CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)

Connecticut’s Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) provides monthly cash and employment assistance to eligible families throughout Connecticut to support basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing.

Most families receiving TFA benefits are limited to 36 months of cash assistance, during which all work-eligible adults must participate in Jobs First Employment Services activities, coordinated by the Department of Labor.

TFA recipients may also be eligible for medical assistance under the HUSKY program, specifically, Husky A, which provides medical coverage under Medicaid.

How much cash assistance will I get in CT?

In Connecticut, Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) benefits vary by household size and income. A family of three with no income may receive up to $833 per month in cash assistance.

How do I apply for cash assistance in CT?

You can apply for cash assistance through ConneCT  using “Apply for Benefits” or pre-screen your eligibility using “Am I Eligible”. You may also apply in person at a DSS Resource Center. ¹

Connecticut Department of Social Services
Benefits Assistance / ConneCT Customer Service
(855) 626-6632

Connecticut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Connecticut SNAP is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families afford the food they need for a healthier diet.

The program serves low-income families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.

If an applicant is deemed eligible, they will receive an EBT card that is loaded each month with food assistance benefits, which can be used to purchase food at authorized grocery stores.

What is the income limit for SNAP in Connecticut?

Under the new eligibility levels, households may qualify for SNAP if their gross monthly income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $4,442 per month for a family of three.

How do I sign up for SNAP in CT?

You may apply for SNAP online through ConneCT  using “Apply for Benefits” or if you prefer, you can fill out the application for SNAP at your local DSS office. ¹

Connecticut Department of Social Services
Benefits Assistance / ConneCT Customer Service
(855) 626-6632

Connecticut Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Connecticut WIC serves women, infants and children up to age 5 who meet WIC eligibility guidelines; and are determined by a health professional to be “at risk of malnutrition”.

It provides monthly benefits for buying healthy foods to supplement their diet. Other benefits include nutrition education, breastfeeding support, free screening and referral to health care, at no cost.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Connecticut.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Connecticut?

To qualify for WIC, you must be a resident of the state of Connecticut with income at or below 185% of the national poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three.

How much does WIC give in CT?

Children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in CT?

If you are not currently enrolled in WIC, you can begin the application process by completing the online Interest Form  or applying in person at your local WIC office .

For more information, contact
State WIC Program
(800) 741-2142

Connecticut HUSKY Health

The Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth (HUSKY) is Connecticut’s primary public health insurance program for children under age 19 and in some cases their parents or relative caregivers.

There are four HUSKY plans (HUSKY A—D) that together provide health care coverage to more than 950,000 Connecticut residents.

HUSKY A, B, and D provide coverage for Connecticut’s children, pregnant women, certain low-income parents and caretaker relatives, and some low-income adults.

HUSKY C, also known as Medicaid for the “Aged, Blind or Disabled”, provides Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities.

What are the income requirements for HUSKY in CT?

As of October 1, 2024, Connecticut lowered the income eligibility limit for Husky A for Parents and Caregivers from 160% to 138% of the federal poverty level.²

Families whose income is above the limit for Medicaid but falls between 138% and 175% of the poverty level may qualify for a zero-premium, no cost-share coverage plan under Covered Connecticut.

How do I apply for HUSKY in CT?

Connecticut is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Access Health CT, through which you can screen for, apply for, and enroll in Medicaid or other private health insurance.

Access Health CT uses a single application to determine eligibility for most Medicaid, CHIP, and subsidized private plans, except HUSKY C.

Access Health CT

General Inquiries & Enrollment
(855) 805-4325

Member Services
(800) 859-9889

Covered Connecticut

Families whose income is above the limit for HUSKY Health may qualify for a zero-premium, no cost-share coverage plan under Covered Connecticut (Covered CT).

Covered CT provides free health care coverage including dental care and non-emergency medical transportation benefits, to eligible adults and families within a specific income range.

What is the income limit for Covered CT?

Covered CT is available to residents whose income is above the limit for Medicaid but falls between 138% and 175% of the poverty level.

Find out if you are eligible for a $0 monthly payment by completing an application at Access Health CT  or call (855) 805-4325 for free online help.

Early Start CT

Launched July 1, 2025, Early Start CT  is a state-funded early care and education program for income-eligible families that serves infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children.

The program streamlines Connecticut’s early childhood system by combining three existing programs into a single, unified initiative:

1. Child Day Care Contracts,
2. School Readiness Grants, and
3. Head Start Supplement Grants.

Families enrolled in Early Start CT must have an income below 75% of the State Median Income (SMI). For a family of three, that’s about $8,037 per month.

Early Start CT is still being implemented in phases, with full implementation planned through July 2027 and beyond. You can use the interactive map  to view provider details and available spaces at each Early Start site.

Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
(860) 500-4412

Connecticut Care 4 Kids

Connecticut Care 4 Kids (C4K) helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. Since it is a subsidy, parents are expected to pay for some of the child care costs, known as Family Fee.

The fee amount is calculated by comparing a percentage of the family’s countable income to the State Median Income (SMI) guidelines for the family size.

Eligibility depends on household income and family size. Families whose income does not exceed 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) at the time of application qualify for assistance.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Connecticut?

Families are encouraged to apply for Care 4 Kids using the online application portal  for faster processing, or fill out a Care 4 Kids Application , attach required documentation, and mail it to

Care 4 Kids
1344 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

If you have any questions or need help, call (888) 214-5437.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help low-income households in Connecticut pay for their home heating costs during the winter.

Households are income-eligible for CEAP when their gross income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) for their household size. The current income guidelines are shown in the table below.

How much does energy assistance pay in CT?

Connecticut CEAP provides a minimum benefit of $295, with winter heating assistance of up to $645 available for vulnerable households that include elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or children under age 6.

How do I apply for energy assistance in CT?

Applications for CEAP are now being accepted at Community Action Agencies intake sites throughout the state . The last day to apply for benefits is May 29, 2026.

Connecticut Department of Social Services
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(800) 842-1132

Connecticut Weatherization Assistance Program

Households eligible for Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) may also be eligible to receive Weatherization Assistance  to help conserve energy and lower heating bills.

Depending on the home’s condition and available funding, services may include:

• Insulation upgrades (attic, walls, floors, and basements)
• Air sealing to reduce drafts around doors, windows, and vents
• Heating system repairs or replacements to improve safety and efficiency
• Duct sealing and repair
• Energy efficiency inspections and testing, such as blower door tests
• Health and safety improvements, including carbon monoxide detection or ventilation upgrades when needed

The program follows the same income threshold as the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), set at 60% of the state median income.

The Weatherization Assistance Program is operated statewide through the Community Action Agency (CAA) network and participating local nonprofit organizations.

If you are interested in the program, ask for a Weatherization Card or Referral Form when you apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
(877) 947-3873

Connecticut Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Connecticut LIHWAP provides financial relief to low-income families for water and wastewater bills to avoid shutoffs or disconnections. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.

Eligible households with annual income at or below 60% of the state median income can qualify for up to $1,000 in water assistance if they have disconnected service or are behind on bills.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Connecticut?

If your water has been disconnected or face disconnection, submit your application to your regional Community Action Agency  along with a copy of your current water/wastewater bill.

Connecticut Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

Connecticut’s Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is open to very-low-income families in Connecticut whose incomes must not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live.

Most families pay 40% of their monthly income on rent and utilities, while families with elderly and disabled pay 30% of their monthly income. The rest of the rent is paid with federal money.

The RAP waiting list is currently closed. However, you can register here  to receive an automatic email notification when it reopens for new application.

Undocumented migrants may also apply for rental assistance by contacting the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) at (203) 612-5464.

UniteCT

UniteCT program has been paused and is not taking new applications at this time.

UniteCT is designed to provide rental and electricity payment assistance to qualified Connecticut households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible individuals and households may receive up to $15,000 in funding to pay for rental arrears and prospective rent assistance; and up to $1,500 in electric utility arrearages.

Both tenants and landlords who meet the income guidelines may apply for UniteCT via Yardi  — where you can start your application, submit, and check your progress all in one application portal.

If you need further assistance, please call (844) 864-8328

Connecticut Paid Family Leave

Connecticut is the seventh state in the U.S. to offer 12 paid weeks of paid leave to care for a new baby or sick family members, plus an additional two weeks of benefits for complicated pregnancies.

Connecticut guarantees 95% of their earnings but limited to no more than 60 times the minimum wage. To be eligible for leave, an employee needs to be employed for at least three (3) consecutive months.

How much is paid family leave in CT?

Currently the maximum weekly benefit is $1,016. To figure out how much you might earn in paid family leave benefits, please refer to this page  to calculate your potential payments.

To apply for CT Paid Family Leave, create a CT.gov  account (if you don’t already have one) and go to ctpaidleave.org  to start a claim.

Connecticut Unemployment Insurance

Connecticut Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. In Connecticut, receipt of benefits is limited to no more than 26 weeks.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. at least $1,680 in the first four calendar quarters out of the last five, and
2. have wages in at least two quarters of that base period.

For example, if you earned $1,680 or more across your base period but all of it was in one quarter, you would not qualify since your wages must be spread across two or more quarters to be eligible.

In addition, you are required to actively seek suitable employment each week that you are collecting benefits. Failure to provide information could result in a denial of unemployment benefits for that week.

How much unemployment will I get in CT?

Connecticut’s current maximum UI weekly benefit rate is $721. In addition, a parent may be eligible for a dependency allowance of $15 weekly for each child under the age of 18, up to a maximum of $75 per week.

How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in CT?

Claims for weekly benefits may be filed online through ReEmployCT , Connecticut’s unemployment tax and benefits system or call (800) 942-6653 if you wish to file your initial claim over the phone.

Connecticut Department of Labor
Consumer Contact Center
(800) 956-3294

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship

The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship (formerly the Governor’s Scholarship) combines Connecticut’s prior state aid programs into a single program that provides support to eligible residents based on financial need and, in some cases, academic merit.

The program is comprised of two kinds of scholarships:

1. a need-merit scholarship
2. a need-based grant

To be considered for the scholarship, you must:

• Be a Connecticut resident
• Have a high school class rank in the top 20% or a combined SAT score of 1200 or an ACT score of at least 25
• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) equal to or below 10,999
• Must be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a two- or four-year college or university

How much is the Roberta B Willis Scholarship?

Students who demonstrate financial need will be awarded up to $5,250 per academic year for full-time attendance in a 4-year program or up to $4,650 for a two-year program. Awards are renewable for up to six (6) consecutive years, covering associate or bachelor’s degree programs.

How to apply for the Roberta B Willis Scholarship?

There is no standalone application. To be considered need-based scholarship, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the February 15 deadline for priority consideration.

For need-merit scholarship, you must meet with your high school guidance counselor who will submit an electronic application on your behalf.

Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE)
Student Financial Aid
(860) 947-1855

Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit

Connecticut EITC took effect in tax year 2011 and in the following years since, hundreds of thousands of Connecticut’s working families have benefited from the credit.

The state EITC, layered on top of the federal credit, is set at 40% of the federal EITC and is limited to taxpayers with earned income under $68,675.

Eligibility for the EITC is tied both to income and household size and it’s fully refundable, so even if you owe no income tax, you can still claim the full credit amount.

How much is Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit?

Starting with the 2025 tax year, eligible taxpayers in Connecticut who receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and have at least one qualifying child are eligible for an additional $250.³

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in CT?

If your Connecticut EITC is $3,218 and you owe $1,000 in state income tax, the credit cancels your tax bill and you receive the remaining $2,218 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
DRS Main Contact
(860) 297-5962