Grants for Seniors in Connecticut

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in Connecticut (60 and over)

Senior Population: 922,708 (25.4%)

Male: 45.6%

Female: 54.4%

Median Age: 70

Disability: 26%

With Social Security Income: 70%

With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 11%

Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 9%

Data Source:

Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in Connecticut for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in Connecticut – 26 Assistance Programs

Connecticut has tons of outdoor activities with its long and beautiful beaches and benefits of urban life for adult residents. However, it might be expensive to live in this state considering housing and living expenses. Thus, there are various programs and organizations that can offer financial assistance, housing support, utility assistance, and more opportunities for the elderly.

State Resources for Seniors

Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services is funded by the State of Connecticut to serve senior citizens. It offers a wide range of services and programs including Medicare and financial assistance. Some of their programs are as follows:

• Adult Services-Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind: It presents independent living training for seniors who need concerning the home or community.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers: It provides information about benefits, helps with decision-making and personal problems.
• Benefits Counseling: People receiving healthcare or disability cash assistance can still work and get other opportunities. This counseling helps people to learn more about different services based on their situation.
• Congregate Housing Services Program: It was created to avoid the premature and redundant institutionalization of residents who are 62 years old and older. CHSP assists housing support for eligible candidates to ensure that they are secure and comfortable.
• Connect to Work Project: This project helps people who are benefiting from Social Security Disability. It helps with the effect of returning to work on their health.
• Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program: It serves individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease or associated dementias. The program does not only offer home assessments and support for the elderly but also assists information and services for caregivers.
• Disability Determination Services: This office provides medical assistance for people having a disability.
• Elderly Nutrition Program: It presents healthy and nutritious food for seniors according to their medical condition. This food program aims to decrease hunger among seniors of Connecticut.
• Older Worker Program: Adults looking for a job can benefit from this program. It helps seniors to find a permanent job.

To discover more programs, please follow the link https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Main/Programs-and-Services.

Financial Assistance

The Connecticut Older Worker Program, also known as Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is an initiative that trains low-income senior citizens who are still able to work. Through the program, these seniors gain valuable skills through training, as well as some work experience, which can help seniors find meaningful employment and support themselves. Assistance is also provided to help them prepare a resume and search for jobs. Referrals to supportive services may be provided if necessary. More details on the Connecticut Senior Community Service Employment Program can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Programs/Senior-Community-Employment-Program-SCSEP#Service%20Providers.

Residents aged 65 and older may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The SSI program is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provides monthly payments to income eligible seniors across the country. The funds are expected to be used for the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter, and the amount may vary depending on the income of the beneficiary and living arrangements. Social Security benefits are also available for seniors who worked previously and paid into Social Security. These benefits can be paid to seniors over the age of 62. Further resources in SSI and Social Security can be accessed at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/?tl=0%2C1%2C2.

Poverty Guidelines are mostly the basic measures for getting financial and other forms of assistance.

Housing Assistance

Connecticut provides several affordable housing options specifically tailored for seniors. These include public housing projects, subsidized housing, and Section 8 vouchers. The Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) play significant roles in administering these programs.

Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) offers various programs and services aimed at ensuring access to quality housing opportunities. Their website provides information on public housing, affordable housing developments, and emergency housing assistance, among other services. More details can be found on their official site: Connecticut Department of Housing.

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) assists with homebuyer programs, including first-time homebuyer guides, emergency mortgage assistance, and reverse annuity mortgages. CHFA is dedicated to financing affordable multifamily rental housing and providing below-market interest rate mortgages for first-time homebuyers. Explore their offerings at CHFA.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Connecticut provides a comprehensive list of rental help resources. This includes information on subsidized apartments, public housing, housing choice vouchers (Section 8), and HUD-associated rental housing. They also offer resources for rental assistance programs, security deposit assistance, and advice on utility bills. HUD’s rental help page for Connecticut is a great starting point for finding diverse housing assistance options: HUD Rental Help: Connecticut.

Rent Rebate Program: For seniors who rent their homes, Connecticut offers a rent rebate program for elderly and disabled citizens. This program provides a rebate for a portion of the rent paid by individuals who meet certain income and residency criteria.

Home Repair Grants

Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer organization that helps seniors age in place. This is done by providing repairs and modifications specific to each individual, helping them live independently. To do this, Habitat for Humanity has teams of volunteers who evaluate the needs of each senior and come up with a well-suited plan to help with repairs and necessary modifications while preserving or improving quality of life. The evaluations consider the activities of the senior as well as health concerns prior to embarking on the modifications. For more information on Habitat for Humanity and their operations, visit https://www.habitat.org/our-work/aging-in-place.

Rebuilding Together is another organization that helps with home repairs. The organization is made up of local volunteers who provide the repair services. Through the Safe at Home program, Rebuilding Together helps seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible. This is done by carrying out repairs and modifications to enhance accessibility, improve safety and increase independence. All services rendered are designed to meet needs specific to the beneficiary. A full list of the programs offered by Rebuilding Together can be found at https://rebuildingtogether.org/programs.

Another useful resource for seniors in need of money for home repairs is the Section 504 Home Repair Program. Seniors aged 62 and above can get grants of up to $10,000 to carry out various repairs around their homes. Loans are also available to seniors below the age of 62. The goal of the program is to provide funds to assist seniors in creating a healthy and safe living environment for themselves. For more details, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/ct.

Healthcare Assistance

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders(CHPCE) is managed by the State of Connecticut for adult citizens who are 65 years of age and older. The mission of this program is to make sure that seniors suffering from health problems can live in their own homes without needing to live in a nursing home. Eligible seniors can benefit from daily care management (eating, dressing, personal hygiene, etc.), health services, free domicile meals, and homemakers based on their special case. To see eligibility requirements, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Health-And-Home-Care/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders-CHCPE.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is financed by the federal government to provide information on medical issues for adult residents. It promotes free training about healthcare fraud, medical billing mistakes, and other tactics that swindle seniors. There are many volunteers who will teach about the healthcare system of the state in this program. To find out more information, go to https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Programs/Senior-Medicare-Patrol or dial the toll-free number 800 537 2549.

The full description of the CHOICES Program is Connecticut’s program for health insurance assistance, outreach, information and referral, counseling, and eligibility screening. Residents who are the age of 60 or older are qualified for this program. It offers health education, counseling, and information on medical conditions. If you need to consult about your state of health, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Programs/CHOICES-Connecticuts-program-for-Health-insurance-assistance-Outreach-Information-and-referral-Couns or dial 1 800 994 9422.

ConnPACE is managed by the State Department of Social Services with the intent of helping individuals with disabilities and the elderly. The mission of ConnPACE is to ensure that every senior citizen can afford to pay for their prescription drug medications.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be 65 years old or older.
• You must be a resident of Connecticut.
• Your annual income must be under $23,700 if you are single. If you are married, your annual total income must be less than $31, 900.
• You must indicate your asset information to be evaluated for extra Medicare help.
• You must not be receiving Medicaid.
• You must pay a $30 registration fee.

Dental Grants and Benefits

The Central Connecticut Health District (CCHD) provides complementary dental cleaning services through the “Smiles for Life” Senior Dental Program. This covers seniors over the age of 60 who reside in specific areas of coverage. Free dental care is made available to limited number of seniors on specific days on the month. Further details can be found at https://www.ccthd.org/chs?rq=senior. You may check Dental Grants in Connecticut to find out how seniors can obtain dental grants.

Utility Bills Assistance

Seniors with income below 60% of the state median income can apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is a program designed to help residents pay off some of their heating costs during the winter months, awarding amounts between $410 and $1,015, depending on exact income. Even after exhausting the normally available CEAP benefits, seniors can apply for the Crisis Assistance Program or the Safety Net Services. CEAP Safety Net Services is open to seniors who have exhausted both the regular CEAP and Crisis Assistance Program benefits, and are in a life-threatening situation. All CEAP assistance funds are paid directly to the utility company, and not to the beneficiaries. Seniors interested in these assistance options can visit https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Economic-Security/Winter-Heating-Assistance/Energy-Assistance—Winter-Heating.

Several energy companies in the state also have special programs to assist customers struggling to pay their bills. Companies like Eversource and United Illuminating have debt forgiveness programs, matching payments plans, and even winter protection plans to prevent shutoff during the cold winter months. Other companies like Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas also offer budget payment plans to assist seniors so that bills can be paid little by little. Seniors can visit https://www.cceh.org/provider-resources/utility-assistance/ for more information on programs available to assist them with utility bill payments.

Seniors facing hardship can also apply for assistance from UniteCT. This is a program that helps pay for the electricity bills of residents in need. Eligible seniors can receive up to $1,500 of financial aid to settle electricity expenses. Details on UniteCT can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/heatinghelp/Electricity-Bill-Assistance?language=en_US.

Food Assistance

Connecticut residents aged 60 and above can get feeding assistance from the Elderly Nutrition Program. The program provides healthy and nutritious meals to seniors and their spouses in congregate settings, promoting socialization and helping seniors find support in friendships. These congregate settings could be senior centers, schools, churches, restaurants, etc. Seniors who are homebound may have their meals delivered to them at home. Alongside the meals, nutrition education is also provided so that seniors can maximize any food materials they have to get optimum nutrients and remain healthy. More information on the Elderly Nutrition Program can be gotten from https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Programs/Elderly-Nutrition-Program.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is another program that provides healthy food options to seniors in the state. Residents who are at least 60 years old and have income less than 130% of the federal poverty level may be eligible to receive a food package containing various food items. These include rice, oats, milk, beans, canned meat, fruits, vegetables, etc. An overview of the CSFP, along with useful links, is available at https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/SNAP/Commodity-Supplemental-Food-Program.

The Department of Social Services also has a special project under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This project, known as Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) is designed to help older residents of Connecticut remain eligible for SNAP benefits for a longer period. SNAP is a special program that helps low-income residents get benefits which they can use to purchase approved food items. The benefits come in form of funds loaded on a debit card known as the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card which can be used at several stores to buy certain nutritious food items. This EBT card is also accepted at many Farmers’ Markets across the state, so seniors can purchase fresh produce as well. For more program details, visit https://portal.ct.gov/dss/SNAP/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program—SNAP.

Transportation Assistance

Seniors over the age of 65 can get discounts on bus fares within Connecticut. This service is available on all bus systems operating under contract to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, such as Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT), Estuary Transit District d.b.a. 9 Town Transit, Housatonic Area Regional Transit (HART), etc. To take advantage of this subsidized transport arrangement, seniors are required to have a State-issued Reduced Fare Photo Transit ID or Medicare Card which they must present while using the Senior pass or ticket. Prices start from $0.85. Further program information can be gotten from https://www.cttransit.com/fares/seniordisabled-reduced-fares/reduced-fares.

Seniors with disabilities can also apply for paratransit services. Applications must be submitted at least a day before the trip is planned for. Paratransit services provide mobility assistance for passengers with various disabilities but can cost more than regular bus service. Pickup can be requested for any occasion, not just medical appointments. Seniors can find for information at https://www.northeastbus.com/paratransit-service/.

Dial-A-Ride services are available to provide seniors over the age of 65 with door-to-door transportation. Some arrangements offer curb-to-curb pickup services. Unlike door-to-door services, curb-to-curb services require the passenger to make their way out to the roadside to wait for the car. Seniors can visit https://www.hartransit.com/dial-ride to take advantage of this program.

Coordinated Transport Solutions (CTS) provides non-emergency medical transportation to help seniors get to and from their medical appointments. CTS caters to seniors who have Medicare or Medicaid coverage. The vehicles used are modified to ease access for disabled seniors, and further help is provided by the volunteers who operate as drivers under the program. For more information, visit https://www.ctstransit.com/services/transportation-for-healthcare/.

Charities and Organizations

There are charities in Connecticut that render services to challenged seniors in the state. These services are aimed at providing elderly residents with a better quality of life. Some of charities provide feeding assistance in the form of soup kitchens and pantries. Accommodation may also be available for seniors who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness. Seniors can reach out to Salvation Army https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/ or the Catholic Charities https://www.ccfairfield.org/programs/ for assistance and further details on their individual programs.

Grants for Senior Veterans

The Supportive Services for Veteran and Families (SSVF) is a special program setup to help veterans and their families remain suitably housed. SSVF provides financial assistance to veterans to help them pay for housing associated costs like rent, utilities, moving cost, etc. Veterans can also get money for transportation assistance and emergency supplies. SSVF also helps homeless veterans find suitable housing, while providing the assistance necessary to facilitate moving in. For further information on the activities of Supportive Services for Veteran and Families, visit https://connecticut.networkofcare.org/mh/services/agency.aspx?pid=WORKPLACETHESupportiveServicesforVeteranFamiliesSSVF_2_556_1.

The Connecticut Veteran’s Directed Care Program (VDC) is a special program that helps aged veterans to remain in their communities. Through the VD program, veterans can choose their caregivers and continue to receive the care they need while at home. The VDC program is offered by collaboration between the Aging and Disability Services (ADS) State Unit on Aging, the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and the five Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Veterans who wish to participate can visit https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Programs/Connecticut-Veterans-Directed-Home–Community-Based-Services-Program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial aid is available for seniors in Connecticut? Seniors in Connecticut can access financial aid through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for utility bills, the State Supplement Program (SSP) for additional income support, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food purchases.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in Connecticut? Seniors can apply for Medicaid through the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) online portal, by mail, or in person at a local DSS office. Documentation required typically includes proof of age, income, residency, and assets.

3. What housing assistance is offered to seniors in Connecticut? The Connecticut Department of Housing provides various programs, including the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and the Elderly Housing Program, which offers affordable housing options to seniors. Additionally, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) offers loan and mortgage programs suitable for seniors looking to downsize or modify their homes.

4. Are there property tax relief programs for seniors in Connecticut? Yes, the Elderly Property Tax Relief Program offers tax credits to homeowners who are 65 or older and meet certain income requirements. Applications are processed through local town assessor offices.

5. How do seniors in Connecticut receive help with prescription drugs? The Connecticut Medicare Assignment Program (ConnMAP) and the Connecticut Prescription Assistance Program (ConnPAP) help eligible seniors reduce the costs of their medications.

6. Can seniors get assistance with home energy costs? The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low-income seniors cover the costs of heating their homes. Applications are accepted at community action agencies throughout the state.

7. What in-home care services are available for Connecticut seniors? The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) offers services such as personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, and nursing services to help seniors live independently.

8. How do seniors access transportation services in Connecticut? Many localities offer senior transportation services for medical appointments, shopping, and other errands. The Connecticut Department of Transportation also provides information on reduced-fare programs for seniors on public transit.

9. Are there nutritional programs specifically for seniors in Connecticut? The Elderly Nutrition Program offers congregate meals at local senior centers and home-delivered meals for homebound seniors. Eligibility typically depends on age and income.

10. What legal assistance is available for seniors in Connecticut? The Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut offers free legal advice and representation to low-income seniors on matters such as housing, healthcare, and consumer rights.