Apply For SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which used to be called food stamps, helps you and your family buy food needed for good health. You can get up to $259 for one person and up to $835 for a family of four to buy food. To buy food with your SNAP benefit, you use an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. SNAP only works for food. Enrolling in SNAP gives you automatic additional benefits, including free school meals for your children, discounts on your utility bill, and access to the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which provides a bonus to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets.

SNAP is an entitlement program – meaning everyone can apply, whether you will be found eligible will depend on factors including income, expenses, age, student status, and immigration status. To qualify for SNAP, your household’s gross monthly income generally cannot be more than 200% of the federal poverty level ($2,265 for one person – $4,625 for four people). You may be eligible above this limit if a senior or person with disabilities is in your household.

If you are denied SNAP or cash benefits, or disagree with a decision DTA has made:

• Call the DTA Assistance Line or your case manager to ask more information about why they denied your case.
• Call the DTA Ombudsman’s office and ask them to review your case at 617-348-5354 if you cannot reach a case manager.
• Request a hearing if you disagree with DTA’s decision. There is an appeal form on the back of the DTA notice. Fill this out and fax or mail it back to DTA. During COVID-19 hearings are held by phone.
• Contact 855-252-5342 or apply online at communitylegal.org for free legal assistance.

Please do one of the following to apply for SNAP:

• Apply online at dtaconnect.com
• Apply over the phone by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 800-645-8333
• In person by visiting the local DTA office located at 50 SW Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01604
• In person by visiting a SNAP Outreach Partner

Please contact Jayna Mistry at (508)-856-3139 or at Jayna.Mistry@umassmed.edu.

For more information on SNAP Outreach for Partners please visit the DTA website.