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Connecticut

Connecticut Single Mother Resource Hub

Connecticut

Single Mother Survival Guide & Resource Hub

Emergency Contacts

All Resources 2-1-1
Domestic Violence (888) 774-2900
Child Protection 1-800-842-2288
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Emergency Food Call 2-1-1 for immediate food resources
Salvation Army Call 2-1-1 to find your local Salvation Army

The Reality Check

Here’s how Connecticut stacks up. We’ve color-coded the rankings: Green is good (Top 15), Yellow is average, and Red is a major challenge (Bottom 15).

#21 Overall Rank
#8 Single Mother Rank
#4 Healthcare
#6 Education
#29 Economy
#48 Affordability
#4 Safety
#22 Quality of Life
#25 Opportunity
#1 Mental Health

The Brutal Numbers

These are the core financial and legal realities that define the struggle in Connecticut.

Single Mother Poverty Rate 29.8%
Food Insecurity Rate 11.3%
Gender Pay Gap 84¢ per $1
Child Support Collection Rate 65.3%
Minimum Wage $15.69/hr
Housing Wage Needed $30.54/hr
Eviction Laws Grade B
Annual Childcare Cost $18884

2025 Income Limits & Benefit Amounts

Family Size FPL (Annual) Max SNAP (Monthly) Max TANF (Monthly)
1 Person $15650 $291 $570
2 People $21150 $535 $698
3 People $26650 $766 $833
4 People $32150 $973 $962
5 People $37650 $1155 $1091

Eligibility & How to Qualify

SNAP Eligibility

Typically up to 200% of FPL (household size matters).

Medicaid Eligibility

Typically up to 138% of FPL for parents/caretakers.

Child Care Assistance

Typically up to 85% of State Median Income.

These are high-level thresholds; verify with the state portals above. Rules vary by household size and situation.

Can You Actually Survive? (Family of 3)

This is the bottom-line math. We compare maximum benefits to MIT’s calculated living wage for a single adult with 2 children.

$1599 Max Monthly Benefits (SNAP + TANF)
$6292 MIT Living Wage Required
-$4693 Monthly Shortfall
Even with maximum benefits, you are projected to be $4693 short each month for basic necessities.

SURVIVAL MODE: Your Connecticut Strategy

Given the reality, a strategic approach is essential. Here’s a three-stage plan using Connecticut’s specific resources.

Immediate Survival

  • Get SNAP & HUSKY Health immediately
  • Apply for Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) cash assistance
  • Get on ALL housing waitlists – expect long waits
  • Find local food banks via 2/1/2001

Bridge Strategies

  • Combine part-time work with childcare subsidies
  • Use WIC benefits for nutritional support
  • Access job training in Healthcare sector
  • Apply for utility assistance programs

Exit Strategy

  • Focus training on high-growth Healthcare jobs
  • Secure child support enforcement
  • Build credit and savings systematically
  • Plan education advancement strategically

Key State Facts

  • State EITC at 40% of federal credit
  • Care 4 Kids program helps low to moderate-income families
  • CT Paid Leave (CTPL) provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave
  • High property taxes and utility costs are a major burden
  • Excellent schools and healthcare if affordable

Your Complete Connecticut Resource Hub

The Bottom Line

Connecticut is tough, but you’re tougher. Focus on immediate survival, stack every benefit, and use the state’s resources to build skills and savings for your next chapter.

Page generated and data updated: September 2025

Data Sources: U.S. News, WalletHub, HHS, USDA, NLIHC, and State Agencies

Disclaimer: This website is an informational resource. While we strive for accuracy, benefit amounts and eligibility rules can change. Always verify information with the official state agency. This site is not affiliated with any government entity.