Helping a Connecticut Collaborative on Re-Entry (CCR) Client Become Self-Sufficient

F. Lesko has been a Connecticut Collaborative on Re-Entry (CCR) client for 3 years, and recently just turned 55. Due to various medical issues, F. Lesko is unable to work and has applied for Social Security benefits. It has been extremely difficult for F. Lesko to get approved for Social Security benefits due to eligibility requirements. He was denied once in 2019, and has reapplied again this past April in hopes of getting approved since his medical history has changed. As you know, it takes quite some time to get a response from Social Security indicating if you’re approved or not.

With the assistance that F. Lesko has been receiving such as his monthly deposit of SNAP benefits, going to food pantries, and help from friends, he has managed to exercise his limited resources and maintain a living despite not having an income.

Now that F. Lesko is 55, he was able to apply for DSS Cash Benefits and fall under the category “Unemployable 55 and over”. He was qualified due to not being employed and not having a work history in the past 5 years. Within weeks, F. Lesko was approved for cash benefits in the amount of $222 monthly! In the meantime, while he waits for Social Security’s denial or approval status, he will now have some sort of steady income. F. Lesko will now begin to enjoy having income and can start to live a more productive life.