COVID-19 and SNAP

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is issuing extra emergency SNAP (Food Stamps) supplements to all SNAP households to help buy food during the pandemic crisis. Congress approved special SNAP supplement benefits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Will I get extra SNAP benefits?

Yes! All households will get extra SNAP. Your total SNAP benefits will be at least the maximum benefit amount for your household. Many people with a very low income or high expenses will get up to $95 more than the max!

If I qualify for extra SNAP, when will I get it?

⇒ Extra SNAP will be put on cards on the 2nd business day of the following month. For example, extra September SNAP will be issued around October 2.

⇒ Eligible households will get extra SNAP payments on their EBT card each month until the state and federal public health emergency ends.

How do I learn how much I get in SNAP and if I get extra SNAP?

• DTA will not send you a notice if you get extra SNAP. To check your balance and your monthly SNAP benefit amount:
  • Use the DTA Connect mobile app or DTAConnect.com.
  • Call the DTA Assistance Line: 877-382-2363. Enter your SSN or the year of your birth to hear an automated messaged with your monthly SNAP amount.
  • Call the EBT Customer Service number to check your balance: 800-997-2555 This is the number on the back of your EBT card.
• If you have urgent questions for a DTA worker, call the DTA Assistance Line.

What if I need help food shopping?

Any member of your household can use the SNAP EBT card to food shop. Their name or picture does not need to be on the card. You can also give your EBT card temporarily to a trusted friend or relative to food shop for you. The store should not inspect the card or refuse to serve any customer with an EBT card and PIN.

What if I do not get SNAP?

If your income is low, apply. If you are approved, you may also qualify for an extra SNAP payment.

• The fastest way to apply is to apply online or on your smartphone: DTAConnect.com
• Go to Mass.gov/SNAP to print a paper SNAP application and learn where to send it.
• Call DTA: 1-877-382-2362 (press 7).
• Call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline: 1-800-645-8333. Or
• Go in person to a DTA office.

What if I need meals for my school age children?

To find out what your school district is doing and when you can pick up meals, go to: projectbread.org/COVID-19. Also, children who are approved for free or reduced-price meals may qualify for Pandemic EBT benefits. More details to follow.  Visit MAP-EBT.org to learn more.

What other resources can help me?

➢ DTA COVID-19 information and FAQ: Mass.gov/DTA/COVID-19

➢ Emergency food resources in your community:

• Call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline: 1-800-645-8333.
• Call Mass 2-1-1
• The Food Bank in your area:
  • Greater Boston Food Bank: GBFB.org/need-food
  • Food Bank of Western MA: Foodbankwma.org/get-help/locate-a-local- feeding-program
  • Worcester County Food Bank: Foodbank.org/find-food