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01. How do I apply for SNAP benefits?
You have many options. You can apply for SNAP benefits in person, by mail or fax, or online. 106 C.M.R. § 361.140. For the address, telephone and fax number of the DTA office that serves your city or town, call 800-249-2007 or go to http://webapps.ehs.state.ma.us/DTAOffices/default.aspx for the local DTA office locations.
You can:
- Apply in person at your local DTA office.
- File an online application through the Internet, see Question 2 (Can I apply through the Internet?).
- Mail or fax a paper application.
You can get a paper application at your local DTA office or call the SNAP Benefits Hotline at 866-950-FOOD (3663) and ask for an application form to be mailed to you. You can also print out the longer paper form (including translated forms in Spanish and Portuguese) by going to the following website: http://www.mass.gov/snap. A copy of the short two-page application for seniors is available at this website and also included in Appendix E. - File an application through the local Social Security office (SSA) if everyone in your household is applying for or gets SSI. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.110, 361.190. See Question 3 (Can I apply for SNAP/food stamp benefits at the local Social Security office?).
No wrong door!
If you mail a SNAP application or go in person to a DTA office that does not serve your city or town, that DTA office must still accept your application and send it to the correct DTA office that serves the area where you live. 106 C.M.R. § 361.130. A local DTA office cannot refuse to accept your application just because they do not cover the town or city where you live.
Cash assistance applications
Your application for TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or EAEDC cash assistance (Emergency Assistance for Elderly, Disabled and Children) is also an automatic application for SNAP benefits. 106 C.M.R. § 361.160. You do not have to file a separate SNAP application or have a separate interview, even if your cash assistance application is ultimately denied. 106 C.M.R. §§ 365.120(A)(1), (A)(2).
Same-day filing
DTA has to let you file your application the same day you contact them. 106 C.M.R. § 361.130. If you go to the local DTA office and ask for a SNAP application, the office must give you one and allow you to submit it the same day. If you ask DTA for an application by mail, DTA has to mail it to you the same day. 106 C.M.R. § 361.140.
You also have the right to apply for benefits whether or not a DTA worker or the Virtual Gateway screening tool thinks you are eligible. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.050-361.130. DTA cannot send you away or screen you out of filing a SNAP application.
If you are approved, you will get SNAP benefits back to the date DTA gets the signed application form if you are applying in person or by mail or fax. 106 C.M.R. § 361.080. Even if you cannot fill in all of the blanks, put down your name, address and phone number (if you have one), sign and date the form, and turn it in. You can give the rest of the information later. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.100, 361.130.
Advocacy Reminders
- Don't delay applying just because you don't have all the proofs. You can apply immediately and provide more information later. See Questions 7 (What proofs (verifications) do I need?) and 8 (What if I am having trouble getting all the proofs, or the proofs get to DTA late?) for the kinds of proofs you need.
- Never mail or give to DTA original documents (they might get lost). Send photo copies of documents in the mail or fax them and keep your originals. If you bring documents to the DTA office, ask DTA to copy them and give you back all originals. If you fax your application or proofs, be sure to keep a copy of the fax receipt. Also be sure to keep the original of anything you mail.
- To check on the status of your SNAP application, get the name of your case worker and other case information, it may be easier to use the My Accounts Page or call a special DTA number, 877-328-2363. To set up a My Accounts Page, you will need your EBT card number, birthday, social security number, and mailing address. See Question 13 (Is there a quick way to check the status of my application or my benefits?).
- When you apply for SNAP or other DTA benefits, your DTA worker must also tell you about your option to register to vote. DTA is required to help you fill out a voter registration form if you wish to do so, and send it to the local city or town registrar. 106 C.M.R. § 360.950. If you apply by mail or online, DTA must mail you a voter registration form. You can also download the National Voter Registration form from the Election Assistance Commission website.
Additional Policy Guidance on FS/SNAP Applications
- SNAP paper and on-line applications are considered “sufficient” for establishing an application and start date if it contains the applicant’s name, address and signature; a completed application is not required to start the process. Field Operations (F.O.) Memo 2011-51 (Oct 24, 2011 re Virtual Gateway Applications), see also F.O. Memo 2006-53 (Nov.17, 2006), F.O. Memo 2005-16 (March 28, 2005) re paper applications.
- Electronic signatures are accepted for Virtual Gateway applications. F.O. Memo 2007-32 (June 29, 2007).