End Hunger CT! & the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Training for Community Members, FFY2022
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End Hunger CT! & the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Training for Community Members, FFY2022
Who We Are
Statewide anti-hunger organization in Connecticut
Increases access to federal nutrition programs
Works closely with national, state, and local leaders, agencies,
and organizations; legislators, coalitions, and advocacy groups
Our focus is on hunger policy and nutrition programs. We do
not typically serve food in the community, but we can connect
people to organizations that do.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to end hunger in CT through legislative and
administrative advocacy, outreach and public education.
Programming: What We Do Policy & Advocacy Work Full Shelves Initiative CT Summer Meals CT Fresh Match SNAP Assistance & Outreach Learn more at www.endhungerct.org/services
EHC! and CT Summer Meals
FREE meals for all kids 18-
and-under at over 400 sites
statewide, no questions
asked!
EHC! partners with
CSDE to:
Promote this
statewide federal
program
Operate a CT
Summer Meals Site
Locator Map where
families can find all
nearby sites and info
FYI: Upcoming Changes
to School & Summer Meals
SCHOOL/SUMMER MEALS MAY LOOK
DIFFERENT AFTER JUNE 30, 2022
Congress did NOT extend school/summer
meal flexibilities that have helped feed kids
& support operations since pandemic began.
Without action, flexibilities expire June 30.
EHC! is working with partners & legislators to
advocate for "Support Kids Not Red Tape Act"
(would extend waivers though Sep. 2023)
TAKE ACTION
Talk to your legislators
Submit a letter/comment
Submit school meal applications now
Contact school about summer meal sites
(and check ctsummermeals.org map when
available)
Followus for updates: all social media
@endhungerct and @ctsummermeals
End Hunger CT!'s
CT Fresh Match
Program
DOUBLE your SNAP benefits at
Farmers’ Markets throughout CT!
Visit
www.endhungerct.org/farmers-
markets/ to find a participating
location near you.
Many markets accept SNAP benefits
even if they don’t double.
SNAP 101
What is SNAP?
SNAP = Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(known as Food Stamps until Oct 1, 2008)
A federal nutrition program that provides eligible
households with a monthly benefit that they can use to
buy food at participating grocery stores, farmers’
markets and other places that accept EBT.
Benefits are deposited monthly into an Electronic
Benefits Transfer (EBT) account and can be accessed
via EBT Card, which works very similarly to a debit
card.
SNAP IN CT: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/SNAP/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program---SNAP
What is EBT?
EBT = Electronic Benefits Transfer
All SNAP benefits are deposited onto EBT Cards,
which work similarly to a debit card. What if I already
have a state medical card?
Only approved retailers can accept EBT Cards. How
do I know if a store accepts SNAP?
EBT purchases are only for approved SNAP items,
such as food to be cooked or seeds to grow food.
SNAP can now be used online!
QUEST logo typically
on back of a
SNAP/EBT card
SNAP empowers individuals and families to purchase the food they want, when they need it.
What is a SNAP Household?
A SNAP household consists of people who buy and prepare
food together, regardless of whether they are related.
SNAP households include
Older adults (age 60+)
Families & children
Individuals (adults & young adults)
Those with a disability
People in certain relationships MUST be
included in the same household if living
together:
Married couples
Parents and their children under age 22How much will my household receive in SNAP benefits?
Income Guidelines
Effective 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2022
Gross income is the sum of all wages and earnings before taxes
and other deductions.
Household Size Gross Income Limit Maximum Household
Benefit Amount
1 $1,986.00 $250 monthly
2 $2,686.00 $459 monthly
3 $3,386.00 $658 monthly
4 $4,085.00 $835 monthly
5 $4,785.00 $992 monthly
6+ +$700 per additional
household member
NOTE: The Emergency SNAP benefits due to the pandemic are
currently scheduled to end June 30, 2022 though this is subject to
change. Follow EHC! on social media for updates.
UPDATED EVERY FISCAL YEAR: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/SNAP/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program---SNAP/EligibilityHow Does It Work? The SNAP Application Process with EHC!
Important Eligibility Notes
DSS is the only entity that can
determine official eligibility.
Medical deductions are allowable for
some households (older adults and
disabled persons). DSS determines
allowable deductions.
EHC! makes every effort to submit
accurate and complete applications.
Clients can also check potential eligibility
using the EHC! SNAP pre-screener:
www.endhungerct.org/prescreener/EHC! SNAP Call Center Team
EHC! SNAP CALL CENTER - 866-974-SNAP (7627)
Assists with: Applications, Periodic Report Forms,
Redeterminations, MyAccount, Hearing Requests, Document Submission,
General Inquiries
7 days a week with flexible hours for appointments
Bilingual English & Spanish speaking staff
Call Center Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (8am-10am specific hours for older adults)
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SOURCE: www.endhungerct.org/snap or www.ctsnap.orgThe EHC! SNAP Call Center
Application Process
1. You contact EHC! SNAP Call Center
2. EHC! Associate prescreens you for potential
eligibility
3. If determined potentially eligible, Associate
completes application with you over the phone
A. Associate submits application to Department of
Social Services (DSS) online via EHC!’s portalApplication Documents
4. To complete application, you will need to send our
Call Center the following:
Identification
Photo ID (like a driver’s license)
Household Income
Wages
Social Security EHC! accepts
submission of
SSI
documentation in
Unemployment several secure ways
Child Support to tailor to all clients!
Shelter & Utility Expenses
Rent/mortgage
Electric/heating/water bills
NOT things like:
Cable
Car Insurance
Car Payment5) DSS Follow-Up Once the Department of Social Services (DSS) receives application, DSS will call you for interview. This call will not be scheduled, so be prepared to pick up. If you do not have a phone, you will receive a letter to follow up with DSS for an interview. Expedited applications are required to have a determination within 7 days; non-expedited applications have a 30-day processing time. Expedited = extremely low or no income
Application DENIED?!
If your application is denied do not panic!
You may have had incomplete information or missing
documentation – EHC! can help with this!
If you believe you are eligible they can complete a
hearing request form which will be included in the
denial letter – EHC! can help with this!
NOTE: When you work with EHC! to submit your application, a denial is very
rare. While again we cannot make guarantees since DSS determines ultimate
eligibility, EHC! NEVER submits an application that we know will be denied.Application approved!
Congratulations! Once you receive your EBT card, you can
use your SNAP benefits to purchase food items in
participating grocery stores in-person/online, farmers’
markets, convenience stores, small grocery marts, etc.
Approved applicants should:
Respond to all correspondence from DSS – frequently check email,
MyAccount, & physical mailbox for action items
Create an online MyAccount – for easy access to all things related
to their SNAP benefits. EHC! can help set this up!
Stay in touch with EHC! – EHC! can help make sure clients stay on
track with submitting documentation, recovering a forgotten
MyAccount password, answering questions, etc. at any point in the
SNAP process.What Can SNAP benefits buy?
SNAP CAN be used to buy... SNAP CANNOT be used to buy...
Fruits and vegetables Toilet paper, paper
towels, and other paper
Grains and rice
products
Breads and cereal
Store cooked foods
Meats, poultry, fish
Soaps, cleaning products,
Dairy items or laundry detergents
Baby formula Vitamins/medications
Snack items Alcohol or cigarettes
Non-alcoholic
beverages
Seeds to grow foodSNAP FAQs
SNAP FAQs
1. I am trying to submit an application for someone, but
DSS site is down; can EHC! help? NO, call DSS
2. Why didn’t I get a higher amount in SNAP, my
benefits stopped, ETC.?
Call DSS Benefits Center
3. What are the PRF and the REDET forms?
Periodic Review Form & Redetermination Form
4. When I travel can I use my SNAP in another State? YES
5. I’m moving to CT soon; can I apply for SNAP now? NO
6. Do I have to claim SNAP on my taxes? NOSNAP FAQs
1. What if I spend my benefits before the end of the month?
Will have to wait until next month. BUDGET!
2. How can I check my balance?
MyAccount, transaction receipt, call # on EBT card
3. Do unemployment benefits count toward income for SNAP?
YES
4. I applied for SNAP and was denied, but I truly feel there has
been a mistake and I should have been approved. What can I do?
Submit a hearing request
5. Do I have the option to report a situation if I feel I was
discriminated against or provided incorrect info during the SNAP
process? YES!!!
You have a legal right
to file a complaint
with USDA!
https://www.ascr.usda.gov/
complaint_filing_cust.htmlSNAP FAQs cont.
1. Can you own your own home, cars, have a retirement/savings
accounts, etc. and still be eligible for SNAP?
YES – but each individual situation is different
2. Will my stocks/bonds be counted toward my income on my SNAP
application?
Often NO, but sometimes YES
3. Can you authorize someone you trust to grocery shop for you? YES
4. If my household is on SNAP, are my child (or children) eligible for
free or reduced-price school meals?
YES – auto-qualify for FREE meals!
5. Can Legal Permanent Residents apply? YES
6. Can children of non-citizen parents be eligible? YES
7. Is SNAP public charge? NO – SNAP is a SAFE program!Other questions?
Other Resources
Department of Social Services (DSS)
Phone number: 1-855-626-6632 (CONNECT)
Website: www.ct.gov/dss
211 – Provides help with community health and human
services
Phone number: Dial 2-1-1 or call 1-800-203-1234
Website: www.211ct.orgConnect & Contact
Website:
www.endhungerct.org
Sign up for our newsletter:
https://www.endhungerct.org/newsletter/
Scan now to instantly
pull up our website!
SNAP Call Center Info:
SNAP Call Center - 866-974-SNAP (7627)
DSS Contact Info:
SNAP Email: snap@endhungerct.org
SNAP Pre-Screener: https://www.endhungerct.org/prescreener/ Web: www.ct.gov/SNAP
Social Media: New Mobile-Friendly App:
www.ct.gov/mydss
Facebook: End Hunger Connecticut!
Instagram: @endhungerct 24/7 Client Info
Twitter: @endhungerct Line/Benefits Center:
1-855-626-6632
TikTok: @endhungerct
LinkedIn: End Hunger Connecticut!
Today’s Training Presented by:
For questions, comments, or Katie Pachkovsky, EHC! Community Outreach Coordinator –
concerns please contact: kpachkovsky@endhungerct.org
Sherry Suber Molly Stadnicki, EHC! Community Resource Coordinator –
EHC! SNAP & Operations Director mstadnicki@endhungerct.org
ssuber@endhungerct.org
(860) 560-2100 ext. 306USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and
policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA
programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or
retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for
benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal
Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than
English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027)
found online at: https://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter
addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the
complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
USDA Funding Credit Statement
The USDA Funding Credit Statement This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations
imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
And Justice For All (AJFA) SNAP Poster
https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/JFAblue508.pdfYou can also read
