Department of Human Services

The Human Services Department provides a wide variety of services, including supportive counseling, assessment for benefits and program eligibility, as well as case management for any Darien resident.  In addition, the staff provides crisis intervention, assistance with mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence issues.  We also provide emergency financial assistance.  All client information is strictly confidential.

Mental Health & Crisis Resources click here.
Human Services Quarterly Report: January 2023           

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program helps eligible Darien families with home heating costs.  We began accepting applications for the 2022-2023 program on Monday, September 19 for households who heat with oil and Monday, October 17 for households who heat with electricity, gas or propane.  Residents must meet certain income restrictions and provide proof of income and assets.  Please click here for more information. 

Beginning December 19, 2022, Operation Fuel began administering an energy assistance program for clients who need aid with meeting their home utility or heating needs (electricity, gas or deliverable fuel). This program is for households living on up to 100% of the state median income ($66,270 per individual) with no asset limit: a household with one person has an income limit of $66,270, a household of four has an income limit of $127,443.  The maximum grant amount will be up to $1,000.
This is a large increase in assistance from the previous 75% of the state median income limit. Clients may now apply for assistance two times a year versus only one a year previously. The dramatic increases are a result of utility companies Eversource and United Illuminating (UI) working with state leaders on a short-term/interim Customer Relief Plan. Due to the unusually high energy prices this winter, the program is designed to provide immediate energy assistance to customers in need, including moderate and middle-income customers who are struggling to pay their bills. The Customer Relief Plan includes an Eversource shareholder expense of $10 million.

Donations:  We gladly accept donations of gift cards, household products, and medical equipment.
Gift Cards for Shop-Rite, Stop & Shop, gas stations, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and AMEX, MasterCard or Visa are all needed throughout the year and are much appreciated by families and seniors in need.
Monetary Donations:  If you prefer to make a monetary donation, you can do so by mailing a check directly to Human Services, 2 Renshaw Road (checks payable to Darien Human Services)
Household Products:  New (unopened) full-size cleaning supplies, paper goods, and personal grooming and hygiene products are used to help stock our Home Goods Closet.  (No trial sizes, please).
All donations can be dropped off at Room 109 of Town Hall.  You can also donate here through Amazon Wish!

Emergency Call List:  We maintain an Emergency Call List with the names of vulnerable seniors and disabled individuals to be contacted prior to a storm or other emergency for re-assurance and peace of mind.  Staff will also provide information on resources available in the community such as Emergency Shelters or Cooling Centers.  If you or someone you know would like to be added to the Emergency Call List, please call 203-656-7328 or email Ali Ramsteck, Director, LCSW. 

The Household Supply Closet is designed to meet the needs of low income Darien residents by providing much-needed household items such as paper goods, cleaning supplies, and personal grooming and hygiene products.  The closet is partially funded by private donations.  To see the list of needed items click here.  Donations can be dropped off in Room 109.

The Loan Closet provides free, short term loans of durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches.  A refundable deposit of $50 (check payable to "Town of Darien") is required for wheelchairs, transport chairs and walkers with a seat.

Municipal Veteran's Representative:  Ali Ramsteck, LCSW, Director, is a Municipal Veteran's Representative for the town of Darien and is available to meet with veterans and their families to provide support, information and referral to local, state, and federal agencies that serve veterans and their dependents.
Please see below for important links:
CT Veterans Status Certification
CT Veterans Wartime Medal Application
Application for Veteran's Flag on CT Driver's License of Identification Card

Veteran's Property Tax Exemption:  Veterans, who have ninety (90) days of wartime service, including Merchant marines, who served during WWII, are eligible for a $1,500 exemption for property tax purposes.  You have the option to apply this exemption to your real estate or automobile tax.  For more information, please visit the Darien Tax Assessor's site.

Other Important Information

2021 Human Services Brochure

2019 Senior Resource Directory

Programs & Services for Seniors

Your Medicare Card Info

Medicare Savings Program-Eligibility

Elderly Housing & Adult Daycare for Southwest CT

Eversource Storm Safety Checklist

 CT Department of Social Services