Governor Rell Announces Boost in Food Aid

For Thousands of Connecticut Families

More Households Eligible for Food Stamps as

Benefits Rise in Federally Funded Program

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that more Connecticut households are able to qualify for federal food assistance after she directed the Department of Social Services to expand eligibility by raising income levels and dropping a review of assets required for some families to qualify for the program.

            “We all know that many more Connecticut families this year are under tremendous financial pressure because of the economic downturn,” Governor Rell said. “Expanding this program makes sense and it will help those who find themselves in greater need this year because of the loss of a job or other hardships.”

            The changes, which took effect July 1, will allow thousands of additional households to qualify for food stamps – the long-time safety net service that is now known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

            Specifically, the income limit to qualify rose from 130 percent to 185 percent of the federal poverty level, meaning that a family of four can earn up to $3,400 monthly and qualify for food assistance benefits. The previous income limit for a four-member household was $2,297.

            The Governor said the state is also using $4.8 million in federal stimulus funds for the program, resulting in an average benefit increase of $38 a month per household.

Prior to the July 1 eligibility change:

• More than 135,300 Connecticut households received food benefits in June (including 152,267 adults and 96,784 children)
• A year ago, the enrollment was 113,400 households (127,013 adults and 83,951 children)

            Benefits in the SNAP program are geared to household income and size. A family of four earning up to $3,400 monthly will receive an average of $433 in monthly benefits. The maximum monthly benefit is $668.

            Governor Rell said the state is also increasing SNAP benefits for many recipients by linking the program to federally funded energy assistance. The change stems from a regulation that allows states to deduct a flat utility cost amount from a household’s income in computing SNAP benefits, thus boosting the specific food benefit amount.

            SNAP participants use electronic benefit transfer cards that work like a debit card and are replenished every month. The cards can be used at most grocery markets, convenience stores and farmers’ markets for food (but not for tobacco or alcohol products).

            For more information or to apply for benefits, visit www.ct.gov/SNAP or contact a local office of the Department of Social Services. To find the DSS office nearest you, call the state Infoline at 2-1-1 or see the government “blue pages” in the phone book.