Help With Benefits and Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April 6, 2023

I want to share some vital information with you now that we're nearly a week into the month of April. Several critical benefits have come to end such as free bus service and extra SNAP payments. Read below to find out how you could get some assistance.

At the same time, right now we are raising awareness about sexual assault in order to support victims here in our state and around the world. I will break down what resources are available in our community.

CRITICAL BENEFITS COME TO AN END

On April 1, a number of resources that offered vital assistance to our most vulnerable community members came to an end or ended expanded eligibility.

  • Free Bus Services in Connecticut
    • Bus fares for all buses and ADA paratransit in Connecticut have returned
    • Federal restrictions prevent the state from extending this benefit for more than a year
  • SNAP Bump Payments and Automatic Determination
    • Families will no longer receive the additional pandemic-related payment in the middle of the month
    • Redeterminations restarted and will occur every 6 months
    • DSS does not have any control over when these benefits end because funding was provided under federal legislation
  • HUSKY Continuous Coverage
    • Medicaid enrollees will again have to provide proof of eligibility annually

If you, or a loved one were utilizing any of these resources and are now experiencing a disruption in vital care, please email me. My office and I will work to provide additional resources that may be able to offer you necessary assistance.

 

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and I want you to be aware of the resources available to you in our community. If you need help, you can call (888) 999-5545 anytime to speak with a certified sexual assault crisis counselor in English. Dial (888) 568-8332 to speak with an expert in Spanish.
 
You can also call the Rowan Center on Summer Street in Stamford at (203) 329-2929 or chat with an advocate now. The organization provides free, confidential service in a safe, caring environment.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to focus our attention on the prevalence of sexual assault in our communities, uplift the voices of survivors, and commit ourselves to putting an end to sexual violence.

This year's theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity.” The campaign calls on all individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change ourselves and the systems surrounding us to build racial equity and respect. CLICK HERE for more information.