DTA Collections

DTA decides eligibility for benefits based on rules and the information a client provides (including income, household size, etc.). 

If the wrong benefits are given to clients or clients break program rules, DTA must take money back. 

This is done through the collections process. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DTA paused collections. DTA is restarting collections in the Fall of 2024. 

Depending on the circumstance, clients with overpaid benefits will be required to pay back a certain amount each month.

The notice DTA sends in the mail will say how much must be repaid each month.

If you have an overpayment, you will get a notice from DTA. The notice will have information about 

• the amount you owe, 
• an “obligation number” (this is a special number that identifies your overpayment)
• how to repay, 
• how to get help, and 
• how to request an appeal (if you can). 

The notice will look like this.

If you are currently getting benefits, your benefits will be reduced by a certain amount each month to repay your overpayment. 

If you are not currently getting benefits, you must choose a payment method and pay your bill on time each month. This payment method includes sending a check or money order or garnishing your wages. You cannot pay this bill using cash. 

If you choose to pay your overpayment by check or money order, follow the instructions on the monthly invoice. You must detach and return the bottom portion of the invoice and include the obligation number on the check or money order. 
 

Clients who do not comply with the collections process on-time will have a “delinquent” payment. If your payment is delinquent, the federal and/or state government may take the money you owe out of a different type of benefit or payment you get from the government. This is called an intercept. It might come out of Social Security, state or federal tax refunds, or other government payments.

SNAP overpayments may be intercepted by the federal government. Economic assistance (cash benefits) may be intercepted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Clients may contact the DTA Collections Unit at 800-462-2607 to make changes to their payment method or to request a reduction in the required monthly payment amount.

Do you have a disability and need additional help? This could be mental, physical, sensory, learning, intellectual, cognitive or developmental. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) may be able to give you extra help or adjust a rule. Click here for more.