“So when you’re looking at a state such as ours that perhaps has higher than average shelter expenses, for example, now we’re going to determine whether or not the individual is going to receive assistance rather than being outright denied based on their gross income.” “Enacting this flexibility up to 200 percent allows us to have those individuals that perhaps are working or have some small amount of income that previously would have denied them for assistance,” Giacomi said. Giacomi explained that this change “smoothes out” benefits, so that people whose income increases will not lose their SNAP benefits, so long as their expenses still keep them under the poverty line. The updated policy raises Connecticut’s gross income limit from 185 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty line - or from $4,086 to $4,625 monthly for a family of four - the maximum allowable under federal law. Second, their gross income minus expenses - which includes childcare, housing and some medical costs - must not exceed the federal net income limit, which is 100 percent of the federal poverty line. First, their income must not exceed the gross income limit. In order to be eligible for SNAP, most applicants must meet two requirements. “SNAP is something that touches all the communities here in the state … I think we as a community should be looking at any policy or program that we can do or utilize or implement to be able to help these individuals to feed themselves and feed their families.” “This was a way … to maximize the help that individuals are receiving or can be eligible to receive,” said Dan Giacomi, SNAP program administration manager at the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
Some advocates from emergency food service providers applauded these changes but worried that they will not fully address the needs of New Haven residents, especially since food insecurity nearly doubled in Connecticut in 2022. Monthly SNAP benefits will also increase by an average of 12.46 percent due to the annual federal cost-of-living adjustment, which accounts for yearly growth in the price of food. 28, increases the maximum monthly gross income for Connecticut SNAP recipients from 185 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. This update, which Governor Ned Lamont announced on Sept. Recipients can use the money on their EBT cards at most food retailers, including some farmers markets. SNAP is a federal program that provides low-income families with monthly additional money for food in the form of an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Check out their website for information about healthy eating and other nutrition resources.44,000 Connecticut residents may now be eligible for food assistance benefits under a state change to SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which went into effect on Saturday. Eating healthy is even more important than ever before! Visit our nutrition page for helpful information.ĪOASCC receives funding from the National Council on Aging to provide SNAP education and application assistance. At the same time, however, nutrient needs will stay the same or even increase. The Medical Expense Deduction and SNAP benefitsĪs we age, our metabolism will slow down, which means we need fewer calories than earlier in life.We can help! Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center for more information and/or help enrolling in SNAP. SNAP benefits are provided on a special debit card - just swipe and go! Over 250,000 grocery stores, farmers markets, and neighborhood stores across the country accept SNAP. In fact, the average national SNAP benefit for a senior living alone is $105 a month. Some people think that you'll only get a small amount in benefits. Many farmers markets even double your benefit! SNAP can be used to buy the food you need at both grocery stores and farmers markets. You can eat nutritious meals, even if you're on a tight budget. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps eligible individuals stretch their dollars at grocery stores and farmers markets. TEARS TM - Annual Elder Abuse ConferenceĪre you one of the five million seniors who are eligible for SNAP but are not enrolled? Connecticut has one of the highest costs of living, so eating healthy can be a challenge.Town Resources - Senior Centers & Municipal Agents.
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