DSS owes me $1420 and won't return my calls.
From DSS overcharging me for services (over 3yrs), they owed me $1800. After 9 months of painstakingly trying to get my funds returned, they sent me 2 checks. One of which bounced. So, now they owe me $1400 for the check and $20 for bank fees. They continue to blow me off and not return calls.  I even contacted the AG's office and they're useless.

Never done this before, what are my options? I watched the Slidecast on https://www.jud.ct.gov/, but it doesn't answer some of my questions.

Have you called your rep? What about local news? Nothing lights a fire like a little bad publicity.

You may actually need to get permission to sue the state from the state

So, you're saying there's a chance

yes however I would consult with a lawyer first- they would be able to advise without billing you