1. Cash Assistance in Connecticut
Programs, Requirements, Applications, and Reality
Nancy Boone
CT Alliance for Basic Human Needs
65 Hungerford St., Hartford, CT 06106

2. What ARE the cash programs in CT?
SSI-Supplemental Security Income
SSDI-Social Security Disability Insurance
TFA-Temporary Family Assistance
SAGA Cash-State Administered General Assistance
State Supplement

3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
$733/month max benefit
Disabled or Elderly without much of, or any, work history
To apply call SSA  
Application Denial Appeal Hearing
Representation
Legal Aid
CT Legal Rights Project (represents adults where the primary disability is a mental health condition)

4. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
$1166/month average; $2,639/month maximum
Disabled adults with a substantive work history
Apply online:
Phone interview Denial Appeal Hearing
Representation
CT Legal Rights Project (represents adults where the primary disability is a mental health condition)
Private attorney

5. Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
$543/mo. family of 3
Very low or no income families with a dependent child in the house
Apply via DSS online: or in office, call 211
21 month limit six-month extensions
OR exempt
Baby at home under 1
None of the adults at home can work bc
they have a disability or are taking care
of a family member with a disability

6. State Administered General Assistance (SAGA Cash)
$55/mo. if no housing costs, $219/mo. if housing costs
Unemployable adult with NO dependents
Apply via DSS online: or in office, call 211
AND complete 3 other forms, find them online at
Form 300 (doctor)
Form 303 (applicant)
Form 303A (applicant)

7. State Supplement $168/mo Elderly or permanently disabled
Income below $906/month, higher if living in a care facility
Apply via DSS online: or in office, call 211

8. If DSS denies your application…
Ask for a hearing- on your own or call Legal Services at
How to get a hearing
Fill out the appeal form that came with the denial; or
Mail or fax DSS a letter asking for a hearing
The letter should have: name, address, date, DSS client number, reason for a hearing, and signature
What happens at the hearing
The hearing officer may ask why you think you qualify for assistance
DSS worker will explain their side
Decisions are usually within 90 days of hearing request