinary volunteer age 50 or older? AARP Connecticut is now accepting nominations for the Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization's most prestigious volunteer honor.

The award recognizes individuals who use their experience, talents, and skills to make a significant difference in the lives of others through volunteer service. One Connecticut individual or couple is selected each year.

The award recipient will designate a $3,000 donation to an eligible nonprofit organization of their choice.

Eligibility:

• Nominee must be age 50 or older
• Must demonstrate outstanding volunteer service that enriches the lives of others
• Open to Connecticut residents

To nominate a deserving volunteer, complete and submit the nomination form by the August 1 deadline.

United Way of Connecticut is partnering with the CT Department of Social Services to provide funding to food pantries that are not affiliated with the Connecticut Foodshare Network.

Interested organizations must:

• Operate a food pantry that serves the general public in Connecticut for at least 12 months
• Not be a part of the CT Foodshare Agency Network
• 501c3 in good standing or municipality-run
• Have the ability to document annual food purchase costs
• Be listed in 211 CT (or sign-up within 30 days of award)

Click here to apply.