General Guidance

A notice about two Resource Centers.

Congress ended the replacement SNAP benefit program in December 2024. The best way to protect yourself against EBT theft is to call 1-888-328-2666 to change your PIN number before the start of each month.

Due to renovations the DSS Manchester office will be temporarily closed. A new temporary location opened Monday, Jan. 27 at 146 Hartford Road, Manchester.

Wait times at the Waterbury Resource Center may be longer than usual due to renovations.

We are still open to serve you. For additional assistance you can also call 1-855-626-6632 or visit connect.ct.gov. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Overview

Applicants and clients have the option of contacting the Department of Social Services online,

by phone, or in person.

Online:

For fastest service, we recommend online applications (complete application information is available at How to Apply); and online change reporting (Reporting Changes).
We encourage DSS clients who have online access to open a client benefits account (MyAccount) at www.connect.ct.gov Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window. This will give you 24/7 access to your information.
For a quick and handy eligibility pre-screening tool for DSS services, please visit www.connect.ct.gov Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window.
With MyDSS, our mobile-friendly app, access your account on any device (www.ct.gov/mydss).

By phone:

Phone access is available through the DSS Client Information Line and Benefits Center.

Call 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632)
(TTD/TTY 1-800-842-4524 for persons with speech or hearing difficulties)
Follow the prompts to get the information you need

Our automated ‘interactive voice-response’ telephone system helps DSS clients get the information you need without waiting to speak to an Eligibility Services Worker. This Client Information Line service is available 24/7. Opening a phone benefits account will support your 24/7 access.

You can also connect directly to a worker in our Benefits Center by following the phone menu prompts on Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. & Tuesdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. (closed Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. on & all day Wednesdays). The Benefits Center is staffed with Eligibility Service Workers dedicated to answering your questions, processing change requests and providing you with information about other resources.

In Person:

DSS Field Offices are also available for service assistance. Office hours are Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. & Tuesdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. (closed Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. on & all day Wednesdays as staff process applications, renewals & related work).

Follow this link for DSS Field Office location and service information.

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For general information & referral: 1-800-842-1508 (recorded information)
Toll-free TDD/TTY line: 1-800-842-4524

Information for News Media

Information about Freedom of Information Act Requests

[Updated 9/13/22]