Extra COVID SNAP Benefits to End
Huge thank you to State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier for gathering this information and allowing us to share it.
Please read through the information below and share it with others who may benefit.
SNAP Benefits
SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) is a federal nutrition program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). SNAP is a monthly benefit added to a recipient’s EBT cards to assist in buying food. SNAP benefits are calculated based on household size, income, expenses, and other non-financial criteria. SNAP benefits do not require proof of citizenship to apply. Check your specific eligibility.
1 out of 7 people in Massachusetts receive SNAP benefits.
The average food benefit is $215 per month for a SNAP household of 2 in Massachusetts.
SNAP Boost Ending
During the height of COVID-19, Congress began providing additional monthly SNAP benefits. These extra benefits end this month. SNAP recipients will receive their last COVID SNAP payment on March 2, 2023. After this date, SNAP recipients will only receive one SNAP payment per month.
Many households will experience a significant decrease in SNAP benefits. Please continue reading to ensure you receive the full benefits you are eligible for.
Maximize Your SNAP Benefits
Income & Expenses Reporting
If you experience a drop in income, including job loss or a decrease in self-employment income, report changes to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) as soon as possible.
Report costs to DTA that could result in increased SNAP benefits, including:
Increased rent or homeownership costs
Out-of-pocket child or adult care costs
For adults 60+ and disabled individuals, report out-of-pocket health care costs (specifically medical costs of $35/per month)
Child support paid
How to report these costs to DTA:
Upload using the DTAConnect website or the DTA app
By phone to the DTA assistance line: 877-382-2363
By phone to the senior assistance line: 833-712-8027
In writing, explain the costs with the DTA cover sheet. Mail to: DTA Document Processing Center, PO Box 4406, Taunton, MA 02780
Submit information in person at your local DTA office. Pittsfield’s office is located at 160 North Street, Suite 201, Pittsfield, MA 01201. The phone number is 413-236-2000.
For more information on maximizing your SNAP benefits, see Federal Extra COVID SNAP Benefits to End on the Mass.gov website.
Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
HIP puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors. If you receive SNAP benefits, you are automatically enrolled in HIP. You can get $40 to $80 a month depending on household size.
Beware of Skimming
There have been thousands of cases of “skimming,” where thieves steal SNAP by stealing EBT account information and PIN info at the Point of Sale devices when purchases are being made. This leads to entire monthly allotments of SNAP benefits being taken from their intended recipients.
If you experience skimming, report it to both the DTA Fraud Line at (800-372-8399) and to Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) via email at vnegus@mlri.org.
At this time, DTA does not have recourse for stolen benefits from skimming. MLRI has filed a lawsuit regarding the lack of replacement of benefits. Congress passed legislation in December 2022 requiring the replacement of benefits stolen after 10/1/22, but DTA does not yet have a process for replacing benefits
To protect yourself from skimming, DTA suggests that you change your PIN after every purchase.
Other Available Resources
There are many public benefits programs that are available to help you and your family. This section outlines many different benefits you could be eligible for.
Free School Meals
Through the rest of the 2022–2023 school year, all students (K–12) are eligible for free school lunches.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
Visit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts website for assistance and to find food banks near you.
WIC (Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition Program)
WIC is available for pregnant and breastfeeding parents and kids under the age of 5 well-fed. You are eligible for WIC if you:
Live in Massachusetts
Have a nutritional need (WIC staff can help you determine this)
Are a child under 5, a new mom, or a pregnant or breastfeeding woman
Have a family income less than WIC guidelines
If you receive MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC you are automatically eligible for WIC
WIC does not require proof of citizenship to apply
Check your WIC eligibility and apply for WIC online.
Civil Legal Aid Assistance
There is free legal aid available for a variety of issues, including:
Benefits (food assistance, cash assistance, DTA, and SSA benefits)
Housing and shelter (including eviction assistance)
Immigration
Disability, MassHealth
Employment and Unemployment Compensation
Family law/domestic violence, child welfare
CORI/re-entry
The Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder is available to connect you with legal assistance
Other DTA Cash Assistance
In addition to SNAP benefits, DTA offers other cash benefits to help you and your family.
On DTAConnect, you can apply for TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) for families with kids/pregnant people or EAEDC (Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children) for older adults/persons with disabilities with no or very low income. Neither of these programs requires asset tests.
Child Care Subsidies
To receive a child care subsidy, your household income must be both (A) at or below 50% of the State Median Income or 85% of the State Median Income for children with disabilities, and (B) you must have a service need requirement.
Service need requirements:
Working, seeking employment, or enrolled in an education or training program (not including graduate, law, or medical school) for at least 20 hours per week for part-time care, and at least 30 hours per week for full-time care
Retired and older than 65
You have a diagnosed and documented disability or special need (limited to 2 years)
To join the waitlist, call 2-1-1 or work with the Pittsfield Area Child Care Resources agency at The Cooper Center, 116 North Street, 1st Floor Pittsfield, MA 01201, 508-796-0270.
Chapter 115 Veterans Benefits
This benefit is offered to veterans with little income to assist with paying for daily living expenses, medical costs, housing, and other necessities. Learn about the Chapter 115 Benefits/Safety Net Program on the Mass.gov website.
To apply, contact the Pittsfield Veterans’ Services Office (VSO) at 413-499-9433 or 330 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
Housing Assistance
For rent, mortgage, and utility assistance for tenants, landlords, and homeowners, see Applying for Rental Assistance on the Mass.gov website to apply for assistance. Benefits include RAFT, the Homeowner Assistance Fund, and legal assistance for mediation.
Utility Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to assist with winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30. You can apply online through Berkshire Community Action Council’s website or by calling 413-445-4503.
Internet & Computer Affordability
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is available to assist you in paying for internet services and connected devices.
Eligibility is based on a household income of 200% or less of the federal poverty level, participation in other government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, etc., or receipt of a lifeline benefit through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Apply for the ACP.
Tax Refunds
Make sure you have collected all your benefits from stimulus checks, tax credits, and refunds. Check for funds still owed.