Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Extra SNAP Benefits

Learn more about the state-funded extra Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from answers to these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

State-funded Extra SNAP Benefits Overview (video in ASL)

View transcript 

1. What were the federal extra COVID SNAP benefits?

The federal extra COVID SNAP benefits were the difference between your normal benefit amount and the maximum amount for your household size, with a minimum amount of $95 a month. These benefits were known as SNAP Emergency Allotments.

They were available March 2020 through February 2023. The temporary benefit program was made available under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act.

2. Why did the federal extra COVID SNAP benefits end?

Recent action by the federal government (through the Congressional Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023) ended the extra COVID SNAP benefits as of February 2023. This means that households received their last payment on March 2, 2023.

3. What are the state-funded extra SNAP benefits?

Since March 2020, Massachusetts has been providing extra federal COVID SNAP benefits. Due to federal action, these ended as of February 2023.

To continue providing assistance and to help families buy food while food prices are high, the state is funding extra SNAP benefits for three months. The last federal extra COVID SNAP payment was March 2, 2023. In April, May, and June you will get your normal monthly SNAP benefit and the extra state-funded SNAP benefit as a separate payment.

The state-funded extra SNAP benefits are up to 40% of the difference between your normal monthly SNAP benefit amount and the maximum SNAP amount for your household size, with a minimum amount of $38 a month.

These extra benefits are the same as normal SNAP benefits – you will receive them on your EBT card and can use them to buy food at any approved SNAP retailer (e.g., local grocery store, online, or at a farmers’ market). You will see these payments in your normal SNAP balance.

4. When will I get the state-funded extra SNAP benefits?

The state-funded extra SNAP benefits are available in the beginning of April, May, and June 2023 for the prior month’s benefits. For example, you will receive the extra SNAP in April for your March benefits.

The extra benefit is a separate payment from your normal monthly SNAP benefit amount. You still receive your normal SNAP benefit on your normal monthly issuance date.

Monthly Benefit	Payment Date
March SNAP Benefits	April 7
April SNAP Benefits	May 2
May SNAP Benefits	June 2

5. How are the state-funded extra SNAP benefits calculated?

As directed by the state’s supplemental budget, the state-funded extra SNAP benefits will be up to 40% of the difference between your normal monthly SNAP benefit amount and the maximum SNAP amount for your household size, with a minimum amount of $38 a month.

• If your household receives the maximum SNAP amount for your household size: you will get $38 a month
• If your household does not get the maximum amount for your household size, but 40% of the difference is less than $38 a month: you will get $38 a month
• If your household does not get the maximum amount for your household size, but 40% of the difference is more than $38 a month: you will get up to 40% of that difference (see examples below)

 

Example 1: Nancy lives in a SNAP household of five and gets $914 a month in normal SNAP. The maximum monthly amount for a household of five is $1,116.

$1,116 - $914 = $202. 40% of $202 = $81. Nancy’s household will get $81 in extra SNAP.

 

Example 2: Dan lives in a SNAP household of three and gets $740 a month in normal SNAP. The maximum monthly amount for a household of three is $740.

$740 - $740 = 0. Dan’s household will get $38 in extra SNAP.

 

Example 3: Brenda-Lee is a household of one and gets $195 a month in normal SNAP. The maximum monthly amount for a household of one is $281.

 

$281 - $195 = $86. 40% of $86 is $34. Brenda-Lee will receive $38 a month in extra SNAP because 40% of the difference is less than $38.

6. How will this impact my SNAP benefits?

The last extra state-funded SNAP payment will be on June 2, 2023. Starting in July, your household will get only one SNAP payment. That amount is your normal monthly benefit.

You can get your normal benefit amount on DTA Connect or by listening to the information about your case by calling the DTA Assistance Line:

1. Call 877-382-2363
2. Choose your language
3. Press 1 and authenticate
4. Press 1 for SNAP
5. Press 1 again to hear your case summary. This information includes your normal monthly benefit amount.

7. How do I check my balance/find out my normal monthly SNAP benefit amount?

You can check your balance and find your normal monthly SNAP benefit amount on DTAConnect.com, the DTA Connect mobile app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card (800-997-2555).

 

You can also find this amount on the DTA Assistance Line by following these steps:

1. Call 877-382-2363
2. Choose your language
3. Press 1 and authenticate
4. Press 1 for SNAP
5. Press 1 again to hear your case summary. This information includes your normal monthly benefit amount.

8. Do I have to use all my SNAP benefits in one month?

No, unused SNAP benefits roll over month to month. SNAP benefits will not be removed from your card if you use your benefits any time within 274 days.

9. How do I get the most out of my monthly SNAP benefit?

Maximum SNAP benefits are:

Household Size	Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit
1	$281
2	$516
3	$740
4	$939
5	$1,116
6	$1,339
7	$1,480

 

If your normal SNAP amount is lower than the above, and you don't already claim the expenses below, your SNAP may go up if you tell DTA about these costs:

• Medical costs over $35 a month for anyone in your SNAP household who is 60 or older or has a disability,
• Increase to your housing costs (rent/mortgage), and
• Child or disabled adult care costs (if anyone in your SNAP household is working, looking for work, or in school).

We don’t need proof from you about these costs – just tell us the information. If we need any proof, we will tell you.

Tell DTA about these changes that may increase your SNAP by:

• Writing down the information and sending it to DTA through DTA Connect
• Calling the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363
• Visiting a local DTA office
• Mailing the written information to DTA Document Processing Center, PO Box 4406, Taunton, MA 02780
• Faxing the written information to DTA Document Processing Center, 617-887-8765
• Working with one of DTA’s over 100 SNAP outreach community partners

Learn more about contacting DTA at Mass.gov/ContactDTA. 

Learn more about how you may be able to increase your normal monthly SNAP benefit amount.

10. Can I use HIP to boost my SNAP benefits?

Massachusetts households who get SNAP benefits automatically can participate in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). HIP puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors, up to $40, $60 or $80 a month depending on your household size.

Find a HIP vendor at DTAFinder.com. Learn more about HIP at Mass.gov/HIP.

11. Where can I find tips for shopping on a budget ?

DTA’s SNAP Nutrition Education Program (SNAP-Ed) website has tips for shopping on a budget, healthy and culturally appropriate recipes, cooking videos, and resources to find an activity near you: MASNAPEd.org

Tips for shopping on a budget

12. Who do I contact for additional food help?

• Find local food pantries and community meal sites near you: The Greater Boston Food Bank, The Merrimack Valley Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and The Worcester County Food Bank
• Contact Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline by call or text 1-800-645-8333 or visit Project Bread

• If you have children under age 5/are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be eligible for the WIC nutrition program: Mass.gov/WIC or call 800-942-1007
• If you are age 60 or older, you may be eligible for senior nutrition programs. Check your eligibility and apply.

13. I am a community organization looking to help spread the word, where can I find materials?

Download the SNAP Emergency Allotment Ending Partner Toolkit for flyers, social media graphic/text, and sample robocall/text/email in 16 languages, as well as videos (English, Spanish, and American Sign Language ASL).

Date published:	January 6, 2023
Last updated:	March 31, 2023