Blog Archive for September 2017

We are writing to give you some important SNAP updates and a reminder about the September 26^th SNAP Coalition meeting.

September Boston SNAP Coalition Meeting:  

Tuesday, September 26^th from 10 to Noon at St Francis House.  The draft AGENDA will include:

DTA will be sending out notices starting September 24th advising SNAP households of the impact of a "cost of living adjustment" (COLA) on their monthly SNAP benefits. The COLA is a federal SNAP policy and impacts every state in the nation. As we noted in an early COLA eblast, there are both winners and losers. Those who will get a SNAP reduction are likely SNAP households receiving the maximum SNAP benefit and those with the minimum $16 SNAP benefit. Attached is MLRI's SNAP worksheet for 10/1/17 and we will have the SNAP online calculator updated as well on 10/1/ 17. 

Important update for DTA clients concerned about security (including DV survivors and victims of identity theft):

What has DTA done in the past for clients worried about security?

DTA case information is confidential. DTA cannot release any case information to a 3rd party unless they have permission to do so from the DTA client. However, in some situations a DTA client may be concerned about an abuser or identity thief getting access to their confidential case information--including their new address or phone number.

We wanted to give you a few SNAP updates post Labor Day including the upcoming SNAP COLA changes, the good news on the Healthy Incentives Program expansion and DTA's new initiative with the Mass Cultural Council. And, please don't forget about DTA's excellent guidance for helping TX and LA families and individuals who end up in MA due to Hurricane Harvey. Let us know if you need help with newly arriving households.