What is HIP?
The Healthy Incentives Program or HIP is a Massachusetts program that puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP-participating farm vendors.
Find out more about HIP at mass.gov/HIP. Find participating vendors at DTAFinder.com.
What about HIP is changing?
Starting in December, the maximum HIP benefit a household can use will be $20 a month for all households, regardless of size.
Why are HIP benefits changing?
Governor Maura Healey requested $25 million in her Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal to fully fund the HIP. The final budget provided $15 million, leaving a $10 million deficit.
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worked with our partners at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to evaluate options to meet the $15 million budget that would cause the least disruption to clients and farmers.
Reducing the monthly HIP incentive to $20 was the only viable option to ensure the program could continue to operate year-round.
Can I still use my SNAP benefits at the HIP farm vendors even if I've used all my HIP?
Yes! All HIP vendors process SNAP.
Will the HIP incentive ever go back to what it was before?
The HIP incentive will be capped at $20 per household starting on December 1, 2024. DTA cannot anticipate whether incentive levels will change again in the future.
How can I tell how much HIP I have available?
To find out how much HIP you've used this month, call the phone number on the back of your EBT card (1-800-997-2555).
You can also see the amount you've used each month by checking your receipt after making a HIP-eligible purchase.
For more information (including steps on how to use HIP), visit mass.gov/HIP.
I participate in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. How will this impact me?
If you wish to continue participating in your Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, starting in December, you will be charged the amount you signed up for and will get up to $20 back in HIP instead of the $40, $60, or $80 you used to get.
If you need to cancel your CSA participation, contact the HIP team at 413-772-3411 with your name, phone number, and agency ID or email the HIP team at DTA.CSA@mass.gov.
CSA farm vendors also have cancellation forms available.
You have until November 20, 2024 to modify your CSA participation for December.
Will this change impact my SNAP benefits?
No, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are not impacted by this change.
For Vendors
What materials can I use to explain this change to my customers?
The department has created a flyer that has information about the change in 15 languages.