You do not need to have a permanent address or a regular place to live to get SNAP/food stamps. 106 C.M.R. § 362.100. You do not need to have cooking facilities. You can get benefits if you live on the street. You can also receive benefits if you are staying at a homeless shelter or a shelter for victims of domestic violence, even if you get free meals at the shelter on a regular basis. 106 C.M.R. § 361.240(B).
You must provide something to prove identity (who you are). 106 C.M.R. § 361.610(G). There are many different ways you can prove who you are, including a statement from someone who knows you, such as a staff person at a soup kitchen, food pantry, detox program, or shelter. 106 C.M.R. § 361.640(B). See What proofs (verifications) do I need? and What if I am having trouble getting all the proofs, or the proofs get to DTA late? You can also pick up mail about your SNAP/food stamp benefits through the DTA local office or a P.O. Box if you do not have a mailing address.
You may be entitled to emergency SNAP/food stamps if you have less than $150 in gross income and less than $100 in cash or savings or meet other rules for "expedited" SNAP/food stamps. See Can I get emergency SNAP/food stamp benefits?
Advocacy Reminder
- Homeless individuals and families who do not incur regular shelter expenses are eligible for an automatic "homeless deduction" from income of $143 per month, which is a flat amount subtracted from countable income to determine your benefits. See What is the homeless shelter/utility deduction and who gets it?
Produced by Patricia Baker, Laura Gallant, Deborah Harris, Rochelle Hahn Massachusetts Law Reform Institute Last updated January 2011
