FAQs

• ¿Cómo puedo recibir ayuda en español?+
  Answer:

  DSS ofrece formularios en inglés y en español. DSS también tiene servicios de interpretación y traducción gratuitos para cualquier persona que se comunica con DSS o solicita beneficios. Llame a la Línea de Información al Cliente y al Centro de Beneficios del DSS al: 1 (855) 626-6632, y oprima 2 para español.
  
  Si necesita más ayuda, también puede comunicarse con una organización comunitaria que puede ayudarle en español, como Connecticut Association for Community Action (CAFCA) (860) 832-9438.

• How can I figure out how to feed my family healthful foods on a lower budget?+
  Answer:

  USDA provides several resources to help you prepare healthy meals on a low budget:

  • ChooseMyPlate.gov Opens in a new window
  • Plan, Compare and Prepare Opens in a new window
  • Eat Right When Money’s Tight Opens in a new window

  The SNAP Recipe Finder helps you create cookbooks and shopping lists. Use it to search for recipes based on total cost or cost per serving.
• How do I check the balance for my SNAP benefits to know how much I have?+
  Answer:

  You can check your EBT card many ways:

  • From a computer, go to MyAccount at www.connect.ct.gov
  • Use the MyDSS Mobile App on your phone or tablet at www.mydss.ct.gov
  • Call 1-888-328-2666 to hear the last ten (10) transactions on your account
  • Save your store receipt to keep track of your SNAP balance
• How will I be notified of a change in my SNAP benefits?+
  Answer:

  You will be notified of any changes to your SNAP benefit amount through DSS notices in the mail. You can also see any changes or updates made to your case via Myaccount or MyDSS.

• What is MyDSS and how do I use it?+
  Answer:

  MyDSS is a new online portal that is easier to use on a mobile phone. You can log in with your MyAccount username and password, the same username and password works on MyDSS and ConneCT.

  On MyDSS you can do many things, such as:

  • Renew your benefits
  • Check the balance of your EBT card in real-time
  • Report any changes
  • Take pictures of documents with your phone to submit
  • See when documents you sent to DSS online were received & processed
  • See notices that were mailed to you
  • SNAP periodic Report forms can be submitted
• How can I reach DSS by phone?+
  Answer:

  You can call the DSS Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 between 8:00am-4:00pm on Monday through Friday.

  If you are waiting more than 2 minutes on the phone, you may be offered a call back. The system will ask if you want us to call you as soon as staff are available, or you can pick a time to get a call in the next 7 days. We do not call back if you have a question about the status of your benefits or forms - please stay on the line or try calling another time. 

• How do I get my current benefit letter?+
  Answer:

  The fastest way to get your current benefit letter is online through your MyAccount on MyDSS. You can print out this letter once you have it. For help, watch this video in English or este vídeo en Español.

  If you are unable to get the letter online, you can also get a copy of your current benefit letter by calling the DSS Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 between 8:00 am - 4:00 pm or go to a DSS Resource Center from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on Monday through Friday. 

• What should I do if I lost or never got my renewal forms in the mail?+
  Answer:

  The best way is to complete your renewal forms online now through your MyAccount on MyDSS or ConneCT.

  If you prefer to do your renewal on paper, you can ask for an additional copy to be mailed to you by either calling the DSS Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 between 8:00 am-4:00 pm or going to a DSS Resource Center from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on Monday through Friday.  
  

• How do I reset my password for MyAccount?+
  Answer:

  If you forgot or lost your password, call (877) 874-1612.

  You can change your password anytime by logging into your MyAccount on MyDSS or ConneCT. Once you are logged in, click on “Manage MyAccount.” In the “Change Password” section, you will need to enter your old password and your new password. You will get a confirmation message that your password has been changed.

• How do I update my address or phone number with DSS?+
  Answer:

  Go online to your MyAccount on MyDSS or ConneCT to update your information. If you need help, watch this video in English or este vídeo en Español.

  Please update your information as soon as possible. DSS will use the information on your MyAccount to contact you, such as mailing you important information like changes to your benefits or your renewal forms and text messaging you reminders and updates about your case. 

• What do I do if I get a text message with the wrong name?+
  Answer: If you get a text message with the wrong name, this might be because someone else listed your phone number as their contact information on their file. If we are texting the wrong number, simply reply to the message with either OptOutSNAP or STOP. You should get a text message confirming that you will not receive any future messages from DSS at that phone number.