Can I get my SNAP case reopened if I am denied for lack of proofs?

Produced by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Reviewed March 2023

DTA must give you a full 30 days from the date you applied to get in proofs before your application is denied. They must send you a timely notice of the proofs needed and options for proofs. 

If the proofs DTA needs are still missing by day 30, DTA will send you a "pending denial notice." 106 C.M.R. §361.930. The SNAP pending denial notice should both list the specific proofs that are still missing, and give you another 30 days to bring in these proofs.

This is also the policy if you got expedited (emergency) SNAP.

If you get the proofs to DTA within this second 30-day period, your case should get reopened. You do not need to reapply. 106 C.M.R.§361.940. However, your benefits may be prorated. See What if DTA does not give me SNAP back to the date I applied (“pro-rating”)

Example: 

Vicky applied for SNAP on June 1. She sent DTA most of the required verifications by June 29th but was missing wage stubs from one of her part-time jobs. Vicky was sent a denial notice dated June 30th telling her she was denied and listed the proofs missing (wage stubs from her part-time job). Vicky sends DTA the missing wage stubs on July 10. DTA should reopen Vicky’s SNAP application without making her reapply.

 

DTA Online Guide: See Appendix G for links to the DTA's BEACON 5 Online Guide for this section.

 

Show DTA Policy Guidance

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