Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Connecticut. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Connecticut)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Connecticut CHOICES)
Connecticut's SHIP is called CHOICES (Connecticut's program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening). It is run by the state Department of Aging and Disability Services with the five Area Agencies on Aging and the Center for Medicare Advocacy. Counselors give free, unbiased help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap, and they screen you for the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help. Call 1-800-994-9422 or visit portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability.
Medicaid in Connecticut
Connecticut's Medicaid program is HUSKY Health. Coverage for adults 65 and older, and for long-term care, falls under HUSKY C. You can apply online at accesshealthct.com or by phone at 1-855-805-4325; for aged, blind, or disabled (HUSKY C) and long-term-care coverage, the Department of Social Services (DSS) handles the application, so dial 211 to be routed to the right DSS Benefits Center. More at portal.ct.gov/dss.
Prescription help
Connecticut does not run a broad state pharmaceutical assistance program for seniors today. Ask your CHOICES counselor (1-800-994-9422) to screen you for Medicare's Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy and the Medicare Savings Program, which lower drug and premium costs, and check BenefitsCheckUp.org for manufacturer and patient-assistance programs.
Energy and utility help
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is run by the Department of Social Services and delivered through your local Community Action Agency. It helps low-income households with winter heating costs. Apply online, by phone, or in person through your local Community Action Agency, or call 211 (available 24/7) to be connected. More at portal.ct.gov/dss. You can also reach NEAR at 1-866-674-6327.
Property tax relief (Connecticut)
Connecticut's main statewide senior program is the Homeowners' Elderly/Disabled Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program, administered by the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and applied through your town. To qualify you must be 65 or older as of December 31, 2025 (or totally disabled at any age), live in the home as your primary residence, and meet income limits. For the 2026 application cycle the income limits are about $46,300 for a single filer and $56,500 for a married couple (these are adjusted each year, so confirm the current figures with your town assessor). The credit is applied directly to your property tax bill and ranges from $150 up to $1,000 for single filers and up to $1,250 for married couples, on a graduated income scale. Apply with your local assessor between February 1 and May 15. Some towns also offer a separate local-option senior tax freeze or additional relief, so ask your assessor what your town offers.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Connecticut's five Area Agencies on Aging coordinate meals, in-home services, caregiver support, and transportation. Reach them through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or 211. To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult, contact Connecticut Protective Services for the Elderly through DSS (dial 211 for the current intake line). For free legal help, 211 and lawhelp.org connect you with Connecticut legal aid for seniors.
Frequently asked questions
What is Connecticut's SHIP program? It is called CHOICES, run by the Department of Aging and Disability Services. Free Medicare counseling is at 1-800-994-9422.
Does Connecticut offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The Homeowners' Elderly/Disabled Circuit Breaker program gives a direct credit on your tax bill if you are 65 or older (or totally disabled) and meet the income limits (about $46,300 single / $56,500 married for the 2026 cycle). Apply with your town assessor between February 1 and May 15.
How do Connecticut seniors get help with heating bills? Apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) through your local Community Action Agency, or call 211 to be connected.
What is HUSKY Health? It is Connecticut's Medicaid program. Seniors and long-term-care coverage fall under HUSKY C, handled by the Department of Social Services; dial 211 for help applying.
Sources
- Connecticut OPM, Homeowners' Elderly/Disabled Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program: https://portal.ct.gov/opm/igpp/grants/tax-relief-grants/homeowners--elderlydisabled-circuit-breaker-tax-relief-program
- Connecticut Aging and Disability Services, CHOICES: https://portal.ct.gov/ads/programs-and-services/choices
- Connecticut DSS, Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: https://portal.ct.gov/dss/economic-security/winter-heating-assistance/energy-assistance---winter-heating
- Connecticut DSS / HUSKY Health (Medicaid): https://portal.ct.gov/dss
- United Way of Connecticut 211, Property Tax Credit for Elderly/Disabled: https://uwc.211ct.org/property-tax-credit-for-elderlydisabled/
Verified June 9, 2026. Program limits and dates change; confirm with the official source before relying on a figure.