Security Deposit Guarantee Program
What is the Security Deposit Guarantee Program?
For eligible households, the Security Deposit Guarantee Program provides a guarantee to landlords of up to two month's rent instead of an actual payment.
Who can apply for the Security Deposit Guarantee Program?
Three groups of income-eligible individuals/families can apply.
1. Shelter Program Resident
Individuals/families residing in emergency shelters (including domestic violence shelters) who meet all other eligibility requirements.
2. New Housing Voucher/Certificate Holder
Individuals/families holding a newly issued CT DSS Section 8 Housing Voucher or a newly issued CT DSS Rental Assistance Program (RAP) Certificate who meet all other eligibility requirements.
3. Housing Voucher/Certificate Holder Subject to Involuntary Move
A holder of a CT DSS issued Section 8 Housing Voucher or CT DSS issued RAP Certificate forced to move due to lead paint or whose residence failed a housing quality standards inspection when that failure was the owner's responsibility and the owner refused to correct the conditions, who meet all other eligibility requirements.
How & where Does a household apply for the Security Deposit Guarantee Program?Individuals/families deemed eligible will be referred directly to the local DSS office social work unit by Shelter staff or the state contractor who issued the Section 8 Voucher or RAP Certificate. DSS regional office social work staff will set up an appointment for the applicant to come in and complete the application process. No walk-in applications will take place.
What are the income eligibility requirements for the Security Deposit Guarantee Program?
To be eligible for the program, an applicant must meet one of the following conditions:
1) the applicant is a current recipient of one of the following DSS programs: Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Medicaid for Low Income Adults (LIA, formerly SAGA), Refugee Assistance, Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD), SNAP, or Medicaid (T-19), or
2) the annual gross income of the applicant household does not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (see shelter staff or issuer of housing voucher/certificate for specific details).
How are benefits paid?
There is a signed agreement with the landlord that DSS will guarantee payment of the agreed-upon security deposit, in part or in whole, if the tenant moves out of the apartment and there is any damage caused by the tenant which requires repair, or if the tenant owes back rent. The landlord must submit a claim for payment within 45 days after the tenant moves out of the unit.
Who administers the Security Deposit Guarantee Program
The program is administered by the department’s Social Work Services Unit. For more details on the program, please call 860-424-5373.
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