Connecticut Broadens SNAP Eligibility, Aiding Thousands During Ongoing Food Insecurity

The Lamont administration announces the expansion of Connecticut SNAP, making thousands more eligible in 2023 with increased income thresholds. (Photo: hartfordbusiness)

Connecticut SNAP Eligibility Grows: Thousands Benefit from Income Threshold Increase

According to source, the Lamont administration reports that thousands of additional individuals in Connecticut have become eligible for Connecticut SNAP in 2023, thanks to the implementation of new eligibility rules. Effective since October of the previous year, these rules increased the income eligibility threshold from 185% to 200% of the federal poverty level. Governor Lamont notes that this 15% expansion has allowed 8,959 individuals across 4,980 households to access Connecticut SNAP benefits.

Connecticut’s participation in the 2022 federal program aimed to elevate income requirements aligns with a broader initiative, with 15 states taking advantage of this allowance. The changes in Connecticut SNAP benefits in recent years have been dynamic nationwide. Initially, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted emergency increases in Connecticut SNAP benefits, providing relief for families grappling with inflation at grocery stores.

However, these supplementary Connecticut SNAP benefits ceased in March of the current year, even as food prices remained high. Nevertheless, a slight increase in Connecticut SNAP payments occurred in late 2022 as part of a cost-of-living adjustment.

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Persistent Food Insecurity in Connecticut: 1 in 10 Residents Struggle, Especially in Major Cities

Connecticut faces ongoing challenges with food insecurity, affecting approximately 1 in 10 residents, including 85,000 children, who struggle to find and purchase healthy foods. In certain major cities within the state, the food insecurity rate can reach 15-20%, with Hartford having the largest number of food-insecure households.

Annually, around 229,000 families in Connecticut collectively receive $19.8 million in Connecticut SNAP benefits, averaging about $185 per family per month. Actual benefit amounts vary based on income, and Connecticut SNAP benefits can be utilized at most grocery stores and numerous farmer’s markets statewide.

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