Searching for grants for felons in Connecticut? Connecticut residents with a criminal record can qualify for government programs that support basic needs.
You can also reach out to charities and reentry providers for a helping hand while you get back on your feet.
How To Qualify For Free Money & Grants For Felons in Connecticut
Grants are money you don’t need to repay. Charities often offer small grants to cover short-term needs or deal with an emergency – your felony won’t be a barrier to getting this help.
Government programs also offer free money to qualifying households. If you’re on a low income, you can get financial support through programs like SNAP and TFA. Felons can also qualify for grants to help pay for college or vocational training.
Most government-funded programs won’t ask you about your criminal background, but if you apply for housing programs that help cover your rent, you will have to pass a criminal background check.
See Also:
- Grants For Felons in Louisiana
- Colorado Second Chance Grants For Felons
- $38,000 Grant To Go Back To School
Government Programs That Give Felons Free Money In Connecticut
SNAP Grant
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as Food Stamps). If you qualify, you’ll get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card.
Each month, your EBT card is loaded with money to spend on food at the grocery store. The amount you’ll get depends on your income and household size. A single-person household can receive up to $292 per month.
Get more information about SNAP and apply for benefits at: https://portal.ct.gov/dss/find-benefits-and-support/food-assistance
TFA Grant
Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) supports low-income families (with children under 18) and pregnant women with a monthly cash payment to help cover expenses.
If your family includes an employable adult, you can only claim TFA for 36 months. Work-eligible adults must also participate in the Jobs First Employment Services (JFES) program, which helps prepare people for employment.
Learn more and apply HERE.
State Administered General Assistance
This cash assistance program is for adults who can’t work due to a medical condition or disability. Some unemployed people meeting very specific criteria are also eligible.
Learn more and apply.
Health Care
HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid program, offers free or low-cost medical coverage, including mental health care and addiction treatment.
Applications are handled through Access Health CT: https://www.accesshealthct.com/
Felons struggling to afford health care in Danbury, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Stamford can also access Americares’ network of free clinics for health care and medication.
Learn more: https://www.americares.org/what-we-do/clinical-services/americares-free-clinics/
Disability Benefits
If you can’t work because of a mental or physical condition, you could qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). Both programs provide monthly payments and automatic Medicaid access.
Learn more and apply for benefits at: https://portal.ct.gov/dss
Rental Help For Felons in Connecticut
Felons on a low income may qualify for rent assistance programs. These programs typically ensure that participants spend no more than 30% of their income on rent.
To qualify, you’ll need to pass a background check. The only criminal offenses that are automatically and permanently disqualifying are:
- Manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing
- Offenses resulting in a lifetime registration requirement as a sex offender
Other offenses are considered on a case-by-case basis and may temporarily disqualify you (for 5 years, for example) depending on the rules at your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
Find your PHA: https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program Grants
CEAP grants help eligible households cover energy bills. Grant amounts typically range from $180 to $530. The program also assists households at risk of having their utilities shut off or facing unaffordable appliance repair costs.
To apply for a CEAP grant, contact your local Connecticut Community Action Agency or ask your utility supplier for details.
Find your CAA: https://www.cafca.org/agencies/
Free & Low-Cost Phone Plans
If you need a phone to job hunt or contact your parole officer, check out LifeWireless or Assurance Wireless. Both offer free phone plans with unlimited talk & text, and capped data.
These programs are limited to one plan per household, and income limits apply.
LifeWireless: https://lifewireless.com/plans/connecticut-lifeline-free-phone-service
Reentry Support & Workforce Programs For Felons
Connecticut’s reentry networks focus on helping felons achieve long-term stability. Many are funded by federal grants like the Second Chance Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
These programs help felons get back on their feet and may offer help with:
- Housing: Security deposits, first month’s rent, emergency shelter
- Job readiness support: Tools, uniforms, transportation passes
- Vocational training: CDL school, trade certifications, job placement
- Tattoo removal: For felons planning to work in professional environments
Call the free 2-1-1 helpline to connect with local reentry providers or contact:
Project MORE Reentry Welcome Center in New Haven
Website: https://www.projectmore.org/
Address: 830 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT
Career Resources, Inc. in Bridgeport
Website: https://careerresources.org/
Location: https://careerresources.org/locations/
Connecticut Reentry Community
Website: https://ctreentry.org/returning-citizen
You can also visit a local American Job Center for access to WIOA-funded training and job placement support.
Charities That Help Felons With Emergency Money In Connecticut
Charities can be a great source of short-term financial help for felons in Connecticut.
You may be offered grants to help with housing costs, food, utility bills, medical or prescription costs, and transportation.
Homeownership Assistance Grants
While homeownership may seem like an impossible goal, the government funds several programs that put homeownership within reach for people on lower incomes, and that includes felons.
FHA Loans
Government-backed loans with lower down payments and more flexible credit requirements.
Learn more: https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/loans
HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door
Discounted homes (discount of 50% from the list price of the home) for eligible public servants.
Learn more: https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/good-neighbor
Habitat for Humanity
Offers affordable homeownership and sweat equity programs.
Learn more: https://www.habitat.org/emea
Down Payment Assistance Program
Helps first-time buyers in Connecticut with downpayments and closing costs.
Learn more: https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers-homeowners/homebuyers/downpayment-assistance-program-dap-loan/
Education Grants
Whether it’s a traditional degree program or a vocational certificate program, education has transformed the lives of numerous felons. Grant programs combined with the lower cost of attending community college make education a lot more affordable than you think.
Pell Grants: Federal Pell Grants are for low-income students. Everyone eligible for a Pell Grant will receive funding of up to $7,395 per year during their studies. Incarcerated felons are also eligible.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Grants up to $4,000 per year for students with exceptional financial need. Limited funding means eligible students may not receive a grant, so apply early, as these grants are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.
Mary Ann Handley Award: This award for community college students covers any additional tuition costs not met by federal grants. Funds are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, so apply early. Learn more at: https://www.ct.edu/admission/free.
To qualify for the education grants listed above, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa/.