Food & Nutrition

Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Massachusetts pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Massachusetts to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Massachusetts SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). DTA offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Massachusetts?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DTA worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Massachusetts SNAP:

Check if you qualify: Take a quick online screening to see if you may be eligible.
Fill out an application: You can apply for Massachusetts SNAP online, by mail or fax, or in person. You can also get help applying over the phone. Completing the application can take as little as 20 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process and secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: You must have a phone interview with a DTA worker once the agency receives your application.
Wait for a decision: Most Massachusetts SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: Within 10 days of applying for SNAP, you will receive your new Massachusetts EBT card in the mail. When/if you’re approved, it will be loaded with your first month of benefits.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). If your spouse or child(ren) under age 22 live with you, they must be included in your household (even if you do not buy and make meals with them).

To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

All applicants must be a resident of Massachusetts.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.
All able-bodied adults, with certain exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.
The household must meet certain income (and in some cases, asset) limits.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

The amount of money you will get in Massachusetts SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Massachusetts SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Massachusetts, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with a member who is age 60+ or receives disability payments only have to meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A DTA worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

Standard deduction, based on household size
20% earned income deduction
Dependent care deduction
Excess shelter deduction
Deduction for legally obligated child support payments
Excess medical expense deduction (for households with older members and/or members with a disability)

What are the Massachusetts SNAP asset (resource) limits?

“Assets” refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). There is no asset limit in Massachusetts for most households. If a household has a member who is age 60+ or has a disability, and they did not meet the gross income test, there is an asset limit of $4,250.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply for SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier:

Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
Child care or dependent care costs
Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

Identity for Head of Household (driver's license, birth certificate, passport)
Proof of MA residence (bill, lease agreement, bank statement, mail)
Social Security cards for all household members applying
Proof of income for the previous four weeks (pay stubs from last month, pension, child support, etc).
Immigration status for non-citizens (proof of legal non-citizen status if you or a household member is applying for SNAP but is not a U.S. citizen)
Proof of child and adult care expenses
Proof of housing costs (rent or mortgage and utilities)
Proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses (for those age 60+ or w/ a disability)
Proof of child support payments being made to a child living outside of the household

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative. You and your Authorized Representative will need to fill out a separate form and upload it to DTA Connect.

How do I apply for SNAP in Massachusetts?

First, take a quick online screening to see if you may be eligible for SNAP. If you are, there are several ways to apply. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the DTA Connect website. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through DTA Connect

To apply online:

Visit the DTA Connect website.
Click on ‘Apply SNAP!’ and then ‘Get Started.’
Follow the prompts to complete the SNAP application. It should take you about 20 minutes. You do not have to create an account or have an email address to apply. However, creating a DTA Connect account can make it easier to manage your benefits. To create one, click on ‘Create Your Online Account’ from the DTA Connect Home page.

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information.
DTA Connect is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. You can change the language using the dropdown list at the top of the Home page.
Browse the DTA Connect User Guide for additional help using the website, or visit the Mass.gov website.

APPLY IN PERSON OR BY MAIL, PHONE, OR FAX

To apply in person, you can visit your local DTA office and complete the Massachusetts SNAP application there or Download the SNAP benefits application in your primary language and return it to the DTA office once completed.
To apply by mail, download the SNAP benefits application and mail the completed application to:

DTA Document Processing Center
P.O. Box 4406
Taunton, MA 02780

To apply over fax, download the DTA cover sheet and the SNAP application and fax both to 1-617-887-8765.
To apply over the phone, call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363 (press 7 to apply for SNAP). Interpreters are available in more than 100 languages.

Elderly-Disabled Simplified Application Reporting (EDSAP)

EDSAP makes it easier for older people to apply for and receive SNAP in Massachusetts. Benefits of ESAP include:

Shorter, simpler application form
Fewer verification requirements
36-month certification period
No interview required at recertification

You may be eligible for EDSAP if each adult household member meets the following requirements (there may be children under 18 in the household):

Is 60 years or older
Does not have earned income

Download an EDSAP application in your primary language at Mass.gov or request one from your local DTA office.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Massachusetts SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

You have $150 or less in monthly gross income and $100 or less in liquid assets (cash and money in the bank).
Your shelter costs are higher than your combined gross monthly income and cash and savings (DTA adds the value of the standard utility allowance to your rent or homeownership costs).
You are a migrant household with $100 or less in cash and savings.

Need food today? Visit the Mass.gov website to find food resources near you while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Massachusetts SNAP application. You can:

Call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363 and press 7.
Call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 to talk to a benefits counselor.
Reach out to another SNAP community outreach partner.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Massachusetts?

It can take up to 30 days for DTA to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers). If you provided a cell phone number that can get text messages and/or an email address, you will get messages from DTA about your application and case status.

After you submit your application, you must have a phone interview with a DTA worker.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DTA worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will get a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for Massachusetts SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Massachusetts SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). There are 4 different certification types; most SNAP households are on Simplified Reporting with a 12-month certification period. EDSAP households are certified for 36 months.

When will I receive my EBT card?

Within 10 days of applying for SNAP, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will not be loaded with benefits until/if you are approved for SNAP. Going forward, your benefits will be deposited into your account between the 1st and the 14th (on the same day each month) based on the last digit of your Social Security number.

Other important tips to know

What if my Massachusetts SNAP application is denied?

If your SNAP application was denied and you disagree with DTA's decision, you have the right to appeal and have a hearing. Hearings are usually held in your local DTA office.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

Download the DTA Connect app or visit the website and sign into your account to:

Check your case status
Submit your Interim Report/Recertification
Submit verification documents and more

How do I manage my Massachusetts EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, call the Customer Service hotline at 1-800-997-2555 (or the number on the back of your card). You can also manage your card by logging into your account at DTA Connect or through the DTA Connect mobile app.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

Most Massachusetts SNAP households fall into the Simplified Reporting category, which requires a check-in at 6 months and 12 months. You must also report when your household’s gross monthly income goes over the limit for your household size (if your income increases, but is still below your limit, you don’t have to notify DTA). You must report this change to DTA by the 10th day of the month following the month your income went over the limit.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Massachusetts?

You must recertify (renew) your Massachusetts SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

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