On July 4, 2026, severe storms caused damage and long-duration power outages in Connecticut communities. In response to this, Governor Lamont announced that recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Connecticut who experienced power outages that lasted at least four hours may be eligible for replacement SNAP benefits.
Households who lost power for at least four hours must contact DSS by July 14, 2026 to report their losses. Reports to DSS can be made by phone call, in person, in writing, or through the DSSn order to request assistance with replacement SNAP benefits from the storm.
To receive replacement benefits, clients who experienced power outages that lasted at least four hours must report their losses to DSS—either orally or in writing—no later than Tuesday, July 14, 2026. This report to DSS can be done through a phone call, a walk-in visit, a hand-written letter, or through the Food Replacement form: W-1225/W-1225S.
Once the loss of food is provided, clients must also submit a signed statement attesting to the household’s food loss through the Food Replacement form: W-1225/W-1225S.
Additionally, before SNAP benefits are replaced, the program requires DSS to determine that the loss of food was caused by a power outage from the storm. Verification of this can be through a third party contact outside of the household, a letter from the utility company, a home visit, or documentation from a community agency, such as the fired department or Red Cross (if they responded to the household).
For households who complete the process and are deemed eligible, replacement SNAP benefits will be issued to the household in the amount of the loss, and up to the maximum of the household’s monthly benefit. Households can expect to receive the replacement benefit within ten days after reporting the loss or within two working days of receiving the signed household statement required, whichever date is later.
For a listing of local DSS offices, click here or visit https://portal.ct.gov/dss/office-locator.
If you or someone you know needs immediate food, you can locate a listing of food pantries here.
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SOURCE: Connecticut Office of the Governor
PREPARED BY: 211/lr
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: July2026