What To Expect After Applying for SNAP
Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline
So your initial SNAP application is complete. What comes next?
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.
Phone Interview (currently waived)
The second step after your initial application is a phone interview with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) where they will give you a call and review your application with you over the phone. Currently, during the pandemic, most phone interviews have been waived. This means that if you submit all necessary documents to the DTA, they will NOT do an interview with you. However, if you are missing any needed documents, have an undetermined immigration status or, for many older adults, are claiming medical expenses, then DTA will reach out to interview you.
During the interview, a DTA caseworker should go over what documents you need to submit. After you submit your application, if you miss your interview, or would like to schedule one, you can call 877-382-2363 and request an interview.
Submission of verification documents
-
The documents requested vary depending on the household situation.
-
The most common documents DTA may ask for are proof of identification for the head of household,current earned income, unearned income (ie. Pension, Rental income, and more), and proof of residency in Massachusetts. Our FoodSource Hotline counselors can help you determine what income should be reported and how.
-
Other optional documents that may be submitted are child care costs, legal obligations, and out of pocket medical costs (if eligible).
-
-
This can be done several ways:
-
Online through your account at www.DTAconnect.com
-
Through the DTAConnect mobile App for Smartphones
-
By mail to the DTA Document Processing Center, PO Box 4406, Taunton, MA 02780
-
By fax to the DTA Document Processing Center at (617) 887-8765
-
Dropping them off at your local DTA office - Office locator here
-
If using mail or fax, be sure to include a cover letter (link here!) and do not mail original copies
DTA Processes the decision
This can take up 30 days for processing. Most completed applications are processed within several weeks. If information is missing from the application or additional information is requested by DTA, this process may take longer.
Approval/Denial Decision
-
Applicants will be notified of the DTA’s decision by text and a letter in the mail.
-
If approved, applicants who have requested an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card will be sent one in the mail within 10 business days of the date of their acceptance letter.
-
If you think you were wrongfully denied, you can also complete an appeal. Information on this process will be included with your denial letter.
We're here for you!
The FoodSource Hotline is always here for you! If you have any questions about the SNAP application process or other food assistance programs, call us at 1.800.645.8333 or send us a chat message today.
Protect Your Benefits
Beware of New EBT Card Scam
A new EBT card scam has data thieves stealing information on EBT cards. Scammers are skimming SNAP, P-EBT, and cash benefits from accounts.
To protect your EBT card, DTA strongly recommends that all EBT card owners re-PIN their cards every month to protect their benefits.
Project Bread is an official SNAP Outreach Partner of The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
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.