Navigating the system of services can be a very frustrating experience, especially if you’re just starting out looking for assistance. Some agencies employ benefits specialists who can help you identify and apply for programs offered by the Department of Social Services and other agencies that give back to the community. These specialists can help you find information on health insurance coverage, food assistance, children and family services, energy assistance programs, job placement, and more.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency. DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities. Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, and online and phone access options.
Social Security Office Locations – Connecticut
Depending on the purpose of your Social Security Office visit, you’ll most likely need to bring documentation such as:
Your birth certificate – Your passport – Proof of United States citizenship or legal US residency
Your Social Security Card – Proof of address – Bank statements and/or proof of income
ABCD Energy Program provides help to eligible household who reside in Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, Trumbull, Westport, and Norwalk with assistance in paying their winter heating bills. One application covers all programs.
Action for Bridgeport Community Development Inc. (ABCD), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit agency was designed as the anti-poverty agency for the Greater Bridgeport Area in September of 1964 by the Office of Economic Opportunity. The agency aims to work with people toward the eradication of the “paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation.” ABCD presently servers over 35,000 individuals annually through its broad range of services in a six-town area, covering Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Norwalk, Stratford, Trumbull, and Westport, Connecticut.
ABCD’s sole mandate is to assist the underserved. ABCD concentrates its efforts and resources on identifying and eliminating the causes of poverty rather than only dealing with its effects. ABCD’s actions are directed towards promoting appropriate institutional change and enabling the underserved to become self-sufficient contributors to society
Locations: Bridgeport & Norwalk
The American Legion of Connecticut: Free advocacy and representation for veterans filing or appealing claims for veterans benefits offered by local, state and federal veterans benefit agencies.
Location: Rocky Hill, CT
Chrysalis Center: We work with individuals and families to help them manage complicated situations. We help people identify their needs and set goals for their future. By connecting each person to community services, we help them become more independent and self-sufficient. But we don’t stop there. We’re here as long as people need us to help overcome any barriers they encounter and help smooth the path to success. Our skilled staff help people to transform their lives.
Location: Hartford, CT
Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut, Inc. provides social services and programs to low-income individuals and families in the western area of Connecticut to help them stabilize and improve their lives.
The towns served include Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Danbury, Darien, Greenwich, Kent, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, North Canaan, Redding, Roxbury, Ridgefield, Salisbury, Stamford, Sharon, Sherman, Warren, Washington, Wilton, and Weston. Additionally, we provide SSBG, and HHD program services we in the towns of Norwalk and Westport.
Locations: Norwalk, Stamford, Washington & Danbury
Connecticut Military Relief Fund: The Military Relief Fund provides monetary grants to service members and their families that are experiencing a financial hardship as a result of military service to qualify you must be a currently serving member of any branch or component of the Armed Forces of the United States or an immediate family member of such service member.
Location: State Wide Access
The Bridge – Clothing Bank / Food Pantry: Church offers gently used clothing for children, men and women in need. Referrals from a church, social workers or school staff member is needed. Referral forms can be found on the website. Please call 860-372-4141 to make an appointment.
Location: South Windsor, CT
The Crisis Pregnancy Center: is a Christian Prolife Center that assists women to make life-affirming decisions by helping them to make plans to keep and parent their babies, or to make an adoption plan by providing them with compassionate and loving emotional, physical and spiritual support.
Location: Unionville, CT
Services we offer:
24 Hour Hot-Line 800-395-Help (800-395-4357) – Free Pregnancy Tests – Counseling and Support – Prenatal Guidance – Information on Community Resources and Government Assistance – Maternity Clothes – Medical Care – Ongoing Personal Counseling – Referral for Adoption – Baby Furnishing & Clothes – Postnatal Guidance – Support Groups – Planning Mother and Baby’s Future – Help for the Woman Who Has Had an Abortion
