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.

SNAP Benefits at Risk if Federal Shutdown Continues 
  

360,000 residents who rely on federal SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries should plan for no new benefits beginning November 1 if the federal government shutdown continues.

According to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) (as of 10/27/25): 

Award from The Courage Project given to 20 organizations and individuals across the nation for demonstrating  the power of courage in their communities

Public award nomination form is open to the public to honor individuals or organizations acting with courage and compassion to help their communities

Connecting voices. Creating change.

United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut’s 2025 Impact Breakfast  

Thank you for joining us at the Creating Real Change Together: 2025 Impact Breakfast! Your presence and partnership helped us take another step toward stronger, more resilient communities across Coastal and Western Connecticut. 

As the government shutdown unfolds, the strain on Connecticut families is already clear.  

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Two in Five CT Families Are Struggling, Here’s How We Can Make a Difference  

In Connecticut, 40% of households—over 580,000 ALICE families—are working hard but still struggle to afford essentials like housing, child care, food, and health care. In UWCWC’s region, covering Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties, 42% of households—nearly 129,000 families—are considered ALICE.

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Two in Five CT Families Can’t Afford the Basics—Here’s How We Can Help 

In CT, more than 580,000 ALICE families or 40% of households - are working hard but still can’t afford basics like housing, child care, food, and health care. Rising costs, stagnant wages, and economic uncertainty are hitting them first and hardest, leaving many without the protection they need to get by. 

Since 2009, United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut has partnered with the City of Danbury to administer Social Service Grants. Organizations in the Greater Danbury area serving Danbury residents that provide services in one of the following three areas will be eligible for funding and are invited to apply:

42% of households in Coastal and Western CT earn incomes below the cost of living threshold.

ALICE families have been overlooked and undercounted by traditional poverty measures. ALICE is the nation’s child care workers, home health aides and cashiers heralded during the pandemic – those working low-wage jobs, with little or no savings and one emergency away from poverty.