How to Apply for TANF in Connecticut

Connecticut's TANF cash program is called Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), and it's applied for the same way as SNAP and Medicaid — through the state's combined ConneCT online portal or a single shared paper form (W-1E). TFA comes with a 36-month lifetime clock for households with an employable adult, though families can request up to two six-month extensions if they stay within income and asset limits. Assets are capped at $6,000, and one vehicle worth up to $9,500 in equity is excluded from that limit.

Updated August 2026

1. 1

   Check income, asset, and household rules

   New TFA applicants must have earnings under 55% of the Federal Poverty Level and household assets under $6,000. The child(ren) in the home must live with a related adult or a court-appointed guardian.

2. 2

   Gather your documents

   Collect proof of identity, income, household composition, and Connecticut residency before starting your application.

3. 3

   Apply online through ConneCT

   The fastest way to apply is at connect.ct.gov, where you can check eligibility, submit your application, and later upload documents or renew benefits.

4. 4

   Or apply by mail or in person

   Download Form W-1E (Application for Benefits), mail it to DSS ConneCT Scanning Center, P.O. Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045, or drop it off at a DSS Resource Center.

5. 5

   Complete an eligibility interview if required

   If DSS needs an in-person interview, call the Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632 to schedule an appointment with an Eligibility Services Worker.

6. 6

   Meet work program requirements if applicable

   Adult recipients who are able to work must participate in Jobs First Employment Services activities, coordinated through the Connecticut Department of Labor.

Verified against the official Connecticut TANF agency site. View source