Resources for Families from the Center for Children's Advocacy

The Center for Children’s Advocacy’s Medical-Legal Partnership is providing some guidance and information on important issues facing our families during the coming weeks and months. As always, if you have any questions you should feel free to reach out to the contacts listed below.

Income Security Public Assistance – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Cash Benefits) Applications online at connect.ct.gov/access/jsp/access/Home.jsp or call 2-1-1 for more information. In-person interviews for cash assistance have been temporarily waived.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Applications for Unemployment Insurance Benefits online at www.filectui.com

Health Insurance
HUSKY
Applications for HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid and CHIP programs (HUSKY A & B) online at connect.ct.gov/access/jsp/access/Home.jsp or call 2-1-1. DSS has authorized coverage of some telemedicine services for identified health services.

Need for Health Insurance due to Loss of Employment / Meets Income Guidelines
Contact Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325 or accesshealthct.com

Utilities and Fuel Delivery Electric and Gas Utilities
Connecticut has banned all utility shutoffs, including, gas, electricity and water, during the pendency of the crisis. Families facing imminent shutoff notices or whose utilities were shut off should call the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) at 1-800-382-4586.

Energy Assistance/Fuel Oil
The moratorium does not apply to fuel oil. However, Operation Fuel is still taking applications and may be reached at 860-243-2346 or by email at info@operationfuel.org

Food Security Food Stamps (SNAP)
Applications online at connect.ct.gov/access/jsp/access/Home.jsp, or call 2-1-1

Free or Reduced-Cost Meals for Students
Schools are providing meals to students who attend their schools. Check the websites for individual school districts to see which school will be providing meals or call 2-1-1.

Hartford Public Schools: hartfordschools.org/understanding-coronavirus
New Haven Public Schools: nhps.net/food
Bridgeport Public Schools: bridgeportedu.net

Other resources for food during the crisis: 2-1-1 Infoline

Housing Protections
There is a suspension of all hearings, defaults and executions in Connecticut’s housing court until at least April 1, 2020 at the earliest. This means that those facing evictions may have some relief. If a patient has an eviction pending, have them call the housing session where their case is located or Statewide Legal Services for more information at (800) 453-3320.

Health and Safety Reminders
 Maximize health by eating regularly, sleeping enough, exercising, going outdoors for a little sunlight and vitamin D.
 Wash hands, and children’s hands, with soap, for 20 seconds, when coming in, before eating and also every few hours.
 Get backup medications from the pharmacy if possible for any medical issues.
 If ill, call medical office for advice; do not just show up in the emergency room without calling a doctor, unless it is literally life or death.

MLP Contact Information
MLP Director – Jay Sicklick. jsicklick@cca-ct.org (860) 570-5327 (x257)

MLP Medical Director – Ada Fenick, M.D. Ada.fenick@yale.edu (203) 688-2475

MLP at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center – Bonnie Roswig Broswig@cca-ct.org (860) 545-8581

MLP at Yale-New Haven Hospital – Alice Rosenthal. arosenthal@cca-ct.org (203) 688-0113