We hope you all are having a positive start to 2025. Our next SNAP Coalition meeting will be on Tuesday, January 28 from 10-11:30. Zoom link here. We will have a lot to discuss, and look forward to seeing you then. In the meantime, see some timely updates.
How to reduce risk of SNAP theft & story collection
Because Congress failed to extend federal replacement for stolen SNAP benefits, DTA cannot replace SNAP stolen on or after December 21, 2024 with federal dollars (for more context, MLRI’s press release on this issue is here).
It is extremely important SNAP households do everything they can to protect their benefits. Families should not have to protect themselves when government has failed to do so - but right now, that is the only option. Most urgently, please encourage families to:
- Change their PIN as often as possible, and at least before every SNAP issuance
- Use DTA’s lock/unlock feature on DTAConnect
- Continue to report stolen SNAP to DTA
Learn more at Mass.gov/ProtectYourEBT.
Stolen SNAP case examples: To advocate for state funds for replacement, it is critical to hear from households whose SNAP benefits are stolen (“skimmed”). Families or partners can fill out this form on our MassLegalHelp resource page (please do not include confidential information like the EBT card number). Contact Vicky with any questions.
SNAP access barriers continue: Difficulties reaching DTA for the interview and other issues
We continue to hear from SNAP households and helping agencies about a number of challenges for people applying for or renewing benefits, or households reporting changes. For example:
- Reports that applicants have to wait on hold or are not quickly connected to a worker when picking up their scheduled mandatory application interview call.
- Long wait times and high foot traffic at DTA offices.
- Serious processing delays, especially for families who report changes to DTA like the loss of a job.
Given the need in our communities, we are concerned these access challenges are likely contributing to recent reductions in the SNAP caseload. See MLRI charts here, and letter to Secretary Walsh about these issues from Nov. 26 here. We have communicated concerns to the Healey Administration, urging them to identify resources to help DTA timely serve families and meet its obligations. We will discuss this at our January Coalition meeting, please continue sharing what you are seeing!
MLRI is preparing Know Your Rights materials to help SNAP households navigate these challenges, including their rights to appeal a denial, reduction, or termination of benefits. In the meantime, see MLRI advocacy tips on how to get help from DTA. We encourage you and households to contact local State Legislators about these issues and the need for funding for more DTA resources.
MIRA Coalition Know Your Rights Training/Materials for Immigrant Households
Our colleagues at the Mass Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) have produced detailed “Know Your Rights” (KYR) materials in multiple languages to help immigrant households protect themselves as the incoming Administration increases immigration enforcement.
Here’s the link to the MIRA Coalition KYR handouts and recordings of KYR trainings done in December (available in other languages), and an upcoming KYR training on January 16th (you need to preregister). We will share additional materials from the Attorney General and national organizations at another time.
Upcoming Basic Benefits training on utilities, SNAP, and MassHealth
Each year MLRI with our partners in legal aid puts on a series of trainings with MCLE on a range of public benefits and issues impacting low-income individuals and families. The three upcoming trainings - including our popular annual SNAP 101 training - are below. Registration is $35 for community groups/advocates/legal services:
DTA opening new local DTA office in Jackson Square
Due to client needs in Boston and with the goal of reducing the high number of visitors at Nubian Square, DTA is opening a second Boston office at 1785 Columbus Avenue, near Jackson Square in Roxbury. DTA has shared it is hoping to open the office by January 27, and has started reaching out to clients who live in the areas covered by the Jackson Square office. For a list of areas that will be served by the Jackson Square office, click here.
