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SNAP Benefits and the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (I/DD) Community

Learn more about potential issues with upcoming SNAP benefits and what you and your family can do if you experience a lapse in food assistance.
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What are SNAP benefits?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides low-income individuals and people with disabilities with resources to purchase food and drink items. These benefits are commonly known as "food stamps." For many, these benefits are a lifeline that allows them and their families to live healthy lives. In Massachusetts, SNAP benefits are managed by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

According to Governor Maura Healey, of the nearly 1.1 million Massachusetts residents who receive SNAP benefits:

  • 32% (336,832) are children,
  • 31% (310,832) are people with disabilities, and
  • 26% (264,330) are seniors age 60+

Nationwide, these issues with funding could impact 42 million people, or 1 in 8 Americans, who rely on SNAP to buy food.

Ongoing issues with SNAP benefits for November 2025

Due to the ongoing government shutdown that began on October 1st, eligible SNAP recipients saw a lapse in benefits for the month of November. This is because funding that states receive to provide benefits was put on hold until lawmakers on the federal level have agreed on a budget for fiscal year 2026. Each month, Massachusetts receives $240 million in federal funding for food assistance, but with the shutdown, the Commonwealth has no way to cover the cost of the program. Because of this, Massachusetts and 24 other states were not able to deliver food aid on November 1st.

On Thursday, November 6th, a judge ordered that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must deliver full SNAP benefits to recipients. Massachusetts residents began to receive these benefits shortly after this decision. The Presidential Administration then issued an emergency appeal to extend the funding pause which was granted by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday, November 7th. Following this decision, states that have issued SNAP benefits between rulings are now being asked to undo these payments.

This situation is still ongoing, with new information being released daily.

Help the MDDC understand your situation

The MDDC is interested in hearing from Massachusetts residents who are enrolled in federal assistance programs to learn if there has been any loss/change of benefits. The information you share will help the MDDC educate and inform decision-makers on why these programs are a lifeline for people with I/DD. Click here to take the survey.

What can you do if there is a disruption in your SNAP benefits?

Food Banks/Pantries

Many Massachusetts organizations and resources are able to connect individuals to food assistance programs to help if SNAP benefits are on hold. This list is not comprehensive.

File a case with your member of Congress

If you and/or your family have/has lost their benefit(s) you can file a case with your member of Congress.

1. Find your member of Congress

  • Go to congress.gov.
  • Enter your street address, city, and ZIP code to find your specific House Representative.
  • You can also find your Senators on the same website.

2. Contact the office

  • Visit the website of the member you wish to contact.
  • Look for a section titled "Casework," "Services," "Help with a Federal Agency," or something similar.
  • Many offices have a privacy release form that you must complete to begin the case.

3. Prepare your information

  • Gather all relevant documents and case information before you start.
  • For cases involving federal agencies, you may need information like your Social Security number (for Social Security cases), your claim number (for VA cases), or your taxpayer ID (for IRS issues).
  • Have copies of any related correspondence or documents ready to provide to the office.

4. Submit your request

  • Follow the instructions on your representative's website to submit your request, which may involve an online form or a printable form.
  • The office will review your case and a staff member will contact you to discuss how they can assist.

Protecting your benefits

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) has published a new resource meant to provide information on benefit management during this time. 

It is important to remember what does and does not count as income that would affect your benefits. For example, if someone provides you with money to buy food (cash, electronic transfers, gift cards, etc.) it could be seen as income or assets that count towards your eligibility limits. However, if someone purchases food for you or provides you with a prepared meal, this will not affect your benefits. 

It may also be helpful to keep track of any gifts or food you received while your benefits were on hold. If you are asked how you survived without your SNAP benefits, you will have proof that food was given to you.

If you are unsure about whether to accept contributions from someone, talk to your benefits specialist or case manager for guidance before accepting help.

Click here to view the full resource from the NACDD.

Changes to SNAP following the July 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill

On July 4th, 2025, Congress signed a budget reconciliation bill titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Reconciliation bills change laws about taxes and how the government spends money. These changes are made to match the goals of the federal budget.

The OBBBA could cause some changes to SNAP funding in the coming years:

  • Historically, the federal government has paid the full cost of SNAP programs and States have been in charge of managing them. Starting in October 2027, for the first time ever, states will have to provide funding towards SNAP programs.
  • People will now have to prove they are working at least 20 hours per week in order to receive benefits.
  • In 2024, a person could receive a maximum of $291 per month. Increases to benefits to adjust for inflation will begin to be smaller than in the past.

The MDDC published a fact sheet on federal Medicaid funding that explores potential changes to federal assistance programs that impact the lives of people with I/DD following the signing of this bill. Click the link below to view the fact sheet.

Sources

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