SNAP Work Rules Update; Resources on Fed Cuts; HIP Increases 9/1, Upcoming Fall Trainings

08/11/25

Quick reminder that we do not have a SNAP Coalition meeting in August. Our next Coalition meeting will be on Tuesday, September 23 from 10-11:30. If there is reason to have a special Coalition meeting before then - for ex, if USDA directs states to start implementing the cuts from the Harmful Republican Megabill - we’ll you know! Please continue to reassure clients that nothing has changed and DTA is waiting on federal rulemaking before taking any action. See Mass.gov/DTA alert.

SNAP Closure Due to ABAWD Work Rules - Please Flag Cases

On August 1st - for the first time since the end of the pandemic - DTA began terminating SNAP benefits for adults subject to the current 3 month time limit. This work rule “able-bodied adults without dependents” who are ages 18 to 54 and do not meet an exemption. Please note, this long-standing work rule is unrelated to the expanded work rules included in the Harmful Republican Megabill (not implemented yet!). Approximately 10,000 MA ABAWDs were sent SNAP termination notices in July. Hopefully some were able to contact DTA to either claim an exemption or prove they were meeting the work rules, and individuals cut off can continue to push DTA to restore their benefits if eligible. For more info on the current ABAWD rule, exemptions and requirements see MLRI’s Guide on the ABAWD Work Rules here.

Please let us know if you have heard from any clients who were cut-off due to the ABAWD Work Rules. You can use this form, or email Vicky. We need case examples to advocate for improvements with DTA - both now and in the future when DTA implements the expanded rules in the Harmful Republican Megabill.

Resources on the Harmful Republican Megabill

Thanks to our national and state colleagues, we are flagging some materials and media that may be helpful in both digesting the scope of the Megabill, timeline for implementation and harm to low income households in the Commonwealth. As the Governor’s Anti-Hunger Task Force gears up, MLRI and the other organizations appointed to the Task Force want to hear from you about strategies that can mitigate the harm. Please send us your thoughts!

HIP Benefits to Increase September 1st!

At the Worcester Common farmers' market on August 6th, DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue announced that starting on September 1st, 2025, HIP will be back to $40/60/80 benefit levels depending on household size! The Governor signed the FY25 supplemental budget into law Monday. (DTA likely will be updating this HIP FAQ page soon). We join with the Mass Food Systems Caucus in expressing our thanks to DTA for their swift action to increase HIP effective 9/1/25! And special kudos to Becca Miller of the MA Food Systems Collaborative for her amazing leadership and advocacy to get this over the finish line.

FY25 Supp Budget Includes Funding to Upgrade Security of EBT Cards

Earlier this week Governor Healey signed a FY2025 Supplemental budget. In addition to boosting HIP funding, the FY25 Supp includes funding for DTA to issue chip EBT cards. It will take many months for DTA to issue chip EBT cards to 660,000 SNAP households in an accessible, careful way. While we are thrilled the chip funds were included, we are disappointed the Governor and Legislature did not provide funds to reimburse SNAP benefits stolen in the meantime. See MLRI statement on the chip funds here.

Fall MCLE Basic Benefits Trainings

MLRI and our sister advocacy partners are gearing up for the annual Basic Benefits Training series starting in September. The training series includes eviction defense (9/16), helping families experiencing homelessness (9/23), CORI and criminal record sealing (10/7), SSI and Social Security disability benefits (10/29), and TAFDC cash assistance (12/9). The full fall schedule with registration information is available HERE.
Remember, Legal Services and community orgs qualify for the discount fee.