How to Report Changes to SNAP in Connecticut

If you get SNAP food benefits in Connecticut, you are required to report certain changes to the state. Reporting on time helps keep your benefits accurate and can prevent overpayments or interruptions.

This guide explains how to report changes to SNAP in Connecticut, what kinds of changes usually need to be reported, and common ways to contact the official state agency. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only—it is not a government office, cannot access your case, and cannot take reports or applications for you.

Understanding SNAP in Connecticut

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible households buy food. In Connecticut, SNAP is run through the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).

When you are approved, you agree to:

• Tell DSS about certain changes in your situation
• Meet deadlines for reporting
• Complete periodic reviews or recertifications

If you do not report required changes on time, the agency may:

• Adjust your benefits later and ask you to repay extra benefits
• Reduce or stop benefits
• In serious cases, investigate for potential fraud

Why Reporting SNAP Changes Matters

Reporting changes is important because your SNAP benefit amount is based on your household’s current situation, including:

• Income
• Household size
• Expenses (like rent or utilities)
• Living arrangement

When these change, your eligibility or benefit amount can go up or down. Reporting can help:

• Increase benefits if your income goes down or household size increases
• Prevent overpayments if income rises or expenses drop
• Keep your case in good standing

Who You Report Changes To in Connecticut

In Connecticut, SNAP changes are generally reported to:

• Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
• Through the state’s official online benefits portal
• By calling the DSS client information line or your local DSS office
• By mail, fax, or in person at a DSS office (depending on what the agency currently allows)

Because office locations, phone numbers, and online systems can change, it is best to:

• Use the official Connecticut DSS website to confirm current contact details
• Or call 211 to ask how to reach the Connecticut DSS SNAP office

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot forward your information to DSS and cannot update your case for you.

What Changes You Usually Must Report

The exact rules can depend on:

• Whether you are in a “simplified reporting” group
• Whether you have earned income
• Whether you are in a special category, such as elderly/disabled households

However, many Connecticut SNAP households are expected to report major changes, such as:

1. Income Changes

You may need to report when:

• Your earned income (wages, self-employment) goes up or down significantly
• Your unearned income changes (Social Security, unemployment, child support, pensions, etc.)
• Someone in your household starts or stops working
• You get a new job or your hours change substantially

Look for directions on:

• The approval notice you received
• Any interim reporting forms
• Your recertification packet

These often explain exactly what income changes you must report and within how many days (for example, within 10 days of the change, though exact deadlines can vary).

2. Household Size or Composition

You generally must report when:

• Someone moves into your home
• Someone moves out or no longer buys and prepares food with you
• A baby is born or a child joins your household
• A household member dies

Changes in household size usually affect your benefit amount and sometimes your eligibility.

3. Address or Housing Costs

You may need to report if:

• You move to a new address
• Your rent or mortgage goes up or down
• Your utilities or other major shelter costs change

These costs can affect your deductions and therefore your SNAP benefit amount.

4. Work Status or Student Status

Report when:

• A person starts working, stops working, or has a significant change in hours
• A household member becomes a student or stops being a student
• There are changes related to work requirements you were told about

5. Immigration Status or Legal Status

If anyone in your household has a change in:

• Immigration status
• Citizenship
• Work authorization

You should ask your local DSS office what must be reported and how to document it.

6. Disability, Medical Expenses, or Caregiver Arrangements

In some households, especially those with elderly or disabled members, certain changes can affect deductions and benefits, such as:

• New or increased medical expenses (prescriptions, co-pays, transportation to medical care, etc.)
• Changes in caregiving arrangements that change your out-of-pocket costs

If you were told to verify medical or caregiving expenses for your SNAP case, ask your DSS office which types of changes they want you to report.

When You Have to Report: Timelines and Deadlines

The deadline for reporting changes can vary, but many SNAP households are instructed to report certain changes within 10 days of learning about them. Others may only need to report at set times (like at recertification), except for very specific changes.

Typical reporting schedules include:

• Simplified Reporting Households
  • Often report only some changes, such as when income goes above a certain level (like 130% of the federal poverty level for your household size).
• Change Reporting Households
  • May have to report most changes in income, household members, and other key factors within a short set timeframe, often within 10 days.

Your approval notice or review packet should explain which group you’re in and when you must report.

If you're unsure:

• Call the DSS client information line or your local DSS office
• Ask: “What changes do I need to report, and what is my reporting deadline?”

Ways to Report SNAP Changes in Connecticut

Connecticut residents typically have several options to report changes to SNAP. Always rely on official DSS instructions for the most current methods.

1. Online Through the Official State Portal

Many people in Connecticut can:

• Log in to the state’s official online benefits portal
• Select their SNAP case
• Use the “Report a Change” or similar option
• Upload any required documents

This method can be convenient if you:

• Have internet access
• Can scan or take clear photos of documents

2. By Phone

You can usually:

• Call the Connecticut DSS client information line
• Or call your local DSS office

When calling:

• Have your SNAP case number or Social Security number ready
• Write down:
  • Date and time of the call
  • Name of the person you spoke with
  • Any confirmation number you receive

Sometimes the office will:

• Record your report by phone
• Or ask you to send proof by mail, fax, upload, or in person

3. By Mail or Fax

Some people prefer or are asked to:

• Fill out a change report form or write a signed letter
• Send it by mail or fax to their DSS office

If you do this:

• Include your full name, case number, and contact information
• Clearly describe:
  • What changed
  • The date it changed
• Include copies (not originals) of any proof, like pay stubs or a lease

Keep copies of:

• Everything you send
• The mailing receipt or fax confirmation

4. In Person at a DSS Office

Depending on office policies and hours, you may be able to:

• Visit a local DSS office
• Ask to report a change to your SNAP case
• Drop off documents or meet with a worker (if available)

It may help to:

• Call ahead to check office hours and whether an appointment is needed
• Bring photo ID, your EBT card, or any notices you’ve received

Quick Comparison: Common Ways to Report Changes

Always confirm current options through the official Connecticut DSS channels.

Documents You May Need When Reporting Changes

The exact documents depend on what changed. Common examples include:

Income Changes

• Pay stubs (recent, usually from the last 30 days)
• A letter from your employer stating:
  • Start date or end date
  • New hours or pay rate
• Unemployment benefit letters
• Social Security award letters
• Child support order or payment records

Household Changes

• Birth certificates (for newborns)
• Lease agreements or updated lease if someone new moves in
• A written statement explaining that someone moved out, with date

Housing/Utility Changes

• Updated lease showing new rent
• Mortgage statement
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, heating fuel)

Medical Expenses (if elderly/disabled)

• Pharmacy printouts
• Receipts for co-pays, medical equipment, or supplies
• Statements from providers about ongoing costs

Always send copies rather than original documents if you’re mailing or faxing.

What Happens After You Report a Change

After you report a change to DSS, you can usually expect:

1. Review by a Caseworker
   The agency reviews:

   • Your report
   • Any supporting documents
   • Your current SNAP budget

2. Possible Request for More Information
   They may send a notice asking for:

   • Additional proof
   • Clarification about dates or amounts

3. Notice of Decision
   You should receive an official notice that:

   • Confirms the change
   • Explains whether your benefits will increase, decrease, or stay the same
   • Gives an effective date for the change
   • Explains your appeal rights if you disagree

4. Updated Benefit Amount
   Your SNAP benefits may change:

   • The next month
   • Or, for some changes, mid-month depending on program rules

If you do not receive any notice or update after a reasonable time, you can call:

• The DSS client information line
• Your local DSS office

If Your SNAP Benefits Go Down or Stop After Reporting a Change

Sometimes reporting a change leads to a reduction or closure of benefits. If that happens:

1. Read the Notice Carefully

   • Look at the reason for the change
   • Check the dates and income amounts used
   • Note any deadlines to appeal

2. Ask for an Explanation

   • Call DSS and ask them to review the budget with you
   • Politely ask:
     • What income and expenses did they count?
     • What date did they use as the change date?

3. Appeal or Request a Fair Hearing

   • Your notice should explain how to appeal if you disagree
   • Appeals usually must be filed by a certain deadline
   • In some cases, you may be able to keep your old benefit level temporarily if you appeal before the effective date—but this can lead to overpayments if the decision is upheld

For exact procedures and deadlines, follow the instructions on the official notice from DSS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reporting Changes

Some frequent issues that can cause problems include:

• Waiting too long to report
  Missing a reporting deadline can result in overpayments or sanctions.

• Not sending proof when asked
  If DSS asks for documents and you don’t respond by their deadline, your case may be:

  • Closed
  • Reduced

• Assuming the system updates automatically
  Changes to Social Security, unemployment, or jobs usually do not automatically update your SNAP case. You are still responsible for reporting them.

• Not keeping copies or notes
  Keeping records can help if there is any dispute or confusion later.

How to Verify You’re Using Official Connecticut SNAP Channels

To avoid scams and protect your information:

• Use the official state website
  Look for a “.gov” domain for Connecticut state government sites.

• Be careful with search results
  Some non-government sites may look official. Use only sites that clearly belong to the State of Connecticut or to recognized public agencies.

• Do not share your EBT PIN
  State workers will never need your PIN.

• Be cautious about fees
  Reporting changes to SNAP should not require a fee. If someone asks for money to “guarantee” benefits or handle your case, that’s a warning sign.

• Call known numbers
  Use the phone numbers listed on:

  • Official letters from Connecticut DSS
  • The official state website
  • Or dial 211 and ask for help contacting the Connecticut SNAP office

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org only provides general information and cannot:

• Access your SNAP account
• File reports or appeals
• Change your SNAP benefits

If You Don’t Qualify for More SNAP After a Change

Sometimes, even after a drop in income or an increase in expenses, your SNAP amount may not increase as much as you hoped, or it may stay the same. If that happens, you can:

• Check your budget with DSS
  Ask them to go over the income and deductions they used.

• Look into other food resources, such as:

  • Food pantries and food banks
  • Community or faith-based meal programs
  • School meal programs for children (breakfast, lunch, or weekend meal packs)
  • Summer meal programs for children when school is out

You can usually find these by:

• Dialing 211
• Asking your local community action agency
• Checking with local schools for kids’ meal programs

By understanding what to report, when to report it, and how to reach the official Connecticut SNAP office, you can help keep your benefits accurate and avoid problems with your case. Always rely on the Connecticut Department of Social Services and the official state benefits portal for the most current forms, rules, and contact options.