To address the possibility that some aliens impacted by COVID-19 may be hesitant to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services, USCIS will neither consider testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination, nor as related to the public benefit condition applicable to certain nonimmigrants seeking an extension of stay or change of status, even if such treatment is provided or paid for by one or more public benefits, as defined in the rule (e.g. federally funded Medicaid).

Benefits help during this medical emergency

As businesses and schools shut down in Connecticut in the wake of the Corona virus, workers may find themselves with no paychecks.  If the situation persists, the workers and their families may become eligible for help with food, cash assistance and even health care coverage.

Student Meals:  As of now, many of the closed school districts in the state are making meals available to financially eligible students who cannot attend school.  Up to two pre-made meals may be available.  Some districts are putting together food sites for pick up of these meals.  Contact your local towns or school district for more information about your town’s meal plans.

Food Assistance: If an individual’s or a family’s income goes down substantially, they may become eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly known as food stamps).  To determine whether you or your family is eligible, go to www.connect.ct.gov  or call 1-855-626-6632.

There are also food banks and food pantries around the state to help with emergency food.  Please call 2-1-1, United Way’s telephone help line to locate help in your area.

Cash Assistance:  Currently the Federal government is determining how to help families who lose income during this medical emergency.  There may be some income replacement coming.  However, if the health care emergency persists over time, it is possible that family incomes may go down and families may become eligible for unemployment benefits, cash assistance or even health care coverage if not already insured.  For information on cash assistance go to www.ct.gov/dss/apply  or call 1-855-626-6632. 

If you become unemployed, go to www.FileCTUI.com for help with filing an unemployment claim.  You can also go to a local “American Job Center” for help filing a claim on the internet.

Medical Coverage:  If you think that you might qualify for HUSKY medical coverage, CT’s version of Medicaid for low-income individuals and families, go to www.accesshealthct.com or call 1-855-805-4325.

Notice from Judicial CT Courts COVID-19 Caronavirus Status

COVID-19 Updates (3-12-20)

The Judicial Branch has implemented various measures as a result of concern over the spread of the COVID-19/Coronavirus and in recognition of the public health emergency declaration Governor Lamont issued. It is also important to note, in the clearest terms possible, that the courts of the State of Connecticut are open and will remain open.

These measures are:

• Under the terms and provisions of the Judicial Branch’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), commencing Monday, March 16, 2020, and continuing through March 27, 2020, the courts will schedule and hear only those matters identified as “Priority 1 Business Functions.”

The following matters are Priority 1 Business Functions:

• Criminal arraignments of defendants held in lieu of bond and all arraignments involving domestic violence cases;
• Juvenile Detention hearings;
• Family orders of relief from abuse;
• Civil orders of relief from abuse
• Civil protection orders
• Ex parte motions
• Orders of temporary custody (Juvenile Matters)
• Orders to appear (Juvenile Matters)
• Emergency ex parte order of temporary custody
• Juvenile detention operations for detainees held for juvenile court
• Termination of parental rights
• Domestic violence victim notification
• Civil and family capias mittimus execution and bond reviews

• With the exception of jury trials already in progress and criminal jury trials necessitated by the filing and granting of a speedy trial motion, all jury trials, civil and criminal, are suspended for the next 30 days.

If jurors have any questions please contact Jury Administration by:

• Going on the Judical Branch’s website
• Speaking with jury administration through the Live Chat feature, or
• By calling jury administration at 1-800-842-8175

Posters will be placed at all entrances of Judicial Branch’s facilities urging people who are at risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19 to avoid entering the facility.

Consistent with guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, these measures are being taken to reduce the number of people entering our courthouses in an effort to mitigate the potential for spreading of the virus.

Read about the ‘pause’ on utility shut-offs during the coronavirus pandemic:

MDC’s Plans to Address COVID-19