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After you have have verified that you are eligible for SNAP, it is time to apply! Here is how you can apply with help, or on your own, and where you can use your benefits once fully enrolled.
With help:
Call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333, and our counselors will help you apply for SNAP over the phone.
On your own:
You can complete and submit a SNAP applictation on your own, online through DTA Connect.
You can fax a paper application to 617-887-8765 or mail it to:
DTA Document Processing Center
PO Box 4406
Taunton, MA 02780
Once your application has been received, a caseworker from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) will call you to conduct an interview over the phone.
You can submit verifications with your application or separately. You have 30 days to submit these documents to your DTA. These include:
Identity for Head of Household (driver's license, birth certificate, passport)
Proof of MA residence (bill, lease agreement, bank statement, mail)
Social security numbers for all household members applying
Proof of income for the previous four weeks (pay stubs 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)
A note on shelter & utilities: You do not have to send verifications of shelter or utility expenses unless requested by DTA because you directly answer these questions in the application.
Additionally, these optional documented expenses may significantly increase your benefit amount:
Child and adult care expenses
Housing costs (rent or mortgage and utilities)
Out-of-pocket medical expenses (if age 60 or over, or disabled)
Child support payments being made to a child living outside of the household
If you are having trouble getting proofs, ask DTA for help!
You can upload your verifications online, mail copies (do not send originals), fax them, or bring them to your local DTA office.
If you mail or fax the verifications be sure to include your name and the last four number of your social security number on each of the documents. Verifications should be sent to:
DTA
PO Box 4406
Taunton, MA 02780
FAX NUMBER: 617-887-8765
If you have questions about how to apply for SNAP in Massachusetts, call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
To get information from the DTA about your pending case, call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363.
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) created the Senior Assistance Office to help decrease these access barriers. The SAO serves seniors who apply for SNAP benefits using the SNAP application for seniors. The SAO also serves SNAP-only seniors who call the new SAO phone line at 833-712-8027.
Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline counselors can walk you through the SNAP application, but after it’s submitted, there’s a few more things to do before your benefits are approved and processed.
Once all of the verifications have been received and the interview completed (when applicable), DTA will determine your eligibility and send an approval or denial letter.
You may receive an EBT card in the mail within 10-30 business days. Until the DTA processes and approves your application, you will not have any benefits on your card. Benefits are electronically transferred onto the card once the case is approved.
Once your EBT card arrives in the mail, pin your card by calliing the EBT Line: 1-800-997-2555
Use your SNAP benefits to shop at any store that accepts EBT and shop online at select retailers.
Find a retailer where you can use your SNAP benefits in stores
There are several retailers that now accept SNAP for online purchasing.
Each SNAP dollar you spend on a HIP eligible purchase (fresh produce purchased at a HIP retail location) you can earn back onto your EBT card, up to the monthly cap based on your household size.
As a SNAP Outreach Partner of DTA, Project Bread's role is to make it easier for people in Massachusetts to get SNAP and help anyone having trouble applying.