News  Massachusetts Gets Federal Approval for Food Replacement Benefits for SNAP Recipients in 33 Cities and Towns

Almost 7,500 households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will automatically receive federal storm-related food replacement benefits due to the impact of Tropical Storm Isaias in 33 communities across the Commonwealth. The benefits will be added to each family’s electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card.

Benefit amounts and the eligible cities and towns are based on an analysis of Tropical Storm Isaias power outages and federal guidelines for replacement benefits. DTA issues SNAP benefits over a 14-day period. Those who receive their benefits on the first four days of the month will be reissued 60% of their August benefits and all other eligible households will be reissued 20% of their July benefits. These households may report a larger food loss due to Tropical Storm Isaias by notifying the Department through September 3, 2020 to request additional replacement benefits. 

Households receiving SNAP benefits who do not live in one of the 33 identified towns, but also lost food due to the storm, can also notify the Department about their loss through September 3, 2020. To notify DTA, affected families and individuals need to report their loss using the SNAP 9B form. If individuals are unable to access or print the form, they may sign and date a written statement that includes the same information. These forms can be uploaded to DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Connect mobile app. 

The 33 cities and towns: Becket, Belchertown, Brimfield, Brookfield, Chesterfield, East Brookfield, East Longmeadow, Grafton, Hardwick, Hinsdale, Holland, Hubbardston, Lanesborough, Longmeadow, Middlefield, Monson, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Northborough, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Sheffield, Shutesbury, Spencer, Stockbridge, Sutton, Wales, Wendell, West Stockbridge, Westminster, Wilbraham, and Worthington.