Changes to SNAP Benefits

May 4, 2020

On April 24, Governor Lamont announced that the state has received approval for its plan to provide $72.3 million in SNAP benefits to children eligible for free and reduced meals at school. With unprecedented COVID-19 obstacles still on the horizon, the state is providing updated information regarding the P-EBT program.

Below you will find answers to a number of questions many of us still have, like: eligibility, effective dates and how the benefits can be used, including on-line and at farmers markets.

CT Receives Federal approval in New SNAP Food Benefits

Authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the new Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program is expected to bring food benefits to about 270,000 Connecticut children who are not able to receive meals at school.

  • All families in the 181 school districts in Connecticut participating in the federal free or reduced-Price Meals program are eligible to participate
  • This number is comprised of 162 public, charter, and magnet schools, 11 private schools, and eight residential child care institutions

The Department of Social Services (DSS) initially estimates that it will issue approximately $34 million to 70,000 SNAP-eligible households and $38.3 million to 80,000 non-SNAP-eligible households for school closures extending from March 17 through May 20.

DSS estimates that SNAP benefits will be deposited in EBT accounts beginning in mid-May. Benefits can be used any location that accepts SNAP/EBT cards, including: Farmers’ markets and direct market farms authorized to accept SNAP benefits. P-EBT participants will also have online access to eligible food purchases through delivery or curbside pickup, when implemented in the overall SNAP program.

Families do not need to apply for these benefits, as children are automatically eligible because school is not in session. The planned benefit is $267.90 per child enrolled in the free and reduced-price meals program. Additional benefits may be provided if school closures extend beyond May 20.

  • As Connecticut schools currently have a return date of May 20, 2020, benefits are only allocated until this date. Should the Governor extend the date schools are scheduled to be closed, additional benefits will be provided.