How to Apply

After you have have verified that you are eligible for SNAP, it is time to apply! Here is how you can apply with help, or on your own, and where you can use your benefits once fully enrolled.

Once eligibility is determined

Submit an application

With help:

Call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333, and our counselors will help you apply for SNAP over the phone.

Free & confidential, serving Massachusetts.
Our counselor have in depth knowledge of SNAP regulations and have the most accurate and up-to-date information on any recent changes.
Counselors will take the time to examine your specific situation and help you find all the deductions that could increase your benefit amount.
They will also keep in touch with you through the application process to provide information and assistance if needed.

On your own:

You can complete and submit a SNAP applictation on your own, online through DTA Connect.

You can fax a paper application to 617-887-8765 or mail it to:

DTA Document Processing Center
PO Box 4406
Taunton, MA 02780

Participate in an Interview

Once your application has been received, a caseworker from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) will call you to conduct an interview over the phone.

*Interviews are currently being waived during the pandemic. Interviews are only required at this time if you do not submit all of the necessary paperwork

Submit Verifications

You can submit verifications with your application or separately. You have 30 days to submit these documents to your DTA. These include:

Identity for Head of Household (driver's license, birth certificate, passport)
Proof of MA residence (bill, lease agreement, bank statement, mail)
Social security numbers for all household members applying
Proof of income for the previous four weeks (pay stubs last month, pension, child support, etc).
Immigration Status for non-citizens (proof of legal non-citizen status if you or a household member is applying for SNAP but is not a U.S. citizen)

A note on shelter & utilities: You do not have to send verifications of shelter or utility expenses unless requested by DTA because you directly answer these questions in the application.

Additionally, these optional documented expenses may significantly increase your benefit amount:

Child and adult care expenses
Housing costs (rent or mortgage and utilities)
Out-of-pocket medical expenses (if age 60 or over, or disabled)
Child support payments being made to a child living outside of the household

If you are having trouble getting proofs, ask DTA for help!

Where to submit

You can upload your verifications online, mail copies (do not send originals), fax them, or bring them to your local DTA office.

If you mail or fax the verifications be sure to include your name and the last four number of your social security number on each of the documents. Verifications should be sent to:

DTA
PO Box 4406
Taunton, MA 02780

FAX NUMBER: 617-887-8765

For additional help

If you have questions about how to apply for SNAP in Massachusetts, call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

To get information from the DTA about your pending case, call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363.

SNAP Updates

What to expect after applying for SNAP

Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline counselors can walk you through the SNAP application, but after it’s submitted, there’s a few more things to do before your benefits are approved and processed.

Once you are Fully Enrolled

Receiving your benefits

Once all of the verifications have been received and the interview completed (when applicable), DTA will determine your eligibility and send an approval or denial letter.

You may receive an EBT card in the mail within 10-30 business days. Until the DTA processes and approves your application, you will not have any benefits on your card. Benefits are electronically transferred onto the card once the case is approved.

Once your EBT card arrives in the mail, pin your card by calliing the EBT Line: 1-800-997-2555