Our next SNAP Coalition meeting will be on Tuesday, April 22 from 10-11:30 AM. Zoom link here. Agenda to come.
EBT Outage from Sat. April 26 at 11 PM until midday Sun. April 27
There will be a brief EBT outage from 11 PM on Saturday, April 26 until midday on Sunday, April 27 because DTA is changing EBT companies. SNAP households will not be able to buy food with SNAP from 11 p.m. on April 26 until mid-day April 27. Households getting TAFDC or EAEDC cash benefits on their EBT card (not direct deposit) will not be able to make purchases or withdraw funds during those times.
Visit Mass.gov/EBT to see DTA’s information on this and outreach fliers in 6 languages. Please share Mass.gov/EBT fliers widely! DTA is also doing social media on this and has mailed a notice to clients.
Reminder: MLRI training Thurs. April 10 at 2 PM on the ABAWD Work Rules
Massachusetts is required to implement a federal 3-month time limit for certain SNAP recipients ages 18 through 54 who DTA identifies as “Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents” (ABAWDs). The ABAWD Work Rules re-start on May 1. Many people do not have to meet these punitive rules. However, some do - and they risk losing SNAP after 3 months unless they show DTA they are exempt or meet the rules. Please join us to learn more about these rules and what you can do to make sure vulnerable adults are not terminated from SNAP. Register for MLRI’s training on April 10 at 2 PM here.
File tax return by April 15 to get MA Child and Family Tax Credit!
Families who file a MA tax return could get $440 for each eligible child under 13, dependent 65+ or with disabilities, and spouse who needs care. Families qualify for these payments even if they did not make any or very little money from work in 2024 (and therefore don’t have to file taxes). These payments do not count for SNAP, DTA cash benefits, or other benefit programs. File taxes by April 15 (unless household gets an extension). Learn more and see outreach fliers in 11 languages on FindYourFunds.org.
Income Maximization Basic Benefits Training, May 6 @ 9 AM - 1 PM
This training focuses on benefits that help working families and individuals maximize their income and reduce expenses. It is designed as a broad overview for new and experienced legal services advocates, social and health services workers, and community activists who want to learn about or get an update on key income supports. To register (select reduced rate) click here.
