Good news for families in Massachusetts who are receiving food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Healey administration has announced that they will receive extra payments of at least $38 this week, providing much-needed relief during these difficult times. Following the expiration of the federal enhancement to SNAP, Gov. Maura Healey recently signed a spending bill into law to create an “offramp” for those who rely on the program. As a result, the Department of Transitional Assistance has announced that the first payments will flow on Friday, April 7.
More than 650,000 households will benefit from these payments, with the minimum amount set at $38 and payments worth up to 40% of the enhanced federal benefits, according to the DTA. This $130 million plan will provide heightened monthly SNAP benefits, but only for another three months, aiming to prevent Bay State families from a sharp and sudden decrease in assistance.
If You Live in Massachusetts and Get a Snap Benefit, This Is How to Get the Extra Cash Aid
SNAP programs can buy certain things, and others can’t. For example, you can freely buy fruits, vegetables and non-perishable foods that are included in the federal SNAP lists to feed your family, while other non-essential items, such as alcohol, cigarettes, or prescription drugs, are prohibited.
Not only that, but your SNAP’s EBT card has a big list of benefits for your household’s economy. You can get utility discounts, free school meals for your kids, be eligible for Head Start child care, discounted internet via Affordable Connectivity Program, and more. Since culture is a human right, you also have access with discounted admissions to many Commonwealth museums and cultural institutions with the EBT Card to Culture program.
Eligibility for these benefits is determined by a few factors, including household composition, income, and certain expenses. But don’t worry, the state has made it easy for you to check your eligibility in just 30 seconds using this confidential screener form. Just enter here, answer what is being asked, and the “yes” or “no” will come up in a breeze.
If you’re already in the program, your extra cash boost will come automatically to your EBT card. The extra SNAP payments for Massachusetts families come at a critical time and will provide much-needed relief during these challenging times.
The program is an essential lifeline for many families across the United States, and the additional support will undoubtedly make a significant difference.