Connecticut State Handicap Benefits

The state of Connecticut provides benefits to handicapped individuals who need or want assistance. Connecticut provides rehabilitation, support services, and cash income to its handicapped and elderly citizens who can not work through different programs designed to meet specific needs. Connecticut determines handicap by the Social Security Disability program definitions. Those who meet the criteria for "disabled" under Social Security Disability guidelines may qualify for state assistance and not exceed income and asset limits.

State Administered General Assistance

• State Administered General Assistance pays cash benefits to qualified individuals. To qualify for cash benefits, individuals must be: (1) between the ages of 18 and 65 years; (2) unemployable for 6 months or more due to physical and/or mental condition; and (3) meet medical impairment criteria set by Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid Programs.

  Handicapped individuals who are unemployable may qualify for a cash benefit of up to $212 per month. Asset limits are $250 for a single person or $1,000 for a family of 4 or more people. Automobiles valued under $4,500 do not count toward the asset limits. Assets include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, life insurance policy with cash value, and cash on hand.

State Supplemental Program

• Disabled, aged, and blind citizens of Connecticut may qualify for a supplemental program if they do not have enough income to meet their needs. To qualify for the State Supplemental Program, according to the Department of Social Services, the person must have other income like Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Retirement or Disability, a pension or wages from some kind of employment. Individual gross monthly income must be $2,022 or less unless the person is living in residential care. There is no income limit for handicapped citizens living in residential care homes. Individual assets can not exceed $1,600 in value, and couples are limited to $2,400 in assets.

  Qualified individuals may receive the following cash benefits up to $400 per month for rent for individuals. People who share rental costs with a roommate may receive $200 per month for rent costs. Individuals who qualify for assistance will receive $164.10 for personal needs (couples receive $1 more). Those living in a residential care home are entitled to $28.10 per month for personal needs.

Vocational Rehabilitation

• Vocational Rehabilitation is a program to assist physically or mentally disabled persons prepare for employment; find a job; or keep a job they already have. To be eligible, the program serves individuals with a disability that significantly impacts their ability to get a job or keep a job. Everyone who is disabled is eligible to participate in the program, except those who are blind. Blind persons are served through the Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind.

  If state resources are low or limited, Connecticut is required by law to provide services to individuals with the greatest degree of disability. Significance of disability is determined by the limitations the disability causes and the services the person actually needs. Connecticut will pay for necessary medical tests or psychological and psychiatric evaluations that may be necessary to determine the degree of disability and/or the impact the disability has on an individual's ability to work. Eligible individuals may receive job assistance, vocational counseling, job training and career education, adaptive and assistive technology to help with mobility and communication and home and car modifications with handicap equipment. Qualified individuals also receive employment support services, medical and mental health services and any other support services they need to get or to keep a job.