Eilish Collins Main

Dear Neighbor,

Back to school is right around the corner, and now is the time to shop for school year essentials. In this email, I will break down how your family can benefit from Sales Tax-Free Week starting Sunday, August 17th.

The Office of Higher Education's Student Loan Reimbursement Program reopens this week. I will explain the eligibility requirements and provide information on how you can apply. 

The Women's Business Development Council grant applications are now open. Scroll to learn about the different grant options and how you can apply. 

You will find the following sections below: 

• Sales Tax-Free Week
• Student Loan Reimbursement Program Reopens
• Women's Business Development Council Grants Now Open

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 17th, and runs through Saturday, August 23rd. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week

• Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
• Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
• This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
• This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) announced that the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) will reopen for applications on Friday, August 15th. 

The SLRP provides up to $5,000 annually, with a four-year cap at $20,000, to eligible applicants who meet service and income requirements.

Recent changes have expanded eligibility for Connecticut’s student loan relief program, helping it reach more residents burdened by student debt.

The updated criteria now recognize a wider range of educational and volunteer experiences, allowing more individuals to qualify for assistance. Notably, former Stone Academy students may now be eligible for relief following the school's closure. Those who did not receive a tuition refund are now eligible for reimbursement.

According to OHE, these changes are designed to provide a pathway to recover from both educational and financial setbacks, ensuring the program serves those most in need.

The following includes the program’s key eligibility requirements:

• Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
• Must have an outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024
• Must have graduated from a Connecticut college/university, or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate
• Income limits: $125,000 for individuals and $175,000 for married applicants
• Must have 50 hours of verified volunteer service since Jan. 1st, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service
• A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion

Applicants must create an account, complete the application, and upload all required documents to be considered for approval. Click here to create an account and apply.