Food Support for Qualifying Families

July 21, 2021

As of last Friday, July 16:

DSS mailed EBT cards to households of over 57,800 schoolchildren not currently enrolled in a number of assistance programs throughout the state, and who did not receive their benefits in April or May. DSS deposited P-EBT food benefits into their new accounts. The EBT cards will arrive with instructions on how to activate them and access the food benefits. Benefits may differ from student to student and depend on the learning model the child was in each month, with an average benefit amount estimated at $418 per child.

Where can I use EBT cards?  Benefits can be used at any location that accepts SNAP/EBT cards. This includes farmers’ markets and direct market farms. In fact, enrollees can double the value of P-EBT or other SNAP benefits at farmers’ markets participating in CT Fresh Match. P-EBT participants will also have online access to eligible food purchases through delivery or curbside pickup at participating retailers Amazon, Aldi & Price Chopper/Market 32 via Instacart, BJ’s Wholesale Clubs, ShopRite, and Walmart. Click here to learn more.

Do I need to apply?  No. Families do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits, as DSS and the Department of Education use attendance information provided by schools to determine if children are eligible for P-EBT.

Coming this Friday, July 23:

Eligible Connecticut families will receive additional emergency food benefits. The Connecticut Department of Social Services will deliver $33.2 million in Emergency SNAP benefits to over 218,500 Connecticut households at the end of this week.

Who will receive additional funds?  Monthly allocations of emergency SNAP benefits are going to all enrolled households, based on continuance of a declared public health emergency related to COVID-19 in Connecticut. Details can be found by clicking here.

This new distribution of additional emergency benefits is great news for qualifying families. If you or someone you know is not receiving food-related benefits as needed, please click here for FAQs and contact info regarding SNAP benefits.