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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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Connecticut · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you or a parent is getting older and the money for care feels out of reach, please know this: you've come to the right place, and there is real help available in Connecticut — at no cost to you.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-866-218-6631Part of the Department of Aging and Disability Services, this line connects you with aging services and your local Area Agency on Aging. You can also dial 211 anytime for the state's Aging and Disability Resource information.
Figuring out senior care can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already worried and tired. There are many programs, and they don't always talk to each other. This page gathers the most useful free resources in one spot and explains them in plain words.
Take a breath. You don't need to understand every program before you pick up the phone. Start with one call, and the people on the other end will help you find your way. Everything here is free.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people prefer to stay in their own home, and Connecticut has programs to make that possible:
Or call the DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632 and ask about home care and long-term care services.
HUSKY Health is Connecticut’s Medicaid program. For older adults, the part that covers seniors and long-term care is often called HUSKY C. It can pay for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and long-term care — either in a nursing facility or through services in your own home.
A note on eligibility: HUSKY Health is for people with limited income and resources. The income and asset limits change every year, and long-term care has its own special rules. Please don't assume you make too much or have too much saved to qualify — call and let them check your exact situation.
Apply online through Connect to Care / ConneCT (or through Access Health CT), by phone, or in person at a DSS field office — call the Benefits Center to find the nearest one.
If you're on Medicare
Two programs can save you real money:
DSS handles Medicare Savings Program applications for Connecticut.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
A CHOICES counselor can check which programs you qualify for — free.
CHOICES is Connecticut's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Trained counselors give free, confidential help with Medicare — comparing plans, understanding bills, applying for cost-saving programs, and spotting fraud. They don't sell anything and have nothing to gain from your decisions.
CHOICES counselors work through Connecticut's Area Agencies on Aging.
Everyday essentials
Food assistance that helps pay for groceries. Apply online or call DSS.
Dial 211 to find a food pantry near you.
Coordinated through your Area Agency on Aging — call to find meals nearby.
For affordable senior housing, help with rent, or utility/energy assistance, start with:
Dial 211 for housing, rent, and utility help in your area.
Can connect you to local housing and energy programs.
Guidance & protection
Connecticut has five Area Agencies on Aging that serve every town in the state. Your AAA is a local hub for meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits counseling, and help arranging in-home care.
One call connects you to the agency that serves your town. You can also dial 211, or use the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (eldercare.acl.gov).
The free legal aid hotline for people who meet income guidelines, with a special focus on helping people age 60 and older. Helpful self-help information is at ctlawhelp.org.
For suspected abuse or neglect.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living community and something is wrong, the Ombudsman is a free advocate on the resident's side.
A free, confidential advocate for residents of long-term care facilities.
National fallback — Consumer Voice
The national long-term care consumer advocacy organization, if you need additional support.
Dial 211 for help with almost any need: food, housing, utilities, transportation, and more.
A free national service that connects older adults and caregivers to local services anywhere in the U.S.
Call 211 or the Aging Services line at 1-866-218-6631. Explain your situation and let them connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging and the right programs.
Call for free1-866-218-6631It's the name of Connecticut's Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage — including long-term care — for people with limited income and resources. The part that covers many seniors is called HUSKY C.
Usually not. Medicare covers short-term skilled care but not ongoing long-term care. HUSKY Health and the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders are what help pay for in-home care and long-term services.
Quite possibly. Connecticut's limits change yearly and are more generous than many expect. Don't count yourself out — call 1-855-626-6632 and let them check.
Ask about the Medicare Savings Programs through DSS (1-855-626-6632) and Extra Help through Social Security (1-800-772-1213). QMB can save you about $185 a month on your Part B premium.
Yes. The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (1-800-445-5394) is built for exactly this. Call to see if you qualify.
Yes. The Aging Services line (1-866-218-6631), CHOICES (1-800-994-9422), and 211 all offer free guidance. You never pay to get pointed in the right direction.
You've already taken the hardest step by looking for help — the people at these numbers will take it from here. Make that first call today, and let Connecticut's network of support go to work for you.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn’t legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.