Town of Berlin

Department of Social Services

Berlin Food Pantry -
Berlin residents facing financial difficulty may receive an assortment of non-perishable food items from the food pantry once a month. There is a brief intake interview prior to your first visit to help us determine the extent of your need and to see that you are connected to any other programs and services that could help you. The food pantry is supported by donations from individuals and groups throughout the community.

Energy Assistance -
Residents meeting the income requirements for the State's energy assistance programs may apply at Berlin Social Services during the heating season. Eligilble applicants recieve direct payments to their heating vendor to help reduce the the burden of heating their homes through the winter. Berlin Social Services also helps residents who wish to apply for the forgiveness programs offered by CL&P and CNG.

Holiday Assistance -
Each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas time Berlin Social Services works with the Berlin Clergy Association to help families in need with food and gifts. At Thanksgiving families are provided all the items they need for the holiday meal, including a turkey. With the help of the Berlin Lions Club a hot meal is delivered on Thanksgiving day to elderly and disabled individuals who aren't able to cook for themselves and who have nowhere to go for the holiday. At Christmas gifts are provided for the children in eligible families in addition to the provisions for the holiday meal. Applications for assistance are accepted at Berlin Social Services beginning in October.

"Choices" Program -
A trained "CHOICES" counselor is available in the Berlin Social Services Department. This program, sponsored by the State of Connecticut and the North Central Area Agency on Aging, provides information regarding Medicare choices (traditional fee-for-service vs. managed care options).

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), or Medicaid (Title XIX). Call the Social Worker for an appointment. This is to assist consumers with information about options and answer questions only.

Municipal Agent for the Elderly -
Each Connecticut town has an officially appointed town representative called a Municipal Agent for the Elderly (MA). The MA is responsible for providing  information and assistance with services and benefits for the elderly in the community. Antoinette Pajor is Berlin’s Municipal Agent and can be reached at Berlin Social Services.

Case Management Services -
Residents in need may receive help in applying for State and Federal programs, resolving problems with service providers, gaining access to mental health services, etc. An experienced worker will help you through the complicated and sometimes overwhelming process of gaining access to the available programs.

Assistance with forms -
Senior citizens and disabled individuals who are having a difficult time completing forms required by State and Federal programs or insurance providers can receive help from a worker at Berlin Social Services.

Affordable Housing -
Berlin Social Services is the designated agent in the community to verify eligible of persons who wish to purchase homes which have been set aside by developers as affordable housing. After you have identified the lot number of an eligible property which you wish to purchase you may contact Berlin Social Services for an application.