Overview
Department of Social Services Lien Release Process:
New Law is Ending DSS Liens on Real Property
If the Department of Social Services (DSS) has placed a lien on your house, we want you to know that we are in the process of releasing all property liens, effective July 1, 2021.
This means that DSS is ending all real property liens that have been filed to recover the cost of cash assistance and/or Medicaid assistance. The change results from Public Act 21-3, passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Lamont on March 4, 2021. Liens on real property owned by former clients, clients and legally-liable relatives (LLR) are being released.
Specifically:
Any existing real property lien, filed pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §§ 17b-79 and 17b-93 to secure the State of Connecticut’s right to recover the cost of certain public assistance, shall be deemed released on July 1, 2021, unless the recovery of such assistance is required by federal law. The new law covers all DSS real property liens that have ever been placed on client and LLR property due to a receipt of cash and/or Medicaid assistance.
DSS is currently issuing formal lien releases to all towns to be recorded in land records. In the event a lien release is unintentionally omitted, landowners may request a formal release of the lien from DSS by completing this form, (Spanish Version) and returning it to DSS via U.S. mail, email or fax (with email being the preferred method).
Email: DSS.Resources@ct.gov
Fax: 860-424-5900
U.S. Mail:
CT Department of Social Services
55 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
Attn: QA--Property Unit
Thank you from the Department of Social Services