What's new at MLS

As tomorrow's storm comes our way, two things of note:   1. ALL DTA offices are closed for in-person services tomorrow, February 13, due to the storm. DTA has posted an alert on Mass.gov/DTA. The statewide phone line (the Assistance Line) will be open, and SNAP workers will…

Two timely updates below.  Benefit theft: How to get replacement and protect SNAP  There has been a recent uptick in skimming theft. For example, see this recent media piece from Western MA.  DTA has posted alerts that households in some areas of the state have had their…

MassHealth Estate Recovery: Today the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation released an issue brief on MassHealth Estate Recovery with recommendations for reform. MLRI wrote an accompanying report profiling 4 people who faced estate recovery claims after the death of a spouse or parent who had…

We are pleased to announce the 2024 SNAP Advocacy Guide! Updated as of January 2024, the Guide is currently available as a PDF here: https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/2024-snap-advocacy-guide The SNAP Advocacy Guide (227 pages) gives you the most up to date information on the SNAP…

We ended last week's HCWG meeting early in order to attend the EOHHS budget briefing but didn't intend to end it so abruptly. Sorry about that!  This is a link to MLRI's preliminary analysis of the Governor's proposed budget for FY 2025 which was filed last Wednesday. MLRI…

Greetings SNAP Coalition members, and happy first day of February. As the MA Legislature gears up for the FY25 budget deliberations, look out for more updates and action steps. In the meantime, important updates! SNAP 200% Gross Income Test increase Feb 2024 In general, households need to have…

We have a number of updates for you. The top action for you to take right now is to reach out to the Governor and ask her to rescind her cuts to DTA cash benefits. See more below. Our next Coalition meeting is Tuesday, February 27 from 10-11:30 AM.  Ask Governor Healey to Rescind Cut to Cash…

We are looking forward to seeing many of you at 10 AM today. We will be joined by the new Food Research and Action Center's (FRAC) SNAP Director Salaam Bhatti for a federal update, as well as DTA Commissioner McCue and some of his team.    Note that the Guv's FY25…

Reminder: Health Care Working Group meeting this Wednesday January 24, 3-4:30 pm. It should already be in your calendar (4th Wed of the month) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89190732365?pwd=b0FUaFNhTFAzeEJZNzlVYmhGSEJHdz09 Agenda ·Redetermination update ·New…

Greetings Coalition members. Our next statewide SNAP Coalition meeting is Tuesday, January 23rd from 10 to 11:30 AM.  Here’s the ZOOM link.     The AGENDA will include: Federal updates from FRAC and introducing FRAC’s new SNAP Director Salaam Bhatti State…