Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Connecticut DSS: Federal HR 1 changes mean most SNAP recipients must meet work or training rules and submit proof
Loading...
Summary
An informational message from the Connecticut Department of Social Services says changes in the federal budget bill (HR 1) require most SNAP recipients statewide to work, volunteer, train or otherwise meet program requirements and to submit documentation to maintain benefits; certain exemptions apply.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services said federal changes under HR 1 require most Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients statewide to meet work, training, volunteer or educational requirements and to submit proof they are meeting those requirements to keep benefits.
The guidance, presented in an informational message, said the federal budget bill passed by Congress in July 2025 altered work requirements and time limits for SNAP and that the rules apply statewide. "The federal government no longer allows any town waivers of the work rules," the message said.
The message identified groups that may be exempt from the work or reporting requirements and said those who believe they qualify must submit supporting documentation. It listed people age 65 and older, pregnant people, households that include a child age 14, people with disabilities or those who care for someone with a disability, people receiving unemployment or disability benefits, and people participating in a drug treatment program as examples of potentially exempt categories.
The communication also described acceptable proof of meeting the requirements: pay stubs or other digital pay verification for people who are working; a letter from a SNAP Employment and Training program showing weekly hours for participants in that program; and a letter from other workforce or educational programs showing weekly hours. For community service, the message said a statement from the program must include a phone number, address, average monthly volunteer hours, a staff signature and a date.
Recipients who use the online account system can upload documents at connect.ct.gov from a computer or at mydss.ct.gov from a mobile device, the message said. Documents also can be mailed to the Department of Social Services scanning center at PO Box 1320, Manchester, Connecticut 06045; mailings should include a cover sheet with the recipient's name and client ID.
The message concluded by noting that a follow-up video will demonstrate how to upload documents and directed recipients to a web page titled "what will change with DSS benefits following the passing of federal HR 1" (URL shown on screen) or to a QR code for more information.
Next steps: recipients who believe they are exempt should gather and submit the proofs listed by DSS; those who are working or enrolled in programs should obtain the letters or pay verification specified to avoid interruption of benefits.
