Massachusetts SNAP (Food Stamps)
Last updated: June 19, 2026
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income Massachusetts households buy groceries each month. In Massachusetts, SNAP is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and benefits are delivered on an EBT card.
What is SNAP in Massachusetts?
SNAP provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP — and for approved online grocery orders. Benefits can be used for foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, and bread and cereal. They cannot be used for tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, medicines, or non-food household items.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and certain expenses. Working families, older adults, people with disabilities, and others with limited income may qualify. Massachusetts uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, which raises the gross income limit and removes the asset test for most households — so more families qualify here than in states that apply the standard federal limits.
Massachusetts income limits
Because Massachusetts uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, most households can qualify with gross monthly income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level — notably higher than the 130% limit used by many other states. Exact dollar figures by household size are published in DTA's official categorical-eligibility chart, and DTA reviews your full situation when you apply. Households with an elderly or disabled member may follow different rules.
See the current figures in DTA's SNAP eligibility charts and issuance tables.
Maximum monthly benefit (general guide)
Your actual benefit depends on household size, income, and expenses. This chart shows the maximum monthly SNAP allotment by household size, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
| Household size | Max monthly benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| Each additional person | add $218 |
How to apply
You can apply for Massachusetts SNAP in several ways. After applying, you will complete an interview and provide documents to verify income and household details.
Apply online
Create an account and apply at DTAConnect.com, where you can also check your case, upload documents, and see your benefit amount.
Apply by phone
Call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363 for help applying and to request free language assistance.
Apply by mail or in person
You can also submit an application by mail or at a local DTA office.
Official source
This guide is based on information from the official program sources: Mass.gov — SNAP and the USDA FNS SNAP eligibility standards. Income limits and benefit amounts can change; always confirm current figures with DTA.
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- SNAP (federal overview)
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