Application and Proofs

How do I apply for food stamp/SNAP benefits?

You have many options. You can apply for SNAP/food stamps benefits in person, by mail or fax, or online. 106 C.M.R. § 361.140. For the address, telephone and fax number of the DTA office that serves your city or town, call 800-249-2007 or visit the DTA website for the local DTA office locations.

You can:

• Apply in person at the local DTA office that serves your city or town.
• File an online application through the Internet, see Can I apply through the Internet?
• Mail or fax a paper application. You can get a paper application at your local DTA office or call the SNAP Benefits Hotline at 866-950-FOOD (3663) and ask that the application form be mailed to you. You can also print out the longer paper form (including translated forms in Spanish and Portuguese) by going to the Food Assistance website. A copy of the short two-page application for seniors is available at this website and also included in Appendix E: SNAP/Food Stamps Application — Senior Simplified Application.
• File an application through the local Social Security office (SSA) if everyone in your household is applying for or gets SSI. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.110, 361.190. See Can I apply for SNAP/food stamp benefits at the local Social Security office?

No wrong door!

If you mail a food stamp/SNAP application or go in person to a DTA office that does not serve your city or town, that DTA office must still accept your application and send it to the correct DTA office that serves the area where you live. 106 C.M.R. § 361.130. A local DTA office cannot refuse to accept your application just because they do not cover the town or city where you live.

Cash assistance applications

Your application for TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or EAEDC cash assistance (Emergency Assistance for Elderly, Disabled and Children) is also an automatic application for SNAP/food stamp benefits. 106 C.M.R. § 361.160. You do not have to file a separate SNAP/food stamp application or have a separate interview, even if your cash assistance application is ultimately denied. 106 C.M.R. §§ 365.120(A)(1), (A)(2).

Same-day filing

DTA has to let you file your application the same day you contact them. 106 C.M.R. § 361.130. If you go to the local DTA office and ask for a food stamp/SNAP application, the office must give you one and allow you to submit it the same day. If you ask DTA for an application by mail, DTA has to mail it to you the same day. 106 C.M.R. § 361.140.

You also have the right to apply for benefits whether or not a DTA worker or the Virtual Gateway screening tool thinks you are eligible. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.050-361.130. DTA cannot send you away or screen you out of filing a SNAP/food stamp application.

If you are approved, you will get SNAP/food stamp benefits back to the date DTA gets the signed application form if you are applying in person or by mail or fax. 106 C.M.R. § 361.080. Even if you cannot fill in all of the blanks, put down your name, address and phone number (if you have one), sign and date the form, and turn it in. You can give the rest of the information later. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.100, 361.130.

Additional Policy Guidance on FS/SNAP Applications