Did you get a Notice about extra SNAP benefits?

If you got this notice (click here to read in English and aquí para leer en español), read on for more information.

I do not have an EBT card. How do I get one?

Call 1-844-786-5777.

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 1-844-786-5777
• Download a paper application (in 13 languages) and
  • Mail: Department of Transitional Assistance, PO Box 4066, Taunton, MA, 02780, or
  • Fax: 617-887-8765.

You do not need to be getting SNAP now to get or use this benefit. If you do not want to apply for SNAP or you do not qualify right now, you can still use the one month of back SNAP.

Why did I get this month of back SNAP?

In the past, DTA said you had to meet ABAWD Work Rules to keep your SNAP (“Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents”). From 2016 to 2019, DTA cut-off  SNAP benefits for certain ABAWDs. When they stopped the SNAP benefits, DTA did not give ABAWDs at least 10 days to appeal and to keep their 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 the Work Rules to get SNAP or to keep SNAP.

How did DTA decide how much SNAP to give me in a back benefit?

The back benefit is equal to one month of your SNAP at the amount you were getting when you were cut-off in the past. 

How can I get help or more information?

Call DTA’s special number for people who got this notice: 1-844-786-5777, or

Contact the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute: email [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.