11. What happens during the interview?

As this book goes to print, the SNAP application interview is only required if DTA does not have all the verification needed to make a decision about your application. See Question 12 for mandatory proofs. If you send DTA all missing mandatory proofs, you do not need to have an interview.

During the interview, the DTA worker should:

• Screen you for expedited (emergency) benefits. See Question 3.
• Confirm the information you gave on your application and any information DTA gets through government databases.
• Review the documents you sent in, tell you what verifications (proofs) DTA needs and when they are due. See Question 12.
• Answer any questions you have and offer to help if you need help getting verifications or contacting a third party for information.
• Review the exemptions and the work rules if you or a household member is subject to the ABAWD 3-month time limit. (Note, the ABAWD time limit is not in place right now due to COVID). See Question 60.
• Tell you how long your benefits are certified for, what changes you need to report to DTA, and when you need to send back an Interim Report and/or a Recertification form. See Question 94.
• Explain your rights and responsibilities, as well as the penalties for committing fraud or for other program rules.
• Issue you an EBT card if one has not already been issued and you don't have one – either by mail or in person at the DTA office – and tell you how to use the EBT card.

SNAP interview rules: 106 C.M.R. §§361.500- 361-550.

DTA Online Guide: See Appendix G for links to the DTA's BEACON 5 Online Guide for this section.