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Is Massachusetts getting extra SNAP benefits in June 2022?

Recent action by the federal government ends the extra SNAP benefits, known as SNAP Emergency Allotments, as of February 2023. This means that households will receive their last payment on Ma.

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1. How do I change my phone number with DTA?

You can update your phone number with DTA via DTA Connect. Go to “my info” and click on the “edit” button across from Primary Phone Number. Enter the new number and click save. A popup message will appear confirming your change.

You can also update your number by phone:

If you receive SNAP benefits, call the DTA Assistance Line (see steps below). If you receive cash benefits, contact your case manager. Their information is available on DTA Connect. Steps to update your number via the automated prompts on the DTA Assistance Line: Call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363 Select your language Enter your information to authenticate Select 1 for SNAP Select 2 to report a phone number change

2. How do I add a family member to my DTA case?

If you receive only SNAP benefits:

You can upload a statement on DTA Connect. Go to uploading documents and choose “submit verifications.” Sign and date a written statement on a piece of paper that includes the name, date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN) of the person being added. If you recently gave birth or adopted a newborn, you must include the newborn’s date of birth and SSN (if available). If no SSN is available for the newborn, you have at least 6 months to provide it or documentation from the SSA stating that an SSN application has been filed. DTA will then process and add the member to your case. Staff will reach out if they have any questions or need more information. You can also add a family member by phone: call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363. If you receive cash benefits (TAFDC/EAEDC) and recently gave birth to or gained custody of a child, you can upload the notification of birth or proof of custody on DTA Connect. Go to uploading documents and choose “submit verifications.” Your case manager will contact you to add the child. You can also contact your case manager. Their information is available on DTA Connect.

3. I got money from the state government as a tax refund (credit). Will this affect my DTA benefits?

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Children are eligible for P-EBT if they: Live in a household that received SNAP benefits for at least one month from September 2021 through May 2022.

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No. This money is not considered countable income for SNAP, TAFDC, and EAEDC. You do not need to let DTA know if you received this.

Learn more about this for the 2021 Tax Year.

4. I got $500 through the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program. Will this affect my DTA benefits?

No. This one-time payment is not countable for DTA benefits (SNAP, TAFDC, EAEDC). You do not need to let DTA know if you received this.

5. I am receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Am I eligible for assistance from DTA?

You may be eligible for benefits. When determining eligibility for DTA programs, unemployment insurance benefits are counted as income.

6. I got money from the federal government as a recovery rebate (stimulus checks). Will this affect my DTA benefits?

No. None of the following COVID relief individual rebates are considered countable income for SNAP, TAFDC and EAEDC: American Rescue Plan (March 2021) COVID relief payments of $1,400 for eligible adults and $1,400 for each eligible dependent/child Consolidated Appropriations Act (December 2020) COVID relief payments of $600 for each eligible adult and child CARES Act (March 2020) COVID relief payments of $1,200 for eligible adults and $500 for each child

You do not need to let DTA know if you received these.

If you missed any of the COVID stimulus payments, go to FindYourFunds.org to learn how to apply.

7. I got the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) money from the federal government from my taxes. Will this affect my DTA benefits?

No. Money from the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit do not count for DTA benefits. You do not have to let DTA know if you received these. If you received monthly Child Tax Credit money in 2021 ($300 per child under 6, $250 per child aged 6 to 17) you need to file taxes to get the second half of the money. If you didn't get the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, go to FindYourFunds.org to learn how to apply.

8. How do I check my EBT card balance?

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Check the available balance on your EBT card by:

Downloading the DTA Connect Mobile App ,

Calling the automated DTA Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363 , or

Calling the EBT Customer Service number (800) 997-2555 (which is also on the back of your EBT card).

9. I am getting FEMA funeral assistance. Will this affect my DTA benefits?

No. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020 is not considered countable income or assets for SNAP, TAFDC and EAEDC. Visit Massachusetts Emergency Management Administration’s (MEMA) website to learn more about the funeral assistance program.

10. My social security income has gone up. Will this impact my DTA benefits?

An increase in social security income may impact your DTA benefits starting in February. If your SSI and/or RSDI benefits have changed, DTA will automatically update your case. The temporary extra, COVID SNAP benefits are still available. You will receive your last extra COVID SNAP in March. Your SNAP benefits may go up if you tell us about certain costs. For example: Medical costs over $35 a month for anyone in your SNAP household who is 60 or older or has a disability,

Increase to your housing costs (rent/mortgage), and

Child or disabled adult care costs (if anyone in your SNAP household is working, looking for work, or in school).

Learn more about these costs and how to tell us about them.

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