8 resources in Cash Assistance

Resources

Catholic Charities - Emergency Assistance

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford

Emergency assistance including food, clothing, diapers, help paying rent and utilities, case management, employment services, and advocacy.

Call to confirmAccepting
Verified 4/10/2026 (via web check)

Mon 1-4pm (food pantry). Call for emergency assistance hours.

Before you go: The food pantry is only open Mondays 1-4pm. For rent, utility, or diaper help you must call first to get emergency-assistance hours; don't just walk in.

CRT Energy Assistance (CEAP/LIHEAP)

Community Renewal Team

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program helps low and middle-income renters and homeowners pay heating bills. Benefits paid directly to utility company or fuel vendor. Income limits: $47,764 (1 person) up to $126,758 (7+ people).

Call to confirmAccepting
Verified 4/10/2026 (via web check)

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm. Applications: Sept 1 - May 29.

Before you go: Heating bills only, and CRT pays your utility or fuel vendor directly. Apply Sept 1-May 29. Open Saturdays 8-4 if weekdays don't work.

CRT VITA Free Tax Preparation

Community Renewal Team (CRT)

Free federal and state tax preparation and filing for households earning up to $69,000/year. Trained volunteers help prepare and file basic tax returns at no cost. IRS refunds issued via direct deposit.

Call to confirmAccepting
Verified 4/14/2026 (via web check)

January-April (tax season); schedule via 211

Before you go: Only runs January-April, and there's no walk-in: call 211 first to book your slot. Bring your ID, Social Security cards, all W-2s/1099s, and last year's return. Free for households earning up to $69,000.

CT Department of Social Services - Hartford Office (TFA/TANF)

CT Department of Social Services

Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) provides cash aid to families with children to help pay for basic needs while in school, job training, or during hardship. Also processes SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits.

Call to confirmAccepting
Verified 4/10/2026 (via web check)

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.

Salvation Army - Emergency Financial Assistance

The Salvation Army

Emergency financial assistance including help with rent, utilities, and other basic needs. Assistance coupled with case management to address underlying needs.

Call to confirmAccepting
Verified 4/10/2026 (via web check)

Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm

Before you go: Bring ID, proof of income, benefit notices, and bills related to the help you need.

YWCA Hartford Region - Programs & Services

YWCA Hartford Region

Multi-service nonprofit providing early childhood education (Early Learning Centers), financial literacy programs, VITA free tax preparation, career training for youth, and advocacy. Hosts annual Denise L. Nappier Money Conference for working families.

Call to confirmAccepting
Verified 4/14/2026 (via web check)

Early Learning Centers: Mon-Fri 7:00am-5:30pm; office hours vary

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

211 Connecticut

United Way of Connecticut

Statewide information and referral service connecting residents to health and human services. Covers housing, food, healthcare, mental health, financial assistance, and more. Available 24/7 in multiple languages.

24/7Call to confirmAccepting
Verified 4/10/2026 (via web check)

24/7/365. TTY: 1-800-671-0737. Outside CT: 1-800-203-1234.

Before you go: No appointment, no ID, no cost. Just dial 211 any hour, day or night. Tell them your language and they'll connect you; if you're Deaf/hard of hearing, use TTY 1-800-671-0737.

Community Renewal Team (CRT) - Multi-Service Agency

Community Renewal Team

Connecticut's largest community action agency providing comprehensive human services including housing, emergency shelters, food assistance, energy assistance, weatherization, childcare, youth employment, substance abuse prevention, and senior nutrition.

Call to confirmAccepting
Verified 4/10/2026 (via web check)

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Family Service Centers: Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-12pm.

Before you go: CRT runs many programs under one roof, each with its own rules. Call first (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) so they can point you to the right one before you go.

Need additional help finding cash assistance?

Call 211