SNAP Benefits Increase 12% With Inflation

Effective October 1, 2022, approximately 550,000 Massachusetts households who currently participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see an increase starting in their October 2022 benefits, with an average monthly increase of $25-$30.

As of August 2022, there were over 1 million Massachusetts residents participating in SNAP. Particularly for households with children, whose food insecurity rate jumped past the May 2020 pandemic high of 23.6% to reach 26.2% in August, this benefits increase will help to offset the impact of the rising costs of housing and other basic needs, like food.

The chart demonstrates the new maximum benefit rates, effective October 1, 2022.

Each year, the federal government adjusts SNAP benefit amounts to keep pace with inflation. This is known as the annual Cost of Living Adjustment. The cost of living adjustment can cause benefits to increase OR decrease annually.  Massachusetts also received approval to include increased heating/utilities costs in determining the SNAP benefits amount.

Additionally, MA SNAP recipients will continue to receive the temporary, pandemic-related SNAP emergency allotments. SNAP emergency allotments are available at the beginning of each month and bring people’s benefit up to at least the maximum amount for their household size, with a minimum payment of $95 a month. DTA will notify residents in advance when these temporary payments end.

If you are a Massachusetts residents and have general questions about your benefits, or would like to get pre-screened to determine if you are eligible for SNAP or get help applying for SNAP today, call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1.800.645.8333 or Live chat a counselor online using the chat feature at the bottom of this page.

If you have specific questions about your benfits, contact DTA through the DTA Assistance line at 1-877-382-2363.