Hello. My name is Rhodaja Shubrick, Communications Coordinator at the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance DTA. I’m here to tell you about the extra COVID SNAP benefits and how you can get the most out of your normal monthly SNAP benefits. DTA serves residents of the Commonwealth with two cash assistance programs; Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, TAFDC, and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled people and Children, EAEDC. As well as the food assistance program, SNAP- the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. DTA also provides workforce training opportunities. In Massachusetts, households have been receiving temporary extra federal SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Due to recent action by the federal government, these extra payments are ending March 2, 2023. The COVID payment is the difference between your normal benefit amount and the maximum amount for your household size, with a minimum amount of $95 a month. You have been receiving this extra payment at the beginning of each month. The extra COVID SNAP is ending March 2, 2023. Starting in April, you will get only one monthly benefit. That is your normal amount. You can find your normal amount on the free DTA Connect mobile app and online portal at DTAConnect.com. 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. Remember that unused SNAP benefits roll over month to month, so you can save some of your benefits for after March 2. Also remember to change the PIN on your EBT card regularly to protect your benefits. What can you do to get the most out of your SNAP benefits? Your household should tell DTA about any costs that may increase your normal SNAP benefits, including: • Increases to your housing costs, rent or mortgage, • Medical costs over $35 a month for anyone in your SNAP household who is age 60 or older or has a disability, • and Child or disabled adult care costs if anyone in your SNAP household is working, looking for work, or in school. Also, Massachusetts households who get SNAP benefits can automatically participate in the Healthy Incentives Program (also known as 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 dollars a month depending on your household size. Learn more about how you can get the most out of your SNAP and find other resources to help at Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP Thank you.
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