EBT Guides
Apr 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families in Massachusetts, ensuring access to nutritious meals and alleviating food insecurity.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Massachusetts
Income limits and benefit amounts for SNAP in Massachusetts are determined based on household size and gross monthly income. These limits ensure that assistance is provided to those who need it most. Below is a detailed breakdown of the maximum monthly income limits and SNAP benefit amounts for different household sizes:
Household Size: 1 person
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,147
Maximum Benefit Amount: $281
Household Size: 2 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,903
Maximum Benefit Amount: $516
Household Size: 3 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,660
Maximum Benefit Amount: $740
Household Size: 4 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,417
Maximum Benefit Amount: $939
Household Size: 5 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,173
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,116
Household Size: 6 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,930
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,339
Household Size: 7 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $6,687
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,480
Household Size: 8 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $7,443
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,691
Household Size: Each additional person
Gross Monthly Income Limit: +$757
Maximum Benefit Amount: +$211
For the most current information, please visit the official Massachusetts SNAP website.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Massachusetts
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Massachusetts, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
Income Limits: Applicants must meet both gross and net income limits based on household size.
Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in Massachusetts.
Citizenship Status: U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can qualify.
Work Requirements: Certain work-related conditions must be met.
Special Conditions: Special considerations are available for seniors, disabled individuals, and students.
For detailed and up-to-date information, visit the Massachusetts SNAP website.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Massachusetts
Applying for SNAP benefits in Massachusetts can be done online, in-person, or by mail, providing flexibility to applicants based on their preferences and convenience.
Applying Online
To apply for SNAP benefits online as a Massachusetts resident, follow these steps:
Visit the official SNAP application website
Go to the DTA Connect website to start your application.
Create an account or log in
Sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one.
Complete the application form
Fill out the online application form with your household and income details.
Submit required documents electronically
Upload necessary documents such as proof of income and residency.
Review and submit your application
Double-check all entered information and submit your application for review.
Applying In-Person
To apply for SNAP benefits in-person, follow these steps:
Locate your nearest SNAP office
Find the closest Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office using the DTA office locator.
Gather necessary documents
Collect essential documents such as ID, proof of income, and residency verification.
Visit the office during business hours
Go to the DTA office during their operating hours, typically Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM.
Complete the application form
Fill out the application form provided at the office with your household and income details.
Submit your application to a caseworker
Hand your completed application and documents to a caseworker for review and processing.
Applying by Mail
To apply for SNAP benefits in Massachusetts by mail, follow these steps:
Download and print the SNAP application form
Visit the Massachusetts SNAP website to download and print the application form.
Fill out the form
Complete the application form with your household and income details.
Photocopy necessary documents
Make copies of essential documents like ID, proof of income, and residency verification.
Mail the application and documents
Send the completed application and photocopied documents to the provided address on the form.
Wait for confirmation
Expect a confirmation or further instructions from the Department of Transitional Assistance.
Special SNAP Services in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers special SNAP services for residents in urgent need, including expedited benefits, disaster assistance, and support for homeless individuals. Visit the Massachusetts SNAP website to learn more and see if you qualify.
Expedited SNAP Services in Massachusetts
Residents of Massachusetts can receive expedited SNAP benefits in emergency situations by meeting specific criteria. These criteria include having extremely low income, limited resources, or an urgent need for food assistance. For instance, households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and less than $100 in liquid resources may qualify for expedited services.
Additionally, if a household's combined monthly income and liquid resources are less than their monthly rent or mortgage and utility costs, they may also be eligible. Expedited benefits are designed to provide immediate relief, ensuring that those in dire need can access food assistance within seven days of applying. This swift response helps alleviate the stress and uncertainty faced by individuals and families during emergencies.
Disaster Assistance for SNAP Beneficiaries
If you are affected by disasters such as fires or power outages in Massachusetts, you may qualify for replacement SNAP benefits. This assistance is available to current SNAP beneficiaries who have lost food due to these emergencies.
To apply, you need to contact your local Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office. Even if you are not currently receiving SNAP benefits, you can still apply for emergency assistance. The application process involves filling out a form and providing details about the disaster and the food loss incurred.
Required documents may include proof of identity, residency, and a statement detailing the disaster's impact on your food supply. Ensure you submit these documents promptly to expedite the replacement benefits process.
SNAP for Seniors and People with Disabilities
SNAP in Massachusetts provides tailored support for older adults (60+) and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive the assistance they need. These groups benefit from simplified application options, such as the ability to apply by phone or through a designated representative, making the process more accessible.
Eligibility criteria for seniors and disabled individuals are slightly different, often allowing for higher income limits and more lenient asset tests. This ensures that those with fixed incomes or additional financial burdens can still qualify for benefits.
Common deductions for these groups include out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can significantly reduce countable income and increase benefit amounts. This consideration helps alleviate the financial strain of healthcare costs.
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Massachusetts
Once approved for SNAP benefits, it's important to understand how to use them effectively, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
EBT cards, or Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, are used by SNAP beneficiaries to access their food assistance benefits. Similar to a credit or debit card, EBT cards are swiped at checkout terminals in authorized stores to purchase eligible food items. The card deducts the purchase amount from the user's SNAP account balance, providing a convenient and discreet way to use benefits without the need for paper vouchers or coupons.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Recipients in Massachusetts can use their EBT card to purchase a variety of eligible food items, ensuring they have access to nutritious options. These items include:
Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy products
Bread and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
However, there are restrictions on what can be purchased with an EBT card. Ineligible items include:
Alcoholic beverages
Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption
Vitamins and supplements
Non-food products such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet foods
Cosmetics and hygiene items
Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT
With Benny, you can earn cash back on groceries from stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, as well as services such as Uber and Lyft. Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?
Recipients in Massachusetts can use their EBT card at a variety of locations, including grocery stores, corner stores, and farmers' markets. These venues offer a wide range of eligible food items, ensuring access to nutritious options.
Additionally, EBT cards can be used for online purchases at approved retailers like Amazon and Walmart, providing further convenience. This flexibility allows beneficiaries to shop for groceries in a way that best suits their needs and lifestyle.
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits is crucial to ensure you maximize your food assistance, avoid running out of funds, and stay informed about your balance and deposit schedule.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Massachusetts
SNAP benefits in Massachusetts are typically deposited onto EBT cards based on the last digit of the recipient's Social Security Number (SSN). Here’s a quick breakdown:
SSN ending in 0: Benefits deposited on the 1st of the month
SSN ending in 1: Benefits deposited on the 2nd of the month
SSN ending in 2: Benefits deposited on the 4th of the month
SSN ending in 3: Benefits deposited on the 5th of the month
SSN ending in 4: Benefits deposited on the 7th of the month
SSN ending in 5: Benefits deposited on the 8th of the month
SSN ending in 6: Benefits deposited on the 10th of the month
SSN ending in 7: Benefits deposited on the 11th of the month
SSN ending in 8: Benefits deposited on the 13th of the month
SSN ending in 9: Benefits deposited on the 14th of the month
Understanding the deposit schedule is crucial for managing your SNAP benefits effectively, ensuring you plan your grocery shopping and budget accordingly.
For more details, check out our guide on EBT deposit schedule in Massachusetts to learn about common reasons for delays and other helpful tips.
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
There are several methods available for checking your EBT balance in Massachusetts:
Online Portal
Visit the DTA Connect website and log in to check your balance.
Benny App
Benny is a mobile app that allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions in real time by linking your EBT card to the app. Download Benny for free.
Phone Number
Call the number on the back of your EBT card and follow the prompts to hear your balance.
ATM Receipt
Insert your EBT card into an ATM and select "Balance Inquiry" to print a receipt with your balance.
For additional information on each method for checking your EBT balance, check our guide on EBT Balance Check in Massachusetts.
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
Recipients in Massachusetts need to renew or recertify their SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months, depending on their specific case. Required documents typically include proof of income, residency, and any changes in household size or expenses.
The recertification process involves completing a form, either online via the DTA Connect website, by mail, or in-person at a local DTA office. Timely recertification is important to ensure continuous access to benefits. Missing the deadline can lead to benefit interruptions, so it's important to submit all required documents promptly.
EBT Customer Support in Massachusetts
SNAP and EBT customer support in Massachusetts ensures recipients have access to assistance for managing their benefits, resolving issues, and answering questions.
For more information, check out our guide on EBT customer service in Massachusetts to find contact details, support options, and solutions to common issues.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Massachusetts
EBT Customer Service Phone Number: Call 1-800-997-2555 for assistance.
Hours of Operation: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Services Offered:
Reporting lost or stolen EBT cards
Resetting PINs
Checking EBT card balances
Addressing issues with transactions
Providing general information about EBT benefits
Local SNAP Office Locations and Contact Info
Finding your nearest SNAP or Department of Human Services (DHS) office is straightforward with several available resources. You can use online locator tools, call dedicated phone lines, or book appointments directly.
Here are the steps to find your nearest office:
Online Locator Tools: Visit the DTA office locator to find the closest office by entering your zip code or city.
Phone Lines: Call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363 for help locating an office or to get more information.
Appointment Booking: Use the DTA Connect website to book an appointment online for in-person visits.
Multi-Langual Support
In Massachusetts, SNAP application materials and assistance are available in multiple languages to support non-English speakers. This ensures that all residents can access the benefits they need. The most common languages in which assistance is available include:
Spanish
Portuguese
Chinese
Vietnamese
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Managing your SNAP benefits in Massachusetts is easier with Benny. This app lets you check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, ensuring you stay on top of your benefits. Plus, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
With Benny, you can maximize your benefits and save more on everyday essentials. Learn more about Benny and start managing your SNAP benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP in Massachusetts
Who qualifies for SNAP benefits in Massachusetts?
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Massachusetts, you must meet income limits based on household size, reside in the state, and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Additionally, you must comply with work requirements unless you are a senior, disabled, or a student with special conditions. For more details, visit the Massachusetts SNAP website.
Can college students apply for SNAP?
Yes, college students can apply for SNAP in Massachusetts if they meet certain conditions. These include working at least 20 hours per week, participating in a state or federally funded work-study program, caring for a dependent under 6, or being enrolled in specific programs aimed at employment. For more details, visit the Massachusetts SNAP website.
Can I get SNAP benefits if I’m an immigrant?
Some immigrants may qualify for SNAP benefits depending on their immigration status. Eligible non-citizens include those with legal permanent residency, refugees, and asylees. It's important to check specific eligibility criteria. Learn more about qualifying immigration statuses on the Massachusetts SNAP website.
How often do I need to renew my SNAP benefits?
SNAP recipients in Massachusetts typically need to renew their benefits every 6 to 12 months. The exact renewal period depends on individual circumstances and state rules. It's important to complete the renewal process on time to avoid any interruption in benefits.
