FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All types of people receive SNAP benefits — single adults, families, seniors, and working people. Many people who do not have children are eligible for SNAP benefits.

Eligibility is based primarily on household income and certain expenses. Learn more and see if you are eligible by calling Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

No, SNAP benefits will remain on your EBT card for 274 days (9 months).

To be eligible for expedited benefits, you must meet one of these three criteria:

1. Income and money in the bank add up to less than the monthly housing expenses
2. Monthly income is less than $150, and money in the bank is less than $100
3. The applicant is a migrant worker, and money in the bank is less than $100. If you are eligible for expedited, DTA has to issue you SNAP within 7 days from the date of your application - and make sure you have an EBT card within 7 days.

 

We suggest you call 1-877-382-2363 (press 7), go in person to your local DTA office, or go to DTAConnect.com to apply.

No. You do not need to be working in order to apply for or be eligible for SNAP.  

No. In fact, the costs associated with owning your home are used as deductions in determining your eligibility.

Yes. Many non-citizens are eligible for SNAP. Receiving SNAP will have no impact on your application for citizenship and/or a green card. It is safe to apply for SNAP! If you do not have documented immigration status, you will not be able to apply for yourself, but you may be able to apply for other eligible household members. Children born in the US may receive benefits even if their parents do not have documentation. Learn more about SNAP benefits for immigrants.

Certain non-citizens who are not currently eligible for federal SNAP benefits because of their immigration status may now be eligible for a state-funded SNAP supplement. Learn more about the State SNAP Supplement.

Yes. A permanent address is not required to apply for SNAP. You can get benefits whether you live on the street, are staying in a shelter, or are living with family or friends on a temporary basis. Homeless individuals and families who do not have regular shelter expenses can claim an automatic deduction from their income.

No. You can begin an application over the phone by calling Project Bread's toll-free FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

You may also mail or fax your application to DTA or apply online at DTAConnect.org. 

To mail an application: DTA Document Processing Center, PO Box 4406, Taunton MA 02780

To fax an application: DTA Document Processing Center (617) 877-8765

If you live with roomates, and...

• you DO buy and prepare most of your food with the people you live with, you are considered a household. You WOULD apply together for SNAP as a household and WOULD put all their names on the application.
• DO NOT prepare most of your food together, you would apply as an individual,  and would NOT put their names on the application.

Some people must always apply together, including spouses and children under 22 living with a parent or step-parent.

There are some other instances where you may or may not have to include other people on the application. Call the FoodSource Hotline at 1.800.645.8333 for more information.

You can check the status of your SNAP application:

• By phone: call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363
• by app:  DTA Connect Mobile app for addroid phone or tablet

 

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. 

If you are approved for SNAP: you will receive your benefits within 30 days.

If you are approved for expidited/emergency SNAP: you will receive your beneifts within 7 days. 

When you apply for SNAP and don’t already have an EBT card, DTA should send you an EBT card by mail. The card may arrive before your application is processed and therefore have a $0 balance. Benefits will be added to the card once your application is fully processed, which an take up to 30 days.

No. SNAP benefits are not considered income.

Yes. SNAP benefits are only for food. However, some people also use their DTA EBT card for EAEDC or have an EBT card for their TAFDC (cash assistance) benefits. You can use TAFDC or EAEDC benefits to purchase food and non-food items.

For information or to apply for on TAFDC or EAEDC eligibility, call your local DTA office or go to contact your local DTA office. You can check your eligibility and apply for TAFDC or EAEDC at www.DTAconnect.com