Settlement: SNAP lawsuit against DTA about use of SNAP out of state
Date:
This information is for people who got a notice titled "Notice of Class Action Settlement in SNAP Lawsuit Against the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)." These notices were mailed by DTA on July 3, 2023. Click here to see the notice in English.
On August 24, 2023 the judge approved the settlement in this case. You do not need to take any action.
If you qualify for a back SNAP benefit under the settlement, DTA put the SNAP in your account and mailed you a notice around November 10, 2023. If you have questions about this, call (857) 241-1736 or email SNAPoutofstate@mlri.org
If you qualify for a back SNAP benefit under the settlement, DTA put the SNAP in your account and mailed you a notice around November 10, 2023. If you have questions about this, call (857) 241-1736 or email SNAPoutofstate@mlri.org
- If you got this notice and have questions, call or email the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI).
- MLRI is the legal aid organization that brought the lawsuit and provides free legal services to very low-income people.
- Call (857) 241-1736 or email SNAPoutofstate@mlri.org.
Here is what to know if you got this notice:
- You are NOT being sued.
- The lawsuit challenged DTA actions against SNAP households who used their SNAP outside Massachusetts.
- If you do not get SNAP now, you can apply any time.
What was the lawsuit about?
SNAP recipients have a right to use their SNAP benefits outside Massachusetts. In the past, DTA cut off SNAP benefits to some recipients who used their SNAP in another state and did not send DTA proof they were still a Massachusetts resident. Some SNAP recipients filed a lawsuit for themselves and other people who used their SNAP out-of-state. Your SNAP was cut off in the past after you used your SNAP outside Massachusetts, so you are part of this group.
What did DTA agree to do in the lawsuit settlement?
The agreement to end the lawsuit is called a Settlement. In the Settlement, DTA agreed to:
- Pay up to 6 months of SNAP benefits to some people who were cut off after August 1, 2019, and got back on SNAP after they were cut off. (this payment was issued around November 10, 2023)
- Pay up to 2 months of SNAP benefits to some people who were cut off after August 1, 2019, and did not get back on SNAP after they were cut off. (this payment was issued around November 10, 2023).
- Tell everyone who was cut off that they can reapply for SNAP.
- Not require SNAP Recipients who use their SNAP outside Massachusetts to re-prove Massachusetts residency unless they are at a point when they have to report changes.
Who will get a special SNAP payment under the Settlement?
You should have gotten a special SNAP payment if:
- DTA cut off your SNAP after August 1, 2019, after you used your SNAP in another state, and
- When DTA cut you off you were only getting SNAP benefits from DTA (you were not getting DTA cash benefits, called TAFDC or EAEDC).
- You do not need to apply for or ask for this benefit. If you qualify, DTA put the benefits in your EBT account.
- You do not need to be getting SNAP now to get this benefit.
- DTA mailed you a letter if they put the back benefit in your account. The letter is also on DTAConnect.
Who will not get a special SNAP payment under the Settlement?
If you were also getting DTA cash benefits (TAFDC or EAEDC) when DTA cut you off:
- You will not get a special SNAP payment under the Settlement
- DTA mailed you a notice that gives you information about how to reapply for SNAP.
If you do not get SNAP now, you can reapply at any time:
- Online or from a smartphone: DTAConnect.com.
- By phone: 877-382-2363, press 7.
- In person at any DTA office.
- With a paper application by mail or fax. To learn more, visit Mass.gov/SNAP.
Do you need to do anything?
No, you do not need to do anything.
How can you get more information?
Call or email Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI). MLRI is the legal aid organization that brought the lawsuit and provides free legal services to very low-income people. Call (857) 241-1736 or email SNAPoutofstate@mlri.org.