Basic Food Stamp Rights

How do I apply for Food Stamps?

• You have the right to file an application form the same day you ask for it. You do not have to be interviewed first.
• You can mail it, fax it or fill it out at your local DTA office! You can also apply at the Social Security Office if everyone in your household is applying for or gets SSI!
• If you can't fill out the whole form, you can send it with your just your name, address, signature and date.
• You can apply even if you are homeless. You do not need to have an address or pay rent to get food stamps.
• Your DTA worker will give you a list of all the proofs you need to bring to DTA. The worker has to help you get the proofs if you need help. If you don't have the proofs on the list, DTA must tell you about other ways you can prove what you need to prove. For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, the DTA worker has to tell you about other kinds of documents that will prove your birth date.
• If you are not comfortable speaking English and need help, DTA must give you an intepreter.

Can I get help applying?

If you can not apply on your own, you have the right to have an adult you trust apply for you as an “authorized representative,” and/or bring a friend to DTA just to help you apply.

Do I have to go to an interview at the DTA office?

You have the right to apply without a face to face interview if you are disabled or caring for someone who is disabled. You also have the right to apply without an interview if you have child care problems, transportation problems, or you work or go to a training program during DTA office hours.

Can I get Food Stamps right away?

You have the right to a written notice of denial or approval. If the notice denies or cuts your Food Stamps, it must say why. If the notice says you will get Food Stamps, it must say the amount you will get and for how long.

If you are approved, you have the right to get Food Stamps within 30 days of when you apply.

You have the right to get emergency food stamps within 7 days if:

• your income is less than $150 a month and you do not have more than $100 of savings; or
• your rent or mortgage plus utilities is higher than your monthly income and savings; or
• you travel from place to place for work.

How do I use Food Stamps?

Food Stamps are not really stamps. You will get a card that looks like an ATM card. The Food Stamp benefit will be on the card. You can use the card at supermarkets and some smaller food stores, and at some farmers markets.

What if I am denied or my Food Stamps are stopped?

You have the right to appeal any DTA decisions you disagree with. To keep getting your food stamps while you wait for a hearing, send the appeal within 10 days of the date on the notice.

The Appeal form is on the back of the notice. Fill it out and fax it, or a letter requesting a hearing, to the Division of Hearings at (617) 348-5311. You can also mail it to:

Division of Hearings, DTA

P.O. Box 120167

Boston, MA 02112 

Keep a copy of the appeal, and call the Division of Hearings at (617) 348-5321 or 1-800-882-2017 to make sure that they got it. 

You also have the right to ask for a hearing if your worker threatens you, does not follow the rules, violates your privacy or does not treat you with dignity and respect.

You can bring a friend, family member, advocate or lawyer to help you at a hearing or any other business you have with the Department. Contact Legal Services right away to ask for help with your appeal. 

If you have a question about your Food Stamps or need help, contact:

• Project Bread FoodSource Hotline:1-800-645-8333 Mon - Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
• DTA Recipient Services:1-800-841-2900 (toll free) or 1-617-292-8900 (Boston area)
• Your local legal services office. Go to Find Legal Aid and type in the name of your town or click on your county on the map and then find the name of your town or the one nearest to you.