What's new at MLS

A reminder that we will be having our regular 4th Wed of the month Health Care Working Group meeting on Wed Feb 28 at 3-4:30. The zoom link should be in your calendar already. The agenda will include hearing from those in attendance on top of mind issues  as well as:  a summary of…

We hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of February. If you have kids on school vacation and you are reading this email, we hope you are at least taking some time off to enjoy the brisk sunshine!   SNAP Coalition - Tuesday, February 27th - 10 to 11:30 AM The next SNAP Coalition…

A few items to share.    State SNAP for MA Immigrants - Materials  Thanks to those of you who attended yesterday’s training on SNAP for Massachusetts immigrants. 196 folks registered in less than 24 hours!  WOW! We are following up with materials for both attendees…

Happy Wednesday - We have good news!   State SNAP for immigrant households - Round 1 benefits issued 2/15! DTA is now issuing state SNAP benefits to legally present immigrants who qualify - the first payment will be available on EBT cards around 11 AM tomorrow, Feb…

As tomorrow's storm comes our way, two things of note:   1. ALL DTA offices are closed for in-person services tomorrow, February 13, due to the storm. DTA has posted an alert on Mass.gov/DTA. The statewide phone line (the Assistance Line) will be open, and SNAP workers will…

Two timely updates below.  Benefit theft: How to get replacement and protect SNAP  There has been a recent uptick in skimming theft. For example, see this recent media piece from Western MA.  DTA has posted alerts that households in some areas of the state have had their…

MassHealth Estate Recovery: Today the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation released an issue brief on MassHealth Estate Recovery with recommendations for reform. MLRI wrote an accompanying report profiling 4 people who faced estate recovery claims after the death of a spouse or parent who had…

We are pleased to announce the 2024 SNAP Advocacy Guide! Updated as of January 2024, the Guide is currently available as a PDF here: https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/2024-snap-advocacy-guide The SNAP Advocacy Guide (227 pages) gives you the most up to date information on the SNAP…

We ended last week's HCWG meeting early in order to attend the EOHHS budget briefing but didn't intend to end it so abruptly. Sorry about that!  This is a link to MLRI's preliminary analysis of the Governor's proposed budget for FY 2025 which was filed last Wednesday. MLRI…

Greetings SNAP Coalition members, and happy first day of February. As the MA Legislature gears up for the FY25 budget deliberations, look out for more updates and action steps. In the meantime, important updates! SNAP 200% Gross Income Test increase Feb 2024 In general, households need to have…