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What are SNAP Benefits?
What are SNAP Benefits?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is run by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). SNAP is a program that provides financial aid to low-income residents who are eligible for the program to purchase food.
Where can you find the SNAP benefits application?
In person: Find the SNAP Benefits Application at your local SNAP/DTA office or social security office.
Online: Visit the Massachusetts SNAP Benefits Website or DTA Connect website.
By Mail or Fax: Call your local DTA/social security office to request an application or find a downloadable application from your state's website by mail or fax.
What do SNAP benefits do?
What do SNAP benefits do?
SNAP benefits provide monthly payments to families who are in need of assistants when it comes to purchasing food. These payments are transferred to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. An EBT card is similar to a debit card but can only be used to purchase eligible food items at stores that accept EBT cards.
If you are eligible for SNAP benefits, you can qualify for other programs such as the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), free school meals, and EBT Card to Culture.
Where can you use an EBT Card?
Where can you use an EBT Card?
In-store shopping: Most grocery stores such as Aldi, Stop & Shop, Costco, Walmart and Target are some of the many grocery stores that accept EBT cards or other forms of food assistance.
Online Shopping: Online websites such as Walmart, Amazon, or delivery services such as Instacart accept EBT cards or other forms of food assistance.
Farmers Markets and Co-ops: A lot of local markets accept EBT cards with incentives programs.
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations: Some convenience stores and gas stations participate in EBT for specific food items in the stores. This is mainly an exception in rural areas.
Pharmacies: A few pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens accept EBT cards for eligible groceries only.
What can you buy with an EBT Card?
Main Ideas:
Fruits and vegetables
Bread and cereals
Meats, Fish, and poultry
Dairy products
Did you Know you CAN Purchase These Items?
Live fish, lobsters, and shellfish
Pumpkins
Birthday or special occasion cakes as long as the non-edible decor does not equal over 50% of the price of the cake
Seeds and plants which produce consumable products
Energy drinks with a nutritional facts label
What can you NOT buy with an EBT Card?
Main Ideas:
Alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco
Pet foods/supplies
soaps/paper products
Household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Hot foods
Foods that will be eaten in the store
Grooming items
Cosmetics
Did you Know you CANNOT Purchase These Items?
Live animals and birds
Inedible gourds and pumpkins that are just for decoration
Energy drinks that have supplemental facts labels and are classified by the FDA as supplements
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