Resending: Big Settlement in Wage Match Lawsuit--Notices sent to 28, 000 Massachusetts SNAP and/or TAFDC Households

FoodSNAP

Settlement in Wage Match case

We are writing to alert you to a settlement in wage match lawsuit filed a few years ago against the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

In 2014 and 2015 DTA sent hundreds of thousands of notices to SNAP households based on a match with Department of Revenue ​(DOR) ​wage data and "​new hire"​ data – and then it closed thousands of cases. Advocates from MLRI, Metro West Legal Services and private counsel filed a lawsuit challenging DTA’s wage match procedures. In March 2015 DTA stopped using the wage match information to decide current eligibility for now.

The lawsuit is now settled. DTA is now​ sending a Settlement Notice to about 28,000 SNAP or cash households whose cases closed during this time period.

The DTA notice (in English and Spanish) is attached, or you can find the text here.

The first batch of notices was sent by DTA two days ago, and we understand the rest of the notices will be sent today or over the weekend. Your clients may call you wondering why they received these notices, and we wanted you know what they are receiving. Households who get the Settlement Notice are not required to do anything. They can contact MLRI for more information. wagematch-info@masslegalhelp.org

What will happen after the Settlement Notices go out?

  • About 17,000 households will get additional SNAP benefits deposited directly to their EBT accounts (they should check their EBT card or call the IVR line for an update).
  • Another 7,000 households can re-apply for TAFDC and if approved will get additional SNAP.
  • Households covered by the notice have a right to object to the Settlement.
  • DTA will not re-start use of wage matches for current eligibility unless it has tested the results for accuracy and relevancy and reported to us on the test results.

Many legal services and community advocates, the new DTA Administration​ and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service contributed to this terrific result!

For more information and any ongoing wage match issues contact Vicky Negus at MLRI, 617-357-0700 x 315 or wagematch-info@masslegalhelp.org or go to: http://www.masslegalhelp.org/wagematch

Attachment Size
Settlement notice (Spanish) 9-26-16.docx (32.94 KB) 32.94 KB
Settlement notice (Eng) 9-26-16.docx (35.35 KB) 35.35 KB