7 CFR § 272.6(a) and (f)


Do not discriminate against SNAP applicants or recipients in administering SNAP including, but not limited to:

  • approval, 
  • issuance of benefits,
  • fair hearings, or 
  • any other program service.


Provide services and SNAP benefits to all eligible EDGs without regard to age, color, disability, national origin, political beliefs, race, religious creed, or sex.


Display the FNS Form AD 475B, And Justice For All poster, and any State developed posters in all offices administering the SNAP program. 


All applications and eligibility notices provide information regarding nondiscrimination and how to file discrimination complaints.  Click here for the current FNS required nondiscrimination statements.

Right to File a Complaint

7 CFR § 272.6(a)-(b)


Individuals or agencies wishing to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, political beliefs, race, religious creed, or sex may contact any or all of the following:

  • CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
  • DSS Affirmative Action Division
  • US Dept. of Agriculture
  • US Dept. of Health and Human Services


If an individual expresses an interest in filing a discrimination complaint:

  • Advise that a complaint can be submitted to any or all of the agencies.
  • Explain the nondiscrimination complaint systems. 
  • Explain what information is necessary for investigation.

Where to File a Complaint

7 CFR § 272.6(b)


Forward written or verbal complaints to the ADA Coordinator. 


The ADA Coordinator provides assistance, if needed, to put the allegations in writing. The ADA Coordinator submits all complaints to FNS.


Discrimination complaints may be submitted to any or all of the following agencies:

DSS ADA Coordinator

55 Farmington Ave.

Hartford, CT 06105-5033

Phone: (860) 424-5040

Fax: (860) 424-4948

Email: affirmativeaction.dss@ct.gov


Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities

450 Columbus Blvd,

Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: (860) 541-3400

Toll free: (800) 477-5737

TTD: (860) 541-3459

Fax: (860) 246-5265

Online: http://www.ct.gov/chro/site/default.asp


U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services,

Office for Civil Rights

JFK Federal Building, Rm 1875,

Boston, MA 02203

Phone: (617) 565-1340

Toll free: (800) 368-1019

TTY: (800) 537-7697

Fax: (617) 565-3809

Online: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html


Discrimination complaints may be submitted to FNS by written letter, or using the USDA complaint form. The AD-3027, Discrimination Complaint Form, is available:


Submit the written letter or complaint form to FNS by:

  • Email: program.intake@usda.gov
  • Fax: (202) 690-7442, or
  • Mail: USDA, Director, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410.

Note: Individuals with disabilities requiring a different way to submit their complaint may call (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY), or (800) 877-8339.


Civil rights complaints may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights:

200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 509F

HHH Building

Washington, D.C. 20201

  • Phone: (800) 368-1019 or (800) 537-7697 (TDD)


Individuals wishing to obtain information or file an online or paper civil rights complaint may obtain the information or form at: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/complaint-process/index.html 


Investigations are completed by the agencies receiving the complaint.

Discrimination Complaint Requirements

7 CFR § 272.6(c)(1)(i)-(vi) and (3)-(4)


Discrimination complaints must be filed not later than 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. The complaint, by letter or complaint form, must contain the following information:

  • The name, address, and phone number of the individual alleging discrimination, or other means of contacting this individual;
  • The location and name of the office which is accused of discriminatory action;
  • The nature of the incident, action, or program administration that led to the complaint;
  • The reason for the alleged discrimination (age, color, disability, national origin, political beliefs, race, religious creed, or sex);
  • The names, titles (if appropriate), and addresses of individuals who may have knowledge of the alleged discriminatory act; and
  • Each date the action occurred.


Note:  USDA will accept incomplete complaints, but discrimination complaint investigations will occur only if all the required information is provided.

Verbal Discrimination Complaints 

7 CFR § 272.6(c)(2)


Assist individuals making verbal complaints who are unable, or reluctant to put the allegations in writing.  Take the following actions: 

Last Update

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