News  DTA to Reopen Local Transitional Assistance Offices for Limited Services in June

Today, the Department of Transitional Assistance announced that local transitional assistance offices (TAO) across the Commonwealth will begin reopening to applicants and clients for limited-service options on Monday, June 28, 2021. The Department’s office reopening will be a gradual and phased return to a safe level of in-person services for clients and staff at local offices.

DTA’s 21 local offices are important pieces of the fabric of the communities they serve, connecting clients with critical benefits and resources. The Department’s initial reopening phase will focus on supporting clients with limited access to technology and those who cannot safely access DTA’s wide array of remote services by opening TAO lobbies and interview rooms for clients to use self-service kiosks, scanners, and phones to:

• Drop off or scan documents
• Apply for SNAP (food assistance) and TAFDC or EAEDC (economic/cash assistance)
• Complete SNAP recertifications
• Request replacement EBT cards to be mailed
• Access services through the Assistance Line or be connected to appropriate DTA staff

In response to the impact of the pandemic, DTA significantly expanded access to the agency’s services for the vast majority of the families and individuals it serves. Clients can now apply online or by phone for all DTA programs by calling the DTA Assistance Line, as well as request replacement EBT cards. Clients can use the DTA Connect website and mobile application to apply for benefits, submit documents, and update case-related information. Learn about all the ways that people can connect with DTA here.

Replacement EBT cards will continue to be available by mail. Clients can request and track replacement EBT cards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the DTA Assistance Line or using the DTA Connect website and mobile application.

The Department’s operational reopening is contingent on a number of important factors, including current public health statistics, state and federal public health guidelines, and the implementation of operational changes to support health and safety requirements.

More information about the Department’s program and policies during the public health emergency can be found at mass.gov/dta/COVID-19. Visit DTAConnect.com to apply for SNAP. Call 877-382-2363 to access the DTA Assistance Line.