2020 SNAP Advocacy Guide

An Advocate's Guide to the Food Stamp/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Massachusetts

By Patricia Baker and Victoria Negus, January 2020 Edition

An indispensable handbook for all who need to know about the Food Stamp/SNAP program in Massachusetts. The Food Stamp/SNAP Advocacy Guide provides practical information about how and where to apply, who is eligible, and how to appeal a denial or termination. This Guide has been updated to reflect significant changes in Food Stamp/SNAP policy. Organized for quick reference, the Guide takes advocates step-by-step through the financial eligibility rules, household composition rules, immigrant eligibility, and more. It also provides legal and technical information about the program, including detailed references to DTA regulations and procedural materials (Field Ops Memos, Hotline Q&As, Beacon User's Guide, and federal USDA guidance). Includes a Food Stamp/SNAP calculation worksheet, index of DTA regulations, sample advocacy forms.

COVID-19 Update: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the SNAP rules cited in the 2020 SNAP Advocacy Guide have been suspended. For example: All eligible SNAP households will receive the maximum SNAP benefit regardless of the SNAP math; the ABAWD 3 month time limit and work rules are suspended; certain SNAP applicants will not have an application interview; certification and IR periods were pushed out 6 months for households due in March-June, and other changes. To track SNAP and DTA COVID-19 updates please visit: Masslegalservices.org/DTA-COVID-19

• Download a PDF of the 2020 Guide (free)
• Purchase a bound copy of the 2020 Guide from MCLE ($12.95)
• Read the guide online (with live links to documents referenced in the guide)