Is there a quick way to check the status of my application or my benefits?

Yes! There are two ways you can check the status of your SNAP application or ongoing benefits without having to call your SNAP worker:

The “My Account Page” (MAP)

If you have access to the Internet, an email address, and already have your EBT card, you can set up a “My Account Page” (MAP). Follow these steps to set up your MAP:

Step 1: Visit www.mass.gov/vg/selfservice and click on “My Account Page.” You will need an e-mail address to start the process. If you not have an email, it is a simple process to create a free email through Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.

Step 2: Look out for an email sent back to you from the MAP with a link. This is just a couple of minutes. Check the spam filter if you do not get an email.

Step 3: Click on the link in the email you receive from the MAP. You will be asked to create a password and answer two security questions for the account. The next screen will show you an assigned “username”---usually first letter of your first name followed by last name and possibly a number---for example, Msmith2. Be sure you write this down—the username will not be repeated again.

Step 4: The three steps above set up the MAP account. To get access to your personal case information, you now need to log-in, click on the “My Account Page” link in the middle of the screen and enter the following four pieces of information:

• date of birth,
• Your SSN,
• The zip code where you live, and
• Your EBT card number.

This information is required each time you log-on to the MAP. As of the date of this Guide, DTA does not allow a MAP to be set up without an EBT card. See Question 62 regarding how to get a card.

Once you have a MAP account, you can find the status of your SNAP or cash case, household information, the monthly benefit amount, the date you will receive benefits; the name and phone number of your SNAP worker (case manager), the date your next recertification is due and links to copies of most of the notices and forms that DTA has sent you in the 12 months. You can even download and print out a recertification form from the MAP!

DTA Automated Phone Line

You can call a special DTA automated phone line to get information on your SNAP benefits: 1-877-382-2363. This “interactive” phone number allows you to find out the status of your SNAP application, the amount of your monthly benefits if approved, the next payment date for your benefits, the date your next recertification is due and the name of your DTA worker. It does not give as much case information as the MAP.

You do have the option to speak to a live person by pressing 1 to indicate that you are a current SNAP client and then pressing 9 to speak with a representative. However, be prepared to wait until one is available.

To access your case information through this process you will need to give your SSN, year of birth, zip code and your EBT card number (even if the card is not active).

Additional Policy Guidance on Accessing Your Case Information