Did you get a Notice of Settlement about SNAP benefits?

If you got a Notice of Settlement (click here to view in English and aquí en Español) and you have questions, read on for more information.

Why did I get this Notice of Settlement?

DTA said you are an ABAWD (“Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents”) and cut you off because they said you didn't meet ABAWD Work Rules. When they stopped your SNAP benefits, DTA did not give you at least 10 days to appeal and to keep your SNAP benefits during the appeal.    

In 2019, a SNAP recipient took DTA to court. He sued on behalf of himself and other ABAWDs who did not get at least 10 days to appeal and to keep their SNAP benefits during the appeal.

Because of this lawsuit, DTA agreed to give these ABAWDs - including you! - one month of back SNAP benefits. DTA also agreed to invite ABAWDs who do not get SNAP now to re-apply.

Note: Right now, you do not need to meet Work Rules to get SNAP or to keep SNAP.

The Judge will hold a hearing on October 28, 2020 at 12:00 PM to decide whether to approve the Settlement. The hearing will be on Zoom (video).  You do not have to join the hearing.  

If you want to attend the hearing, you need the Zoom link. Email [email protected] or call 1-888-343-6110 to get the Zoom link.

If you want a copy of the full Settlement Agreement, email 

[email protected] or call 1-888-343-6110 and ask for a copy. 

What if I do not agree with the Settlement?

If you do not agree with any part of the Settlement, you have the right to object. You can object in writing or by joining the Zoom hearing. You can also call 1-888-343-6110 or email [email protected].

If you do not object at or before the hearing, you cannot object later. 

If you want to object to the Settlement in writing, write a letter to the judge. Explain what you do not agree with in the Settlement. Include:

• The name and number for the court case: Wright v. DTA, Suffolk Superior Court, No. 1984CV02307.

• The part of the Settlement you disagree with and why you disagree.  For example, you might disagree because you are not going to get all the benefits you think you are due.

• Your name and address.

• If you want to say something at the hearing, say that you want to tell the judge something about this case.

Send the letter by October 21, 2020 to:

 Clerk, Civil F Session

Suffolk Courthouse

3 Pemberton Square

Boston, MA 02108

Also, send a copy by mail or email to Deborah Harris, Mass. Law Reform Institute:

mail: 

Deborah Harris
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
40 Court Street, Suite 800
Boston, MA 02108        

email: [email protected]

I do not get SNAP now. What should I do?

You can reapply for SNAP any time:

• Apply online or from a smartphone: Go to DTAConnect.com  (in 5 languages).

• Apply by phone: Call DTA at 1-877-382-2363

• Download a paper application (in 13 languages) and

  • Mail: Department of Transitional Assistance, PO Box 4066, Taunton, MA, 02780, or

  • Fax: 617-887-876

How can I get help or more information?

Email the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute: [email protected], or call 1-888-343-6110. Massachusetts Law Reform Institute represented the SNAP recipient who took DTA to court. We are a legal aid program.