The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, contact Director Sandy Yost at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Granby Local Assistance Program
Granby residents facing financial hardship may access funds once in a twelve-month period. The gross household income cannot exceed 60 percent of State Median Income unless extenuating circumstances can be documented.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):
During the winter months, help is available to households to help pay for heating fuel in the form of oil, gas, or electric heat. Benefits are available to households with incomes up to sixty percent of the state median income. Processing will be delayed if required paperwork is missing. Call the office at 860-844-5351 to see if your household qualifies.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: March 15.
Deadline for deliverable fuel authorizations or deliveries from Basic Benefits or Crisis Assistance for clients already awarded CEAP benefits.
May 31, 2023: Last day to apply for CEAP.
Eversource Assistance Programs
Winter protection for income eligible households prevents shutoff between Nov. 1, 2022-May 1, 2023. NuStart Program offers forgiveness of overdue balances as on time, monthly budget payments are made. Call Eversource at 800-286-2828 or visit Eversource.com/BillHelp.
Elderly (65+) or Disabled HOMEOWNERS TAX RELIEF
Applications for the Homeowners Tax Relief program are accepted Feb. 1 – May 15, 2023. Income qualified applicants may receive up to $1,250 for married couples, and up to $1,000 for singles. A SSA 1099, or its equivalent, is required to be provided by each applicant. To apply contact the Assessor’s office at 860-844-5312.
Elderly (65+) or Disabled RENTERS REBATE
Applications for the Renters Rebate program will be accepted beginning April 1 – Oct. 1, 2023. Maximum income guidelines are: Married Couple – $49,100; Single – $40,300.
Applicant must have turned 65 years of age by the end of 2022. Persons under 65 years of age who are receiving Social Security Disability are also eligible.
Renters Requirements (not comprehensive):
· Must have rented in Granby, CT during 2022 and currently reside in Connecticut.
· Provide proof of rent paid in 2022. (rent receipts from landlord or cancelled checks).
· Provide proof of actual bills paid in 2022 for electricity, gas, water and fuel.
· Bring in proof of income: For example, Form SSA 1099; pensions, etc.
Resources and Services
Affordable Connectivity Plan – The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Find out more by visiting www.affordableconnectivity.gov
Child Welfare Resources – Tools for supporting virtual times for families and child welfare workforce tools are available through the Child Welfare Information Gateway at cwig@communications.childwelfare.gov
Domestic Violence – If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Advocates available 24/7.
Mental Health and Emergencies – If you are experiencing a true medical emergency or crisis, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room. You can also access mobile crisis services by dialing 2-1-1.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273- 8255
When it Builds Up, Talk it Out, a campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or www.talkitoutct.com
Food Resources
Granby Food Pantry-Located at 248 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, CT 06035
Granby Food Pantry Hours: Tuesday 10:30 a.m. to Noon / Thursday 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Before using the Granby Food Pantry you must qualify with Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860-844-5350 to schedule.
“Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen” – Free meal available as drive up to pick up service every Wednesday 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St, Granby. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome.
Mobile FoodShare -1:30 – 2 p.m. Every other Tuesday. Call for 2023 dates.
Please park behind South Congregational Church and Visiting Nurses Building only. Please remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather permitted cancellations visit https://www.ctfoodbank.org/get-help/connecticut-food-banks-mobile-pantry-schedule/
Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry – Located at 23 Griffin Road, Granby.
The food pantry is open on Wednesdays from 2 – 6 p.m. to members of Life Church as well as anyone who is in need. No qualification necessary. Please bring your own bags. For more information, please call the church office at 860-653-3308.
Open Cupboard Pantry – located at the Granby Congregational Church – North Campus – 219 North Granby Road. Distributions are on Fridays between 3 – 4 p.m. These packs contain nutritious non-perishable food items. Please enter the church parking lot via North entrance on Stratton Road. Call the church at 860-653-4537 with any questions.
SNAP: CT Foodbank will continue to facilitate SNAP applications by phone. For help with SNAP call 860-856-4357. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and CT Foodbank will mail you a packet to sign and return.