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 Sandra Yost at
860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Elderly (65+) or Disabled Homeowners Tax Relief
Applications for the Homeowners Tax Relief program are accepted through May 15. You must own or have life use of the property to qualify and live at the property as your permanent residence. 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 through Sept. 30. Applicant must have turned 65 years of age by the end of 2024. Persons under 65 years of age who are receiving Social Security Disability are also eligible and are required to provide current proof of disability (Award letter from Social Security).
Renters Requirements (not comprehensive):
• Must have rented in Granby, Conn., during 2024 and currently reside in Connecticut.
• Provide proof of rent paid in 2024 (rent receipts from landlord or cancelled checks).
• Provide proof of actual bills paid in 2024 for electricity, gas, water and fuel.
• Bring in proof of income: For example, Form SSA 1099; pensions, etc.
Energy Assistance
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): is designed to help offset the home energy costs of Connecticut’s lower income families, specifically those households whose annual income falls at or below 60 percent of the state median income ($87,751 for a family of four in 2024). Call Granby Social Services at 860-844-5350 to schedule an intake appointment or apply online at: portal.ct.gov/heatinghelp/connecticut-energy-assistance-program-ceap
Eversource Assistance Programs: Winter protection for income eligible households prevents shutoff between Nov. 1 and May 1. Call Eversource at 800-286-2828 or visit Eversource.com/BillHelp
Operation Fuel: Offers emergency energy assistance for heating expenses for households who meet program guidelines with incomes at or below 100 percent of the state medianincome guidelines who are in crisis. operationfuel.org/about/how-we-help/
Granby Local Assistance Program: Granby residents facing financial hardship may access funds once in a 12-month period. The gross household income cannot exceed 60 percent of state median income unless extenuating circumstances can be documented.
Resources and Services
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 211.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
When it Builds Up, Talk it Out: Campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or talkitoutct.com
State of Connecticut Department of Social Services: For assistance with applying for benefits, such as Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/formerly known as Food Stamps, call 860-724-6443 ext. 275 for the Benefits Enrollment Center.
Senior Job Bank: A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people over the age of 50 find part-time work in the West Hartford community and surrounding towns. Jobseekers are put in touch with part-time job opportunities in businesses, municipalities and nonprofits as well as per diem work with individuals. Visit seniorsjobbankct.org or call 860-521-3210.
Food Resources
Granby Food Pantry: 248 Salmon Brook Street, Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to noon and Thursdays, 2–3:30 p.m. Before using the food pantry, you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860-844-5350 to schedule.
Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen: Free meal available every Wednesday 3–5 p.m. at Granby Congregational Church-South Campus, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome.
Mobile FoodShare: Every other Tuesday, 1–1:30 p.m. Call for 2025 dates. Please park behind Granby Congregational Church, South Campus only. Remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather cancellations visit ctfoodbank.org/get-help/connecticut-food-banks-mobile-pantry-schedule
Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry: 23 Griffin Road, open on select Wednesdays, 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: Granby Congregational Church, North Campus, 219 North Granby Road. Distributions are on Fridays, 3-4 p.m. on a drive through basis. Enter the church parking lot via north entrance on Stratton Road. Call the church at 860-653-4537 with 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.