General
1. How do I change my phone number with DTA?
You can update your phone number with DTA via DTA Connect. Go to “my info” and click on the “edit” button across from Primary Phone Number. Enter the new number and click save. A popup message will appear confirming your change.
You can also update your number by phone:
- If you receive SNAP benefits, call the DTA Assistance Line (see steps below).
- If you receive cash benefits, contact your case manager. Their information is available on DTA Connect.
Steps to update your number via the automated prompts on the DTA Assistance Line:
- Call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363
- Select your language
- Enter your information to authenticate
- Select 1 for SNAP
- Select 2 to report a phone number change
2. How do I add a family member to my DTA case?
If you receive only SNAP benefits:
- You can upload a statement on DTA Connect. Go to uploading documents and choose “submit verifications.”
- Sign and date a written statement on a piece of paper that includes the name, date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN) of the person being added. If you recently gave birth or adopted a newborn, you must include the newborn’s date of birth and SSN (if available). If no SSN is available for the newborn, you have at least 6 months to provide it or documentation from the SSA stating that an SSN application has been filed.
- DTA will then process and add the member to your case. Staff will reach out if they have any questions or need more information.
- You can also add a family member by phone: call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363.
If you receive cash benefits (TAFDC/EAEDC) and recently gave birth to or gained custody of a child, you can upload the notification of birth or proof of custody on DTA Connect. Go to uploading documents and choose “submit verifications.” Your case manager will contact you to add the child. You can also contact your case manager. Their information is available on DTA Connect.
3. I got $500 through the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program. Will this affect my DTA benefits?
No. This one-time payment is not countable for DTA benefits (SNAP, TAFDC, EAEDC). You do not need to let DTA know if you received this.
4. I am receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Am I eligible for assistance from DTA?
You may be eligible for benefits. When determining eligibility for DTA programs, unemployment insurance benefits are counted as income.
5. I got money from the federal government as a recovery rebate (stimulus checks). Will this affect my DTA benefits?
No. None of the following COVID relief individual rebates are considered countable income for SNAP, TAFDC and EAEDC:
- American Rescue Plan (March 2021) COVID relief payments of $1,400 for eligible adults and $1,400 for each eligible dependent/child
- Consolidated Appropriations Act (December 2020) COVID relief payments of $600 for each eligible adult and child
- CARES Act (March 2020) COVID relief payments of $1,200 for eligible adults and $500 for each child
You do not need to let DTA know if you received these.
If you missed any of the COVID stimulus payments, go to FindYourFunds.org to learn how to apply.
6. I got the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) money from the federal government from my taxes. Will this affect my DTA benefits?
No. Money from the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit do not count for DTA benefits. You do not have to let DTA know if you received these.
If you received monthly Child Tax Credit money in 2021 ($300 per child under 6, $250 per child aged 6 to 17) you need to file taxes to get the second half of the money. If you didn't get the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, go to FindYourFunds.org to learn how to apply.
7. How do I check my EBT card balance?
Check the available balance on your EBT card by:
- Downloading the DTA Connect Mobile App,
- Calling the automated DTA Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363, or
- Calling the EBT Customer Service number (800) 997-2555 (which is also on the back of your EBT card).
8. I am getting FEMA funeral assistance. Will this affect my DTA benefits?
No. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020 is not considered countable income or assets for SNAP, TAFDC and EAEDC. Visit Massachusetts Emergency Management Administration’s (MEMA) website to learn more about the funeral assistance program.
SNAP
1. How can I find out if I’m eligible for SNAP?
The fastest way to find out if you are eligible is to visit the DTA Connect Screening Tool. You can also apply online at DTAConnect.com, over the phone via the DTA Assistance Line (877-382-2363 – press 7) or send a paper application. If you need to access a phone or the internet to apply, you can visit a local DTA office to use our phone, scanners and kiosks.
2. Are there still extra SNAP benefits?
The temporary federal extra COVID SNAP benefits ended March 2, 2023. To help make the ending feel less abrupt, the state is funding extra SNAP benefits for three months starting April 7th. You will get your last extra SNAP payment in June 2023.
Learn more about the state-funded extra SNAP.
3. What if I spend all my SNAP benefits before I get benefits again?
Call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 800-645-8333 (TTY: 1-800-377-1292) for other food resources. The hotline is open Monday- Friday: 8am - 7pm and Saturday: 10am - 2pm.
4. My family member is quarantined at home. Can I food shop for them with their EBT card?
Any person included in your SNAP case can use your EBT card without telling DTA, as long as they have the PIN. Outside of your household members, only share your EBT card and PIN with a trusted family member or friend. If a family member or friend is going to shop for you regularly, you must give DTA signed, written permission telling us who will be shopping for you. You can submit this through the DTAConnect mobile app, by fax, or by mail.
5. Can I use my SNAP benefits to buy groceries online?
Yes, you can use your SNAP benefits to buy groceries online from many different retailers.
6. Do I have to complete my SNAP interim report/recertification during COVID-19?
SNAP only cases do not have to complete an interim report at this time. If you also receive TAFDC or EAEDC, you will need to complete an interim report.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP recertifications were previously extended for some households. Currently, there are no extensions to recertification periods.
DTA will notify you if you have a SNAP interim report or recertification that must be completed to continue receiving benefits. You will receive these forms in the mail or they can be completed online at DTAConnect.com.
Economic Assistance (TAFDC/EAEDC)
1. How can I apply for TAFDC or EAEDC (cash benefits)?
You can apply for TAFDC and EAEDC on DTAConnect.com. You can also call your local DTA office to complete an EAEDC and TAFDC application over the phone. If you need to access a phone or the internet to apply, you can visit a local DTA office to use our phone, scanners and kiosks.
2. How can I find out if I’m eligible for TAFDC or EAEDC?
Find out if you may be eligible for TAFDC here and EAEDC here.
3. Do I need to see my doctor to verify my disability?
If you are applying for EAEDC because you have a disability, we will send you a form that your medical provider will need to fill out. You need to return this form to us. If you are currently getting EAEDC because of a disability, we will send you this form when your case is reviewed and you will need to return it to complete your review.
If you are exempt from the TAFDC work program requirement because of a disability, you do not need to provide anything from a doctor at this time.
4. Will there be a clothing allowance this year?
Yes. If you are eligible to receive TAFDC benefits in September and have an eligible child under age 19, you will receive $450 per eligible child in the end of August. If you start to receive TAFDC during the month of September and have an eligible child, you will receive your child’s clothing allowance at a later date.
Check your EBT card balance or bank account if you signed up for direct deposit. See General section above for ways to check your EBT card balance. If you have a bank account, you can ask your DTA case manager to sign up for direct deposit so your benefits go directly into your bank account.
Employment Services
What if I have a work program requirement and I can’t participate in my TAFDC Employment Service Program or SNAP Employment & Training Program?
While you are receiving benefits from DTA you have access to many free TAFDC employment programs and SNAP employment and training programs that can help you get the job you want. Whether you need help with your resume or interview skills or you want to get a certificate through a training program, DTA can help connect you with an option that fits you and your family’s needs.
If you are required to participate in programing but are unable to do so because you are having difficulty finding childcare, you have a family crisis or something else is happening, tell your worker what is going on. DTA staff will work with you to find an option that works for you and your family.