Category
22 resources in Cash Assistance
Community Action Agency of New Haven
Free IRS-certified basic federal and state tax preparation for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families during tax season.
Seasonal tax appointments; call or check CAANH for current VITA availability
Before you go: Bring photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return, and all W-2, 1099, benefit, and income forms.
CCA
Faith-based nonprofit since 1967 providing food pantry, housing assistance, and case management. NEW HOPE housing program offers furnished apartments for up to 36 months.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Before you go: Bring photo ID and proof of address if you have them.
CAANH
Emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and utility bills for income-eligible residents.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
State of Connecticut DSS
State office administering HUSKY Health (Medicaid), SNAP, TANF cash assistance, state supplement for aged/blind/disabled, and other benefit programs. Apply online through ConneCT portal.
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Before you go: You don't have to come in. Apply for HUSKY, SNAP, or cash assistance online at connect.ct.gov anytime. If you do visit, the office closes at 4:30pm.
City of New Haven
Temporary cash assistance for single adults without children who are unable to work.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
City of New Haven
Walk-in resource center helping residents access social services, benefits enrollment, job training, housing assistance, and community programs. Provides one-stop navigation for city services.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Before you go: Bring photo ID, work history, resume if you have one, and any benefit or referral paperwork.
Jewish Family Service
Counseling, senior services, refugee resettlement, and emergency assistance. Serves all faiths.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Before you go: If this is urgent or you may hurt yourself or someone else, call 988 or 911.
Salvation Army
Emergency assistance including food pantry, clothing distribution, utility assistance, and holiday programs. Serves New Haven and surrounding towns with crisis intervention and social services.
Office: Mon-Fri 9am-2pm; Food Pantry: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-11:30am
Before you go: For the food pantry, come Mon, Wed, or Fri between 9 and 11:30am only. Other services (clothing, utility help) are open Mon-Fri until 2pm.
Salvation Army
Food pantry and emergency assistance for families in crisis.
General office Mon-Fri 9am-3:30pm; food pantry schedule may vary, call before visiting.
Before you go: Bring photo ID and proof of address if you have them.
CT Department of Social Services
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly benefits to buy groceries.
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Before you go: You don't have to come in. Apply anytime at connect.ct.gov from your phone. The Howard Ave office is open weekdays 8-5 if you'd rather do it in person.
Social Security Administration
Federal office handling Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability benefits, Medicare enrollment, and replacement Social Security cards.
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Before you go: Bring photo ID, Social Security number, benefit notices, proof of income or work history, and any letters related to the issue.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Catholic charity providing emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and other basic needs through home visits.
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
CT Department of Social Services
One-time emergency payments for families with children facing eviction or utility shutoff.
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
CT Department of Social Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides monthly cash assistance for families with children.
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
Distributes free diapers, period supplies, and incontinence products to low-income families through partner agencies. Provides 40-50 diapers per month per eligible child.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
The Diaper Bank of Connecticut
Statewide diaper, period supply, and incontinence product distribution network with multiple New Haven County partner agencies. Families contact partner agencies directly for diapers or supplies.
Partner agency hours vary; call before visiting
Before you go: The Diaper Bank does not list central walk-in pickup hours; distribution happens through community partners.
Trinity Church on the Green
Grant funding for human service programs addressing health, hunger, shelter, and education in New Haven.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
United Way
Coordinates community resources for education, health, and financial stability. Funds local nonprofits and provides direct referrals to services across the Greater New Haven region.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.
IRS / New Haven Adult Education Center
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program providing free tax return preparation and e-filing for individuals earning $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speakers.
Seasonal: Jan-Apr; call for schedule
Before you go: Bring photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return, W-2s/1099s, health coverage forms, and last year's return if you have it.
AOASCC
Regional agency serving older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Greater New Haven and the lower Valley. Helps with service navigation, benefits screening, Medicare/CHOICES counseling, caregiver support, in-home service options, and long-term care planning.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Before you go: Have Medicare, Medicaid/HUSKY, income, housing, and caregiver information handy if you want benefits screening.
CVLC
Free civil legal services for veterans including housing, family law, record expungement, bankruptcy, consumer debt, VA benefits, employment law, and military discharge upgrades.
Mon-Fri by appointment only
Before you go: For veterans only, and only by appointment, no walk-ins at 114 Boston Post Road. Call first to set up your visit for housing, benefits, or discharge-upgrade help.
Grassroots organization defending the rights of immigrants and workers in New Haven since 2002. Offers crisis support for immigrant families, help for victims of wage theft and labor abuse, support for survivors of gender-based violence, legal referrals and court accompaniment, and know-your-rights organizing. Coordinates a statewide Rapid Response Network that responds to ICE activity.
Community meetings Mon 7:00pm-9:00pm; rapid-response emergency line available 24/7; call before visiting.
Before you go: Weekly community meetings are Mondays, 7-9pm, at 37 Howe Street. All are welcome, including children.
Need additional help finding cash assistance?
Call 211