How Do I Apply?
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How do I apply?
To apply for SNAP food stamps, you must fill out an application and bring it, send it, fax it, or submit it online to the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). The DTA is officially in charge of the food stamp program and makes the final decision on eligibility.
There are several ways to apply for SNAP food stamps:
| Apply online: |
You can apply for SNAP food stamps online by following these steps:
- Go to the Virtual Gateway Online Food Stamp Application page.
- Read the instructions carefully, then click "Apply Now" to start the application.
- You will see your application number, and you must select a password. Write down the application number and password in case you need them later. (You may also choose a security question and answer in case you forget your password, but you do not have to do this.)
- Fill out the online application and submit it.
- The DTA will contact you to set up an interview and let you know what proofs you need to provide.
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| Apply in person: |
You can apply for SNAP food stamps at your DTA office or at a neighborhood food stamp assistance site.
To find your local DTA office:
- Department of Transitional Assistance toll-free number: 1-800-249-2007
- DTA directory of local offices: DTA Office Locations
Applying at your DTA office is the best way to make sure that your application is filed correctly.
To find a food stamp assistance site near you:
- See Project Bread's Food Stamp Application Assistance Sites or
- Call the FoodSource Hotline: 1-800-645-8333 (TTY: 1-800-377-1292)
These agencies will submit your application to the DTA, print out a summary of your information and the date and time you submitted it, and give you a checklist of the proofs you need to give to the DTA.
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| Get an application by mail: |
You can call the DTA and have them mail a paper application to you the same day:
- DTA Food Stamps Benefit Hotline: 1-866-950-3663 (toll-free)
- DTA directory of local offices: DTA Office Locations
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| Download an application: |
You can get an application online from the DTA Food Assistance web site and print it out yourself:
These SNAP food stamp applications are fill-in PDF forms with complete instructions on how to apply, including a list of the proofs you need. You should fill out the form from your computer, then print it and sign it. Your application does not have to be complete when you send it in, but it must have your name, address (if you have one), and signature.
After you print and sign the application, you should mail, fax, or bring it, along with copies of your documents, to your local DTA office. To find your local DTA office, see DTA Office Locations, or call the DTA at 1-800-249-2007.
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| SSI households: |
If everyone in your household gets SSI, you can apply for SNAP food stamps at your local Social Security Office:
- Find your local Social Security office: Social Security Local Office Search
SSI households applying for regular SNAP food stamps use a simple one-page application.
Some SSI applicants/recipients are eligible for Bay State CAP. Bay State CAP is an easy way to apply for SNAP food stamps using your SSI application and proofs instead of a separate application. See Bay State CAP for more information.
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| Before you apply: |
You can check your eligibility using the MassResources.org SNAP Food Stamps Eligibility Check. |
See SNAP Food Stamp Rules and Proofs for information about the rules that apply to SNAP food stamps and the proofs you will need when you apply.
How long does it take to get SNAP food stamps?
If you are eligible, you will get SNAP food stamps within 30 days of the date you applied, unless there is a problem with your application.
Expedited (emergency) SNAP food stamps:
Eligible households with very little money who need SNAP food stamps right away can get expedited (emergency) SNAP food stamps within 7 days. To get expedited SNAP food stamps, you only need a driver's license, picture ID, or other kind of identification. You do not need other proofs. If you do not have any identification, the DTA can call a friend of yours or someone else who knows you to check your identification.
You can get expedited SNAP food stamps if:
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your household's total monthly income is less than $150, and cash and savings are no more than $100
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or your household's total monthly income, cash, and savings combined are less than your monthly housing costs (rent or mortgage, plus utilities)
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or your household is a migrant worker or seasonal farm worker household with $100 or less in cash and savings
 If you do not get your SNAP food stamps on time, call the DTA Recipient Services Hotline at 1-800-445-6604 (TTY 1-888-448-7695).
How often do I have to reapply for SNAP food stamps?
The DTA will approve your SNAP food stamps for a certain number of months, called your certification period. Most households have a 12-month annual certification period. Households in which all adult members are elderly or disabled are certified for 24 months, and Bay State CAP households are certified for 3 years.
Near the end of your certification period, the DTA will send you a notice telling you how to apply for recertification. You must file your application on time if you want your food stamp benefits to continue without interruption.
When you reapply, the DTA will review your eligibility and benefit amounts and interview you in person or by phone.
When do I have to report changes?
Most households are required to report changes every six months (semi-annual reporting) unless the household income increases beyond the gross income limit. (See What are the income limits?) If your household income goes above the income limit, you must report the change within 10 days following the month the change takes place.
You may choose to report other changes right away, especially if they might increase your food stamp benefits. If you report a change, the DTA will recalculate your food stamp benefits. They will give you more SNAP food stamps if you qualify for them, but will not reduce your benefits unless the household income goes over the income limit.
Some households have different reporting requirements. The DTA will let you know which changes you must report and when you must report them.
Changes that might increase your benefit amount include:
- If you have a new household member
- If an ineligible noncitizen becomes eligible
- If your income goes down
- If you start making child support payments for a child who does not live with you
- If certain expenses, such as housing, child care, or medical expenses, go up
What happens if the DTA denies my application?
If the DTA finds you not eligible for SNAP food stamps, they will send you a written notice within 30 days of the date you applied. They will let you know why you were denied, how to request a fair hearing, and where to get legal help.
You have 90 days to file an appeal. If you lose your appeal or if you choose not to appeal, you can still reapply for SNAP food stamps at any time. If you have questions or need help filing an appeal, you can call Legal Services.
Where can I find more information?
For more information about applying for SNAP food stamps, see Part 1 Application and Proofs and Part 5 Proving Continuing Eligibility of the SNAP/Food Stamps Advocacy Guide prepared by the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute.
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