Department of Transitional Assistance

Welcome from Commissioner Julia E. Kehoe

Welcome to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) website. At DTA, we strive to provide individuals and families with food assistance, job assistance, cash assistance and emergency shelter.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Transitional Assistance is to assist low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, increase their incomes, and improve their quality of life.

Changes in Emergency Assistance Shelter Services

Starting July 1, 2009, Emergency Shelter Services will move from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This change will not affect your benefits.

DTA and your DTA case worker will still be responsible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps), Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) and Employment Services.

Emergency Assistance (EA) will be managed by the Division of Housing Stabilization at DHCD. The DHCD Homeless Coordinators will work out of DTA local offices. When you visit your DTA office, tell the receptionist whether you would like to see your DTA case manager (for SNAP, TAFDC, EAEDC and Employment Services), your DHCD homeless coordinator (for shelter benefits) or both.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Division of Housing Stabilization at 1-877-418-3308 or visit the Division of Housing Stabilization website.

Meet the Commissioner

Learn about Commissioner Julia Kehoe's background, career highlights and other interesting facts.

About the Department of Transitional Assistance

The Department of Transitional Assistance serves one out of every twelve people in the Commonwealth - including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, cash assistance, employment supports, and emergency shelter.

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