A new federal law called H.R.1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is changing rules about SNAP benefits.

Individual's benefits may be changing if:

**Between the ages of 18-64

**Living with a child over the age of 14

**Currently pregnant, or physically or mentally unable to work

**Caring for a person who is ill or disabled

**Receiving disability benefits such as SSI, SSDI, or VA

**Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program

Many of these changes took effect in November 2025. Others are being phased in over the next several months and years. The programs and changes include:

SNAP Eligibility Changes for Non-Citizens: Previously, many non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents, could qualify for SNAP. Effective July 2025, SNAP eligibility was limited to:

• Lawful permanent residentCuban/Haitian entrants
• COFA citizens (COFA stands for (Compacts of Free Association). These are citizens who are from Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau who lawfully reside in the U.S.
• Afghan or Iraqi SIVs: These are individuals admitted under Section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants special immigrant status to individuals who worked with the U.S. government for a period of at least one year.

6/2026 Update:

Governor Lamont announced a plan to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to approximately 25,000 Connecticut residents expected to lose SNAP benefits due to federal changes in work requirements. More details to come for how those individuals will be able to access that assistance.

2/2026 Update:

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) currently issues SNAP and Cash benefits over the first 3 days of the month, based on the first letter of the EBT cardholder’s last name.

Beginning March 1, 2026:

• Cash benefits will be issued on the 1st of the month only
• SNAP benefits will be issued over the first 8 days of the month

Ways clients can keep information updated: https://portal.ct.gov/updateusdss

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Federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps eligible individuals and families afford the cost of food at supermarkets, grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Individuals can apply for these benefits by completing a state application form which can be done online, or mailed, or dropped off at a local DSS Regional Office. Once the form is complete, Individuals will be assigned an eligibility worker who will interview individuals to complete the application process. There are gross and net income limits. The gross income limit is equal to 185% of the current Federal Poverty Level and is the amount of income the household has before taxes and deductions. The gross income limit applies to most households, but does not apply to households in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income. However, all households are subject to a monthly net income limit. The net income limit is equal to the current Federal Poverty Level and is the amount left over after certain deductions are allowed. Visit the website below for more general information.-- For application information, please visit www.ct.gov/dss/apply - or to apply online: www.connect.ct.gov -- If you're enrolled in SNAP, you can now take care of your 'periodic report form' online. Check out www.ct.gov/dss/snapreportform

Update - 6/2025: Clients can complete their SNAP Periodic Review Form (PRF) online! Completing an Online PRF is received instantly by DSS. Resources to support clients in the use of self-service options.

• Instructions for completing an Online PRF are attached and found at the link below
• Using self-service tools clients that create a MyAccount can access a range of features including submitting documents, viewing current eligibility benefits, printing a proof of benefits letter, applying for benefits, completing a PRF and so much more! DSS’ self-service tools are designed to enhance efficiency and convenience for clients.

For more details, visit the link here: How to complete a PRF online/MyAccount

The MyAccount login in works in both the web version, ConneCT, and the mobile version, MyDSS.