19. If I move, how do I report my new address?

It’s important to tell DTA if your address changes so you don’t miss important notices. Also, if you move and your shelter costs go up you may be eligible for more SNAP. 

To report a change

  • Call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363 and follow the prompts to update your address.
  • Change your address through DTA Connect (See Question 23),
  • Verbally report the change to a DTA worker on the Assistance Line or at a local DTA office, or
  • Mail or fax to DTA information about your new address, or upload it to your case on DTA Connect.  

Whenever you report a change of address, DTA should update your address in your case record.

If you update your change of address through the Assistance Line or DTA Connect, DTA will also mail you a form that says you have to send in information about changes in your household. This form is incorrectly sent to most households. You do not have to return this form unless you get SNAP and TAFDC or EAEDC. 

See Question 94 to see what changes you are required to report to DTA.

If DTA reduces your SNAP when you move, contact MLRI at info@masslegalservices.org

If your rent amount changes 

If your rent has increased, your SNAP may increase if you report the change. Unless you get TAFDC or EAEDC, you are not required to report a change in your shelter costs until your next Interim Report or Recertification. See Question 94. This is especially important to know if your shelter costs go down.
 

If DTA gets returned mail  

DTA mail is not forwarded by the U.S. Post Office. If you move and DTA does not have your new address, DTA letters will likely get returned to DTA. However, if you left a forwarding address with the U.S. Post office, DTA should use that information to update your address in your case and send a check-in notice to your new address.  

If you get DTA cash benefits in addition to SNAP

If you get TFDC or EAEDC, DTA requires you to report within 10 days any changes in where you live and if the move causes changes to your rent. See Question 98. DTA also may close your cash case if they get returned mail for you, and/or if you move but do not respond to DTA letters asking you to verify your new address. DTA’s policies for handing returned mail in cash assistance cases may not follow the law. If DTA closes your DTA benefits due to returned mail, contact MLRI at info@masslegalservices.org.

 

DTA Online Guide 

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