Social Services Department
The Bethel Social Services Department is a resource for individuals and families residing in Bethel who need temporary assistance with economic support. The department helps residents obtain appropriate services directly or by referral.
The office is open from 9am-2pm daily. Home visits are available for the elderly homebound. Some functions of the department are:
Community Council of Bethel: Although the town does not provide direct financial assistance or payment of medical bills, this organization is a private charitable fund that assists Bethel residents in temporary financial trouble. Payments are made directly to vendors for a variety of purposes. These include rent, utility payments, urgent home or car repairs, work supplies and prescription drugs. Residents may access these funds once a year. Any member of the community who would like to make a donation to this fund can mail it to PO Box 667, Bethel CT 06801, or you may bring it to my office located downstairs beside the Senior Center.
Winter Heating Assistance: We take applications for oil heating customers who are elderly or disabled in October and November. Applications for utility heating customers are made in January through March. The income guidelines change each year and are published in September. Please contact John Sarver at 203 794 8594 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Food Pantry: Those who are in immediate need of food or toiletry items can access the Bethel community food pantry twice a month. In addition to food, the pantry is always in need of donations of items that cannot be purchased with food stamps, such as diapers, personal hygiene items, cleaning products and paper goods. Please call for information, referral to program.
Back to School Program: Families who need help with purchasing backpacks and school supplies can contact the office in throughout June / July. Some assistance may also be available for clothing and/or sneakers.
Holiday Giving Program: The department also arranges for an “adopt a family” gift giving program. Ideally, the deadline for applying for these programs is November 15th though I encourage you to call beyond this date if your situation is urgent. Any individual, organization or faith community, which would like to purchase gifts for a needy Bethel family, is invited to contact this office at any time.
Elderly Benefits: The department disseminates information pertinent to our elderly population for federal, state and local benefits and can educate them as to how to apply for these benefits.
Other programs are available through the State of Connecticut and the Social Security Administration. Please refer to their websites to the right.
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Additional Links
Contact Information
Director of Social Services: Megan Alworth-Khazadian
Phone: (203) 794-8537
Fax: (203) 778-7520
Email: alworth-khazadianm@bethel-ct.gov
Office Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Appointments are suggested but not always necessary should you be experiencing an emergency.
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