Massachusetts Food Stamps
AN OVERVIEW
For more information about food
stamps in Massachusetts, click on the questions below:
Food stamps are a type of government assistance to help low-income households in Massachusetts buy food. Food stamps can be used to buy almost any food item in any store where you usually shop for food. Massachusetts residents who use food stamps can spend the money they save to help pay their other bills.
Food stamps are for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens with limited incomes who buy food and make meals at home. People living in homeless shelters, group homes for the disabled, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and subsidized elderly housing are also eligible. Some people must work to qualify for food stamps, while others are exempt from the work requirement.
The Food Stamps Eligibility Check is an easy way for you to find out if you are likely to qualify for food stamps, by answering questions online about your household, your living situation, your income, and your expenses. You will see the results of the eligibility check right away, on your computer screen.
The amount of food stamps you get in Massachusetts depends on your household size, income, and expenses. You are expected to spend about 30% of your own income on food.
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is in charge of the food stamp program in Massachusetts, but you may also apply at other food stamp outreach locations. Call the DTA at 1-800-249-2007 for your local DTA office, or call Project Bread's toll-free FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 for other food stamp locations in your area. You may also download a copy of the application, fill it in at home, and send it to the DTA. When you apply for food stamps, you will need proof of identity, household income, and household expenses. If you are eligible, you will get food stamps within 30 days.
The DTA will deposit your monthly food stamps benefits in an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) account. They will send you an EBT card to use at food store checkouts to pay for your food. Whenever you buy food with your card, your receipt will show the amount of money left in your account.
Bay State CAP is a special food stamp application process for certain people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Bay State CAP uses the same application as SSI and often provides more benefits than regular food stamps.
There are rules that Massachusetts service providers must follow when taking your application, deciding if you are eligible, and providing you with food stamps. Likewise, there are rules that you must follow when you apply for and use food stamps.
Massachusetts store owners must get a food stamp permit to accept food stamps. To get a permit, store owners must file an application with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The food stamp permit is free. Stores must sell certain types of food to qualify for a permit.
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