The rules say that persons applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain SSI recipients have a right to apply for SNAP/food stamp benefits at the Social Security Administration (SSA). 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.190, 366.926. Federal law requires SSA to take your food stamp/SNAP application if every member of your household receives or is applying for SSI. 7 U.S.C. § 2020(i)(1).
SSI applicants and recipients who live alone (or live with others but purchase and prepare separately) and meet other rules have the right to apply for a special benefit, called Bay State CAP. See What are Bay State CAP benefits and how can SSI recipients get them?.
Federal law also says that SSA should offer an application form to Social Security (RSDI) recipients. 7 U.S.C. § 2020(j). For regular SNAP/food stamp applications— including SSI applicants and recipients who do not qualify for Bay State CAP— DTA has a simple one-page SNAP application form for SSA offices to use. An SSA claims a representative should offer to help you fill out the SNAP/food stamp application and send it to the appropriate DTA office with any proofs you gave SSA. DTA will contact you to get additional information if proofs are missing or information is unclear. 106 C.M.R. § 361.190. However, if you need emergency food stamp/SNAP, it may be faster to go to the local DTA office or apply online. See Can I get emergency SNAP/food stamp benefits?.
Many SSI applicants and recipients also have the right to apply for an automatic benefit, called Bay State CAP, when applying for SSI or their SSI case is being reviewed. See What are Bay State CAP benefits and how can SSI recipients get them?
If you need emergency SNAP/food stamps, you should apply for SNAP/food stamp benefits by going to the local DTA office or applying online. See Can I get emergency SNAP/food stamp benefits? If your household includes members who are not applying for or receiving SSI benefits— you must also apply for SNAP/food stamps through the DTA.
Additional Policy Guidance on Applications through SSA
Additional Policy Guidance on Applications through SSA
- The Social Security Administration provides detailed instructions to SSA Claims Representatives on their obligation to offer to take SNAP/food stamp applications for SSI recipients. See the Policy Operations Manual: SSI 01801.010 on the SSA website.
Produced by Patricia Baker, Laura Gallant, Deborah Harris, Rochelle Hahn Massachusetts Law Reform Institute Last updated January 2011
