Tell DTA about child or dependent adult care costs to get more SNAP

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By
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
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If you pay for the care of any child under 18 or a disabled adult of any age, and you are

  • working, 
  • looking for work, or 
  • in school, 

your family may qualify for more SNAP!

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What care costs count?

Child care or adult care

All child or adult care costs that you are responsible for paying. Adult care could be for a parent who is disabled.  This includes co-payments; money you pay a babysitter, and more.

Out-of-school activities for any child under 18

Any supervised activity, including before and after school, school vacation, summer camps, YMCA, and Boys/Girls Club fees.

Mileage or driving

If you drive your child or pay for Uber/Lyft for a disabled adult to or from care, camp or a school or other care program.

Public transportation

If you or your child takes a bus, subway or train to or from child care, camp or a school program.

Is there a limit or cap on the costs I can tell DTA about?

No. You should tell DTA about the full amount of costs you are responsible for - even if you are behind in paying the costs.

For example

Jane and her husband have two children, aged 5 and 8. Jane works 40 hours a week and her husband is in a full time training program. They need after school child care. Jane earns $600/week. Their rent is $1,200/month plus utilities including AC. Jane’s SNAP is $630 per month.

Jane sends DTA a letter explaining they pay $650 each month for after school care (including transportation). Jane’s SNAP increases to $825 per month.

How do I claim child or adult care costs?

You can self-declare these costs with DTA. Tell DTA over the phone, write the expenses down on your application or recertification form, or send DTA a signed written statement. DTA should ask for proofs only if the information you give is questionable.

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