88. Can I use my EBT benefits out of state?

Yes. You have a right to use your SNAP in all 50 states. SNAP is a federal program that is “interoperable” between states. 7 C.F.R. § 274.8(b)(10). There are many reasons households need to use SNAP in a state other than their state  of residence. Many SNAP recipients live near and shop in border states – such as New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York. Often some of the large grocery stores across state lines are closer and/or cheaper. And, families may need to travel to care for a sick family member or for other emergencies. 

If you are temporarily in another state or states, you can use your SNAP benefits while out of state. The Massachusetts DTA should not assume you have abandoned your MA residency or threaten to close your SNAP case solely because you are shopping out of state.  

Contact MLRI at info@masslegalservices.org if you lost SNAP because DTA asked you to re-prove your residency when you were temporarily out of state.