What You Need to Know About SNAP Changes in Connecticut + Data

Connecticut residents who rely on SNAP are facing two major changes beginning November 1. Both are rooted in federal policy decisions and will have real impacts on families throughout our state. The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) continues to share the most up-to-date information about how these changes will roll out. This post summarizes those facts and helps explain what people should expect. We have also included a table at the bottom that shows a snapshot of SNAP and Medicaid enrollment and impact data for our service region. More data can be found at https://www.ctdatahaven.org/.

1. Immediate Impact if the Federal Government Shuts Down

If Congress does not pass a budget, SNAP benefits will be frozen beginning November 1. This means:

• Households will not receive new monthly funds on their EBT cards during the shutdown period.
• Everyone will continue to be able to use any remaining balance already on their card.
• No new benefits will be loaded until the government reopens and funds are authorized again.

This is not a reduction in benefits. It is a pause in benefit distribution caused by a lapse in federal funding. The longer the shutdown lasts, the longer the pause continues. DSS will resume benefit issuance once federal funding is restored.

2. Changes to SNAP Work Reporting Requirements Under H.R. 1

Beginning November 1, new work reporting rules passed in the federal H.R. 1 legislation go into effect for SNAP. These rules require more people to prove work hours on an ongoing basis to remain eligible.

• Increases the age limit of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) subject to work requirements from 55 to 64
• Changes the exemption for adults with children under the age of 18 to adults with children under the age of 14
• Removes exemptions for veterans, those experiencing homelessness, young adults under the age of 24 and those who have aged out of foster care. Limits waivers to towns/areas that have an unemployment rate greater than 10% 

3. Changes to SNAP Non-Citizen Eligibility Under H.R. 1

• Restricts non-citizen eligibility to legal permanent residents, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens
• Individuals such as refugees, asylees, trafficking victims, humanitarian parolees and more who currently qualify for SNAP will no longer be eligible due to their immigration status

4. Changes to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Under H.R. 1

• Limits the SNAP-LIHEAP (Heat & Eat) connection to only apply to households with an older adult or disabled members

DSS will notify individuals directly if they are affected. Households should watch their mail and MyDSS accounts for updates.

5. Medicaid Changes Will Not Begin Immediately

• Although H.R. 1 also adds new work reporting requirements for Medicaid, these do not take effect in Connecticut on November 1. Connecticut has until January 1, 2027 to implement the Medicaid rules. States may choose to begin earlier, but Connecticut DSS has not done so.
• Medicaid coverage does not change on November 1 for most people.
• DSS will provide future guidance well before any implementation begins.

For additional support and food assistance during this period, please consult the following resources: 

• Statewide: 211 and Resources for Connecticut Residents Affected by the Government Shutdown 
• Norwalk: Norwalk Food Guide 
• Stamford and Greater Danbury: Stamford Food Guide and Danbury Food Guide 
• Bridgeport: HIA Bridgeport Food Resource Guide 
• Stratford: Stratford EATS! 

SNAP and Medicaid Data for United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut Service Region