For more information, click on the questions below:

What is SNAP?

The Food Stamp Program has a new name: SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a government assistance program to help low-income households buy food. SNAP food stamps can be used to buy almost any food item in any supermarket where you usually shop for food. People who use SNAP food stamps can spend the money they save to help pay their other bills.

Am I eligible?

SNAP food stamps are for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens with limited incomes who buy food and make meals at home. People living in homeless shelters, group homes for people with disabilities, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and subsidized elderly housing are also eligible. Some people must work to qualify for SNAP food stamps, while others are exempt from the work requirement.

Eligibility Check

The SNAP Food Stamps Eligibility Check is an easy way for you to find out if you are likely to qualify for SNAP food stamps, by answering questions online about your household, your living situation, your income, and your expenses. You will see the results of the eligibility check right away, on your computer screen.

What benefits will I get?

The amount of SNAP food stamps you get depends on your household size, income, and expenses. You are expected to spend about 30% of your household income on food. In 2009, the average monthly food stamps benefit in Massachusetts was about $250 per household.

How do I apply?

There are several ways to apply for SNAP food stamps. You can apply at the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office or at a SNAP food stamp outreach site in your area. See DTA Office Locations, or call Project Bread's toll-free FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 (TTY: 1-800-377-1292) for locations. You can also apply online by using the Virtual Gateway Online SNAP Food Stamp Application, or you can download a copy of the SNAP food stamps application, fill it in at home, and send it to the DTA. When you apply, you will need proof of identity, income, and expenses.

How do I use SNAP food stamps?

The DTA will deposit your monthly SNAP food stamps benefits in an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) account. They will send you an EBT card to use at supermarket checkouts to pay for your food. Whenever you buy food with your card, your receipt will show the amount of money left in your account.

Bay State CAP

Bay State CAP is a special SNAP food stamp application process for certain people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Bay State CAP uses the same application as SSI and often provides more benefits than regular SNAP food stamps.

H-EAT (Heat and Eat) Program

H-EAT is a special fuel assistance program for SNAP food stamp households who do not pay a separate heating or cooling bill. Households in the H-EAT program usually get increased SNAP food stamp benefits and are eligible for discount rates from their utility companies.

Rights and responsibilities

There are rules that service providers must follow when taking your application, determining your eligibility, and providing you with SNAP food stamps. Likewise, there are rules that you must follow when you apply for and use SNAP food stamps.

Store Owner's Guide

To accept SNAP food stamps in your store, you must get a SNAP food stamp permit. To get a permit, you must file an application with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The SNAP food stamp permit is free. You must sell certain types of food in your store to get a permit.

Useful links

Links to other web sites with information about SNAP food stamps.

SNAP Food Stamps section last updated on 10/14/09