How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Connecticut

Renewing your SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in Connecticut is a regular step you must complete to keep getting help with food costs. The process is sometimes called recertification, redetermination, or renewal.

This guide explains, in plain language, how SNAP renewal typically works in Connecticut, what to expect, and how to stay on track with official state requirements.

SNAP Renewal in Connecticut: The Basics

In Connecticut, SNAP is managed through the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). When you first qualify, you’re approved for a set “certification period” (for example, 6 months, 12 months, or longer, depending on your situation).

To keep getting benefits after that period ends, you must:

1. Complete a renewal/recertification form
2. Provide updated information and proofs
3. Complete an interview (if required)
4. Be found still eligible under current rules

If you do not complete recertification on time, your SNAP benefits usually stop at the end of your current certification period.

When Do You Need to Renew SNAP in Connecticut?

Connecticut DSS generally sends a renewal notice before your certification period ends. This notice usually includes:

• Your renewal due date
• Instructions to renew online, by mail, fax, phone, or in person
• A list of information they need

Typical certification periods

These can vary, but commonly:

• Most households: around 12 months
• Some seniors or people with stable incomes: sometimes longer
• Households with changing income or work requirements: sometimes shorter

Your actual end date will be listed on:

• Your approval notice
• Your renewal notice
• Your online account on the state’s official benefits portal (if you have one)
• Or you can call the DSS Benefits Center or your local DSS office to confirm

🕒 Important: You generally need to return your renewal form and complete the process before your certification period ends to avoid a break in benefits.

How to Renew SNAP in Connecticut: Main Options

Connecticut usually offers several ways to complete SNAP recertification. Exact methods can change, so always check the latest instructions on Connecticut DSS’s official website or by calling the DSS Benefits Center.

1. Renew SNAP Online

Many Connecticut households can use the official state benefits portal to:

• Complete and submit a SNAP renewal form
• Upload supporting documents
• Check for messages or notices

Steps often include:

1. Log in to your account on the official Connecticut benefits portal
2. Look for “Renew Benefits” or “Recertify SNAP”
3. Review and update:
   • Household members
   • Income
   • Housing and utility costs
   • Other expenses (child care, medical costs, etc.)
4. Upload documents or be prepared to send them another way
5. Submit and check for confirmation or next steps

Online renewal is often the fastest way to complete recertification for many people.

2. Renew by Mail or Fax

If you receive a paper renewal form from DSS, you can usually:

1. Fill out the form completely, making sure:
   • All questions are answered
   • Changes since your last approval are clearly explained
2. Attach copies (not originals) of required documents
3. Mail or fax the packet to the address or fax number listed on the form or official notice

If you mail your form, consider:

• Sending it early enough to arrive before the due date
• Keeping copies of everything you submit

3. Renew by Phone (When Allowed)

In some cases, especially for people with limited mobility or other difficulties, DSS may allow renewal:

• By calling the DSS Benefits Center
• Completing the recertification interview and questions over the phone

You may still need to send documents by mail, fax, upload, or drop-off.

4. Renew In Person

You can usually visit a local DSS office to:

• Pick up a renewal form
• Get help filling it out
• Drop off documents
• Sometimes complete an interview (depending on office policies)

Before going, it is usually best to:

• Call the DSS office or Benefits Center
• Check office hours and whether appointments are required

What Information and Documents You May Need

When you renew SNAP in Connecticut, DSS wants to confirm your current situation, not just what was true at your last approval.

Plan to have information and documents related to:

1. Identity and Household

• Photo ID for the head of household (driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
• Social Security numbers (if available) for each household member applying
• Dates of birth for all members
• Immigration status documents for non-citizens, if applicable

2. Income

DSS typically needs to verify all sources of income, such as:

• Pay stubs from jobs (often the last 4 weeks)
• Self-employment records (invoices, ledgers, tax forms)
• Unemployment benefits letters
• Social Security or SSI award letters
• Pension, disability, or other regular payments
• Proof of child support received

3. Housing and Utilities

These expenses can affect your SNAP amount:

• Rent or mortgage statement
• Lease or letter from landlord
• Property tax statements (if you own your home)
• Homeowner’s insurance bills
• Utility bills (electric, gas, oil, water, sewer, trash, phone if allowed)

4. Child Care and Dependent Care

If you pay someone to care for a child or disabled adult so you can work, attend training, or go to school, DSS may need:

• Receipts or statements from your provider
• Written agreement stating what you pay and how often

5. Medical Expenses (for certain groups)

For SNAP households where someone is 60 or older or has a disability, you may be asked for:

• Pharmacy printouts of monthly prescriptions
• Medical bills and receipts
• Statements for health insurance premiums
• Transportation costs for medical visits (if applicable and allowed)

Handy Summary Table: Common Documents for Connecticut SNAP Renewal

You may not need every document listed; your renewal notice or DSS worker is the best source for exactly what is required in your case.

The SNAP Recertification Interview in Connecticut

Many Connecticut SNAP households must complete an interview as part of renewing benefits. This is similar to the interview you had when you first applied.

How interviews usually work

• Most interviews are done by phone
• Some households may attend in-person at a DSS office
• You may be given an appointment date and time, or asked to call during certain hours

During the interview, a DSS worker typically:

• Reviews the information on your renewal form
• Asks about changes since your last approval:
  • Household members
  • Income or hours of work
  • Housing or utility costs
  • Child care or medical expenses
• May request additional documents if anything is unclear or missing

If you cannot attend your scheduled interview:

• Call the DSS office or Benefits Center as soon as possible
• Ask to reschedule before your recertification deadline

Missed interviews can delay or stop your SNAP renewal.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal?

Once you have:

• Turned in your renewal/recertification form, and
• Completed your interview (if required), and
• Submitted all requested documents

DSS will review your case to decide if you still qualify and how much you can receive.

Possible outcomes

1. Approved with no break in benefits

   • If you completed everything on time, your SNAP may continue seamlessly.

2. Approved but with a different benefit amount

   • If your income increased, your SNAP might go down.
   • If your expenses increased or income decreased, your SNAP might go up.

3. Delayed decision

   • DSS may send you a request for more information if something is missing.
   • If you do not respond by the deadline on that notice, your benefits may stop.

4. Denied or closed

   • If you no longer meet eligibility rules, or if you did not complete the process in time, DSS can deny your recertification or close your case.
   • You should receive a notice explaining the reason and any appeal rights.

Common Reasons Connecticut SNAP Renewals Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding problem areas can help you avoid them.

1. Missing the renewal deadline

• Not returning the renewal form on time
• Not completing the interview before the end of the certification period

💡 Try to start the process as soon as you receive your recertification notice, not at the last minute.

2. Incomplete forms

• Leaving questions blank
• Not updating changes in income, household members, or expenses
• Forgetting to sign and date the form

3. Missing documents

• Not sending proof of income
• No proof of rent, mortgage, or utilities if requested
• Not providing additional information after DSS sends a follow-up notice

4. Unreported changes

If DSS discovers significant changes you did not report (like new income or someone moving into or out of your home), it may affect:

• Your current benefits
• Your eligibility for recertification

How to Check the Status of Your SNAP Renewal in Connecticut

If you’re unsure where things stand, you usually have several options:

• Online: Log in to the official Connecticut benefits portal to check messages or case status.
• Phone: Call the Connecticut DSS Benefits Center and follow the prompts or speak to a representative.
• Local office: Visit or call your local DSS office and ask for an update.

Have ready:

• Your name
• Your case number or client ID (if available)
• Your date of birth
• Possibly your Social Security number (for identity verification)

If Your Connecticut SNAP Renewal Is Denied or Your Case Is Closed

If your recertification is denied or your case is closed, the notice from DSS should state:

• Why the decision was made
• The effective date (when your benefits stop)
• How to appeal or request a fair hearing
• The deadline to file an appeal

Appealing a decision

In many cases, if you disagree, you can:

1. Request a fair hearing by following instructions in the notice
2. Explain why you think the decision is wrong
3. Provide any supporting documents you have

Deadlines for appeals are usually strict, so check the date on your notice and act quickly if you decide to contest the decision.

If you missed a deadline or forgot to send something, you may also:

• Reapply or ask DSS if you can submit what’s missing and have your case reviewed again
• Ask the DSS office or Benefits Center what your options are based on your situation

If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP in Connecticut

If DSS finds you no longer eligible, you may still have other resources:

• 211 Infoline: You can call 2-1-1 to learn about:
  • Local food pantries
  • Community meal programs
  • Other local assistance resources
• Food banks and pantries: Many towns have:
  • Food pantries
  • Soup kitchens
  • Faith-based organizations offering emergency food
• School meal programs: Households with children may still access:
  • School breakfast and lunch programs
  • Summer meal sites during school breaks (availability varies)
• Other benefit programs: Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to apply for:
  • Cash assistance or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • Energy/utility assistance programs
  • Housing assistance or rental support

For each of these, you would need to contact the appropriate official agency or local organization directly.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Connecticut SNAP Channel

Because renewing SNAP involves sharing personal information, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with legitimate government offices or official partners.

Tips to verify you’re on an official channel

• Look for a “.gov” web address for state sites
• Confirm phone numbers from:
  • Official Connecticut DSS materials
  • Notices or letters you received directly from DSS
• Be cautious if:
  • A site asks for payment to help you apply or renew SNAP
  • You are asked to share your EBT card number or PIN outside official channels
  • Someone contacts you unexpectedly asking for personal details and pressuring you to respond quickly

If you’re unsure whether a site, email, or phone call is official, you can:

• Call the DSS Benefits Center using a number you find on the official Connecticut state government website or on a recent DSS notice
• Ask them to confirm the correct website, mailing address, or fax number for SNAP recertification

Quick Checklist: Steps to Renew SNAP in Connecticut

1. Watch for your renewal notice from Connecticut DSS
2. Note your certification end date and any deadlines listed
3. Decide how you will renew:
   • Online through the official state portal
   • By mail or fax using the form from DSS
   • By phone or in person, if available
4. Gather documents:
   • ID, income, rent/mortgage, utilities, child care, and medical (if applicable)
5. Complete and submit your renewal form before the due date
6. Attend your interview (phone or in-person) if one is required
7. Respond promptly to any requests for more information
8. Check your mail, online account, or phone messages for your new decision notice
9. If denied or closed and you disagree, review the notice for appeal instructions and deadlines

By staying organized, responding quickly to DSS requests, and using only official Connecticut SNAP channels, you can give yourself the best chance of having your benefits renewed without interruption.