Back-to-School Cash Benefit for Kids

August 18, 2023

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will deliver a one-time, back-to-school cash benefit to 7,500 children across the state using federal Pandemic Emergency Assistance Funds (PEAF). This benefit will be provided to children aged 5 to 17 who were enrolled in the Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) program in May 2023.

Specific information about the Saturday, August 19 distribution:

  • The one-time cash benefit is $55 per eligible child.
  • 4-year-olds who turned 5 by May 31 are eligible
  • 17-year-old who turned 18 by May 2 are eligible
  • Families do not need to apply for the additional funds, all eligible households will automatically receive this benefit on their existing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.

The cash benefit coincides with the start of Connecticut’s Tax-Free Week, which runs from August 20 – August 26, to help families maximize back-to-school purchases or other essential needs.