SNAP Benefits & Applying for Emergency Energy Assistance

October 30, 2025

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Important SNAP Benefits Update
  • Access Health Open Enrollment
  • Emergency Energy Assistance
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening
 

Important SNAP Benefits Update

Many constituents in Bridgeport and beyond are concerned after the federal government announced there will be no new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November as the shutdown continues.

In response, Governor Ned Lamont announced $3 million in emergency state funding for Connecticut Foodshare to assist residents expected to lose access to federal food assistance. 

While this investment will not replace the full scope of lost federal benefits, it reflects Connecticut’s commitment to supporting residents facing food insecurity during the shutdown. The Department of Social Services (DSS) and other state agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and considering additional measures to assist affected households.

The Trump administration, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has stated it will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to continue funding SNAP during the shutdown, nor will it reimburse states that attempt to cover the cost. As a result:

  • No new SNAP benefits will be distributed after November 1.
  • Any remaining balance from previous months on EBT cards are expected to remain accessible after November 1.
  • DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications. If someone is approved for benefits for October, those benefits will appear on their card when the federal government reopens.

This cut in federal aid will affect an estimated 42 million low-income Americans, including about 360,000 Connecticut residents, many of whom are children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry. For those who are capable, please consider making a monetary donation or donating your time to Foodshare. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate.
 

Access Health CT Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment for Access Health CT's (AHCT) health and dental insurance remains on track to begin Saturday, November 1 and end Monday, December 15 for plans beginning at the start of next year. Residents can enroll until Thursday, January 15 for plans beginning in February.

You may have received a letter in the mail warning of health care premium price increases starting January 1 due to legislation passed in the U.S. Congress this year. Currently, the federal government is shut down as those price increases are debated and negotiated.
As it stands, state officials in Connecticut are encouraging residents to hold off on enrolling in the AHCT plan as the debate continues over those price increases. If you are able, please wait to enroll until the issue is fully resolved. 

For those looking to enroll, please have the following information and documents prepared for you and anyone else in your household, even if they don't need coverage:

  • Dates of Birth
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Visa, green card, or immigration documents
  • Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, 1099 
  • Pay-stubs, Profit & Loss Statements or other employment information
  • Current insurance coverage (policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household)
Click here to view the enrollment checklist

Access Health CT's staff remains a valuable resource to guide you through this process and to tell you what to expect during open enrollment. To get in contact, you can :

  • Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” for a list of places to get free, in-person help.
  • If you do not have a broker, find one on the Access Health CT website. Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” and “Find Certified Broker.” Brokers are free to work with, and they are trained 
    and certified to help you find a plan that works best for you and your family.
  • Call at 1-855-805-4325 - help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (Holiday hours may vary, check website for details)
  • Live Chat available at AccessHealthCT.com
  • Visit one of their Enrollment Locations  

To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
 

Emergency Energy Assistance

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program, formerly known as Operation Fuel, opens on Sunday, November 2, and will run through Monday, November 10. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses. 

All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each recipient of a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. 

For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. GPCT has three remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycles for this winter season:

  • November 2-10, 2025
  • January 2-10, 2026
  • March 2-10, 2026

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.
 

Colorectal Cancer Screening

More than 50 million people do not complete colorectal cancer screening because they find the current options unpleasant or inconvenient.
 
Thankfully, physicians in Connecticut are beginning to prescribe Shield, the first FDA approved blood test, as a primary screening option for colorectal cancer. This offers patients, who may delay or avoid traditional screening methods, a simpler, less invasive option.

Veterans - The Shield™ blood test is covered as an in-network benefit for patients receiving VA-authorized community care. 
 
Knowing your options and discussing them with your doctor can help you select the screening method that’s best for you, including whether the new blood test might be suitable. 
 
Early detection saves lives, and expanding access to screening methods is a positive step toward better health outcomes for everyone.