Bay State CAP
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What is Bay State CAP?
Bay State CAP (Combined Application Project) is a special food stamp application process that certain people who receive or apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can use.
Bay State CAP was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make it easier for certain SSI households to apply for SNAP food stamps.
Am I eligible?
Bay State CAP is for SSI recipients and applicants who:
- are 18 or older
- are unmarried (single, widowed, divorced, or separated)
- are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens
- live alone or with others, but do not live with a spouse or with children under age 22
- buy and prepare food separately from others
- have no earned income when they apply
What benefits will I get?
Bay State CAP has these benefits:
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Bay State CAP uses the information from your SSI application to determine eligibility for SNAP food stamps. You do not have to fill out a separate application or go to the DTA office.
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It does not require any proofs other than the proofs needed for SSI.
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It does not require a separate interview. Your SSI interview is also your Bay State CAP interview.
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It has a three-year certification period, so you don't have to reapply as often.
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It often provides more food stamp benefits than the regular food stamp application.
However, there are some disadvantages to Bay State CAP:
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If you have high shelter costs, medical expenses, dependent care expenses, or child support payments, you might get higher benefits with regular SNAP food stamps.
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You cannot get expedited (emergency) SNAP food stamps with Bay State CAP.
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If you choose Bay State CAP when you apply for SSI, you will not get SNAP food stamps until your SSI application is approved. Since this may take some time, you may want to file a regular application for SNAP food stamps while your SSI application is pending.
Your Social Security worker will help you decide if Bay State CAP is best for you.
How do I apply?
You can apply for Bay State CAP at your local Social Security office when you file your application for SSI. You do not have to fill out a separate application for Bay State CAP. Your SSI application and proofs are all you need.
You will be asked three additional questions when you apply:
- Do you want to apply for SNAP food stamps?
- Do you buy and prepare food separately from others?
- Are your housing costs $450 or more, or less than $450?
(Housing costs include rent or mortgage, property taxes and assessments, homeowners/renters insurance, and condo fees)
If you are approved for Bay State CAP, you will get your food stamp benefits in the month following your SSI approval. You will be certified for 36 months.
If you are not eligible for Bay State CAP, or if you need expedited (emergency) SNAP food stamps, or if your benefits would be higher with regular SNAP food stamps, you can always file an application for regular SNAP food stamps.
If you have questions, you should call the Social Security Administration toll free at 1-800-772-1213, or call the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) at 1-800-249-2007.
Useful links
The following web sites contain related information that you may find useful. MassResources.org and Community Resources Information, Inc. (CRI) are not responsible for the content of these sites.
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Code of Massachusetts Regulations - Food Stamps: Additional Certification Functions
Massachusetts regulations 106 CMR 366 regarding Bay State CAP applications, eligibility, benefits, and certification (requires Adobe Reader)
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SSA Policy Site: Application for Food Stamps - Massachusetts
Detailed information about food stamp applications that SSI households can file at Social Security offices in Massachusetts. Includes general information, eligibility criteria, and procedures for Bay State CAP and regular SNAP food stamps.
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What Are Bay State CAP Benefits?
How Bay State CAP works, and advantages and disadvantages of the program. From the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute.
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