Pursuant to Special Act 13-1, the Judicial Branch’s Office of Victim Services has begun accepting applications for the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Program. The fund is intended to provide immediate financial help for emergency responders, medical and mental health professionals, and Sandy Hook Elementary School employees who suffered a mental or emotional impairment because of 12/14. 

The General Assembly enacted the special act earlier this year; it became effective April 1.

The fund, administered by the Connecticut Judicial Branch and the Office of Victim Services, provides immediate financial help for Sandy Hook Elementary School employees, emergency responders, and medical professionals who are suffering mental or emotional distress as a result of the tragedy.

Applications for those eligible are available to download at www.jud.ct.gov.

For more information or to view Frequently Asked Questions about the fund and eligible applicants, visit www.jud.ct.gov or call 800-822-8428.

Donations can also be made directly to the State Treasurer’s Office for the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund. To make a direct donation to the state, mail checks (with Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund in the memo line) to Office of the State Treasurer, 55 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106.

The United Way of Western Connecticut has announced it will also assist in receiving contributions for the fund.

Private donations are paying for the fund, not tax dollars. Donations can be made to the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund through the United Way of Western Connecticut. Anyone wishing to donate can visit https://secure.uwwesternct.org/sandy-hook-workers-assistance-fund, or text RESPONDERS to 80888 to make a $10 donation directly to the fund.

“The United Way of Western Connecticut is proud to assist the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund in raising the donations to meet the urgent needs of the first responders,” said Kim Morgan, chief executive officer of the United Way of Western Connecticut, based in Danbury. “It is vital that these workers get the help and support they need to address their mental health needs, and to help them return to work at a pace that is comfortable for them.”