Letter from Joe Gresko

State Representative Joe Gresko, (D)
121st Connecticut House District

Dear Neighbor,

While our state’s COVID-19 numbers continue to fall and we hopefully continuing to return to some form of normalcy, it is important to remember that many residents and families are continuing to struggle financially from the effects of the pandemic. If you or someone you know is struggling with affording things like rent, healthcare or food, Connecticut has financial assistance programs available to help with such necessities.

Below are just a few assistance programs available to Connecticut residents.

Tenant Rental Assistance: The state-supported program for assisting very-low-income families to afford housing in the private market. In general, the family’s income may not exceed 50 percent of the annual median income (AMI) for the area in which the family chooses to live:  https://portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/Rental-Assistance-Program

Husky
Husky A: CT’s Medicaid program for children under 19 years old and their parents. For child eligibility, income must be below 201% FPL; for parent eligibility, income must be below 160% FPL.

Husky B: CT’s Children Health Insurance Plan (CHIP). Level 1 eligibility: 201% FPL to 250% FPL; Level 2 eligibility: 250% FPL to 322% FPL

Husky C: Medical benefits program for CT residents aged 65+ or disabled living on very low income (varies by region, but generally < 50% of FPL).

Husky D: CT’s Medicaid Expansion program for adults (19-64) with income below 138% FPL.

For more information go to: https://uwc.211ct.org/husky-health-plans/

Temporary Family Assistance (TFA): CT’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides monthly cash and employment assistance to eligible families to support basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. For additional details go to:   https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1654

State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA): A cash assistance program that serves adults who are either permanently or temporarily unable to work due to a documented medical condition and whose income and assets are below program limits. For information go to: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Lists/Programs-and-Services.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP): Provides funds for eligible Medicare enrollees to cover Medicare Part B premiums, copays & deductibles.  For further information go to: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Health-And-Home-Care/Medicare-Savings-Program/Medicare-Savings-Program/Apply

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Provides food benefits, education on food preparation and nutrition to low-income households. For further information go to:  https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/SNAP/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program—SNAP/Eligibility

State Supplement: A cash assistance program that serves adults who are ages 18 to 64 and have a permanent disability, individuals age 65 and older, and individuals who are blind.  https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Lists/Programs-and-Services.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol at 800-842-8267 or email me at Joseph.Gresko@cga.ct.gov.