Section 17b-261b - Program eligibility determined by department. Spousal support(a) The Department of Social Services shall be the sole agency to determine eligibility for assistance and services under programs operated and administered by said department.(b) Any person filing an application with a probate court for spousal support, in accordance with section 45a-655, shall certify to that court that a copy of the application and accompanying attachments have been sent by regular mail, postage prepaid, to the Commissioner of Social Services. The probate court shall provide a notice of hearing to the commissioner at least fifteen business days prior to the hearing. The commissioner or a designee shall have the right to appear at such hearing and may present the commissioner's position as to the application in person or in writing. Any final order by the court on such application for spousal support shall be sent to the commissioner within seven business days of the order.(c) No probate court shall approve an application for spousal support of a community spouse unless (1) notice is provided in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, and (2) the order is consistent with state and federal law.Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-261b
( June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 5, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131.)
Although Subsec. (a) provides that Department of Social Services is the "sole agency" to determine eligibility for assistance and services under programs operated and administered by said department, Subsecs. (b) and (c) contemplate Probate Court having a role in that process, particularly with respect to the issuance of spousal support orders. 328 C. 294.