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

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 resident, Cuban/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