StateEBT

SNAP and EBT, state by state: official logins, phone numbers, income limits and rules

FY2027 limits, in effect from October 1, 2026

Massachusetts EBT and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Reviewed Income limits for FY2027 (Oct 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2027)

In Massachusetts, SNAP keeps its federal name and is run by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), which also handles the TAFDC and EAEDC cash programs1,6. You apply, renew and lock your card in DTA Connect1,9. For FY2027 the big change is the card itself: every client was mailed a chip-and-tap EBT card in summer 2026, and the old swipe-only cards stop working on November 29, 20267. Massachusetts also pays back $40 to $80 a month when SNAP buys local produce at farm vendors, through its Healthy Incentives Program20.

Official links and numbers

Apply, renew, upload documents, lock your cardDTA Connectdtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov
Balance, PIN, lost card, activate chip card (24 hours)1-800-997-2555
Questions about your case (DTA Assistance Line)1-877-382-2363Case managers Mon-Fri 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; automated line 24 hours
New chip/tap card: activation deadline and FAQDTA EBT Chip/Tap FAQmass.gov
Find your SNAP deposit dayUsing Your EBT Card (DTA)mass.gov

StateEBT is an independent guide, not a government website. Applications, logins and balances are handled only on the official sites above, run by Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and its EBT contractor.

DTA Connect: the website and the app

DTA Connect is where you apply for SNAP, upload proof, file interim reports and recertifications, and request a new EBT card under "My Info"2,6,13. DTA says you can usually see a new application in DTA Connect about one business day after you apply2. The same account handles SUN Bucks summer benefits for families who do not get SNAP21.

The free DTA Connect app for iPhone and Android does the same jobs on a phone12. It is also the quickest way to lock your EBT card between shopping trips: on the website choose "Lock EBT Card" next to your card number, and in the app look under "Benefit Detail"9. Not sure you qualify? DTA's screener at dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/screening takes about 30 seconds1,2.

DTA Connect · App: iPhone, Android

Chip cards, photos and PINs on the Massachusetts EBT card

DTA moved its EBT contract from Conduent to FIS in late April 2025; cards and the number on the back did not change11. In July 2026 DTA mailed about 35,000 chip-and-tap cards in the Worcester area, then sent them to the rest of the state through August8. Activate yours by making a purchase or by calling 1-800-997-2555 to set a new PIN. Old cards without a chip stop working on November 29, 20267. If you never got a chip card, ask for one in DTA Connect or at the same number; there is no fee for it, and the old card shuts off as soon as you ask7.

Massachusetts law puts your photo on the card, taken from your RMV license or ID. You are exempt if you are 18 or under, 60 or older, blind, disabled, homeless, a domestic violence survivor, have a religious objection, or only get benefits for someone else. Others on your case can still use the card with the PIN6,5. Check your balance at 1-800-997-2555 (it reads your last ten transactions), in DTA Connect, on your last receipt, or with a free balance check at an ATM6. A replacement card comes by mail in 5 to 7 days, or at once at a local DTA office. Replacement fees are waived during the chip changeover; DTA says they are expected to return at the usual $5.00, taken from your benefits6.

SNAP stolen after December 20, 2024 cannot be replaced, because Congress did not extend federal funding. DTA still asks you to file a stolen benefits report in case funding returns10. Stolen TAFDC or EAEDC cash is different: DTA replaces the full confirmed amount10. To dispute an EBT error, call within 90 days5.

Massachusetts SNAP and EBT phone numbers

ForNumberHours
EBT Customer Service (balance, PIN, lost or stolen card)1-800-997-2555524 hours, 7 days
DTA Assistance Line (case questions; press 7 to apply)1-877-382-23632Case managers Mon-Fri 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
DTA Fraud Line (stolen benefits claims)1-833-602-924710—
DTA Fraud Hotline (report retailer or client fraud)1-800-372-839923—
SUN Bucks Hotline1-855-425-877021—
SNAP Path to Work (free job and training help)1-888-483-025515—
Fax for applications and documents (DTA Document Processing Center)1-617-887-87652—
Project Bread FoodSource Hotline (application help)Listed on DTA's SNAP page1-800-645-83332—

Applying to DTA for SNAP

  1. Apply in DTA Connect, by phone or on paper. Apply online in DTA Connect, or call 1-877-382-2363 and press 7. Paper forms come in several languages, and people 60 or older can use the shorter SNAP application for seniors2.
  2. Send it any way that works. A paper form can go by mail to the DTA Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 4406, Taunton, MA 02780, by fax to 1-617-887-8765, or to a local office, outreach partner or community kiosk2. Your name, address and signature are enough to file2.
  3. Do the phone interview. DTA schedules a phone interview and provides an interpreter if you need one. Afterward it tells you which documents it still needs2.
  4. Watch the mail for your card. Your EBT card often arrives in 3 to 5 days, before the decision. You need proof of identity and a Social Security number to get it, and you choose the PIN by phone or at an office2,6.
  5. Get the decision. DTA decides within 30 days. If you are approved, benefits are paid back to the day you applied2.

Emergency (expedited) SNAP comes within 7 days if your income and bank money together are less than your monthly housing expenses; if monthly income is under $150 and you have $100 or less in the bank; or if you are a migrant worker with less than $100 in the bank. It usually covers one month while DTA collects proof. If DTA says no and you disagree, call 1-877-382-236314.

SNAP is not part of the immigration public charge test, and a parent who is not eligible can apply for an eligible child2. Your spouse and any children under 22 who live with you must be on the same SNAP case, even if you shop and cook apart2. If a disability makes the process hard, a Client Assistance Coordinator can arrange an accommodation through 1-877-382-23632.

Income limits in Massachusetts for FY2027

Monthly amounts before taxes, October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027
Household sizeGross income limit (200%)Net income limit (100%)Maximum benefit
1$2,660$1,330$306
2$3,607$1,804$562
3$4,553$2,277$808
4$5,500$2,750$1,023
5$6,447$3,224$1,217
6$7,393$3,697$1,463
7$8,340$4,170$1,616
8$9,287$4,644$1,841
Each additional person+$947+$474+$225

Gross limit: as published by Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)3. Net limit and maximum benefit: USDA FY2027 cost-of-living adjustments. All states compared.

DTA's gross income chart, set at 200% of the poverty line under 106 CMR 364.976, took effect February 1, 2026 and is the one in use for FY2027. A household of four can earn up to $5,500 a month before taxes3. The chart on DTA's main SNAP page shows the same income limits, but its maximum-benefit column still lists the pre-October 2026 amounts. From October 1, 2026, the most a one-person household can get is $306 a month, and a household of four $1,0232,29.

DTA adds a fixed utility allowance to your shelter costs. From October 1, 2026 it is $945 a month if you pay for heat or air conditioning, $575 if you pay other utilities but not heat, and $66 if you pay only for a phone4. If you pay a heating bill separately from rent, tell DTA: the $945 allowance is the largest of the three4.

Net income test. Households with a member 60 or older or with a verified disability have no gross income limit in Massachusetts, so they can qualify even above the 200% chart13. Their benefit is still figured from net income after deductions, so a high net income can mean a small benefit or none. For comparison, the federal net income standard from October 1, 2026 is $1,330 a month for one person29.

Assets. Most households qualify through categorical eligibility and have no asset limit. DTA counts assets only for households that are not categorically eligible13. For them, the federal limits from October 1, 2026 are $3,000, or $4,750 with a member 60 or older or disabled29. DTA's reporting page still shows the older $4,500 figure13.

SNAP deposit days by the last digit of your SSN

Between the 1st and the 14th of each month, set by the last digit of the head of household's Social Security number (or the number DTA assigned).

Last digit of SSNBenefits available
01st
12nd
24th
35th
47th
58th
610th
711th
813th
914th

SNAP arrives once a month on the same day. If that day is a Sunday or a holiday, the deposit comes on the business day before5. People without a Social Security number get a DTA-assigned number that sets the day the same way5. TAFDC and EAEDC cash follow a separate schedule in the second half of the month, from the 16th to the 29th5.

Your first SNAP payment covers the days back to your application date, so it can be larger than later months2.

Interim reports, recertification and the four reporting types

DTA puts each household on one of four reporting types13. Most are on Simplified Reporting: some must file an Interim Report in month 6, and everyone recertifies in month 12. Between check-ins you only report when gross income goes over your limit, by the 10th of the next month13. Households where every adult is 60 or older or disabled and nobody has earnings use EDSAP, the Elderly Disabled Simplified Application Project, and recertify only every 36 months; they report someone moving in or out, or a household member starting to earn wages, by the 10th of the next month13.

Households on TAFDC, EAEDC or SSI are on Change Reporting: recertify every 12 months and report changes within 10 days, including income changes of more than $12513. A single adult on SSI may get SNAP through Bay State CAP, which recertifies every 36 months; report changes to Social Security at 1-800-772-121313. You can file interim reports and recertifications in DTA Connect13.

Rules specific to Massachusetts

Swipe-only EBT cards stop working November 29, 2026

Governor Healey announced the statewide chip-and-tap launch on July 29, 2026, after the legislature funded it in 20258. Chip cards are harder to skim. Activate your new card before November 29, 2026 by using it or by calling 1-800-997-2555 to set a PIN7. Blind and low-vision clients can ask for a notched card. Authorized representatives and payees pick up chip cards in person at a local office7.

Healthy Incentives Program: $40 to $80 back on local produce

When you use SNAP to buy fruits and vegetables from HIP farmers' markets, farm stands, mobile markets and CSA farm shares, the same amount goes back on your card, up to a monthly cap: $40 for 1-2 people, $60 for 3-5, $80 for 6 or more. The cap resets on the 1st and does not roll over. Grocery stores are not HIP vendors20. You can keep using HIP for 60 days after SNAP stops20.

Restaurant Meals Program at 13 approved businesses

SNAP clients who are 60 or older, homeless or disabled can buy hot meals at approved restaurants and food trucks18. DTA's list shows 13 businesses in seven cities: Boston (including Roxbury and Dorchester), Chelsea, Greenfield, Fall River, Worcester, Brockton and Lawrence19. Call 1-800-997-2555 and choose option 6 to check that your card is enabled. RMP meals are exempt from the state meals tax, and SNAP cannot pay a tip18.

ABAWD time limit applies statewide; period ends December 31, 2026

Adults 18 through 64 without a child under 14 at home who are not exempt get 3 months of SNAP in the January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026 period unless they work, train or volunteer, usually 80 hours a month. Those who use up their months cannot get SNAP again until January 1, 2027 unless they meet the rules15. Massachusetts has no time limit waiver for October-December 202616. Earning more than $217.50 a week also exempts you15.

SUN Bucks: summer 2026 closed, summer 2027 open

Massachusetts calls Summer EBT "SUN Bucks" and took part in summer 2026, when the federal benefit was $120 per eligible school-age child22. It goes on a separate SUN Bucks card and expires 122 days after it is deposited. Applications for summer 2026 closed September 7, 2026; the year-round portal now takes summer 2027 applications21.

No soda or candy restriction

Massachusetts has no USDA food restriction waiver. It is not on FNA's waiver list as of October 13, 2026, so SNAP still covers soft drinks and candy here17. SNAP cannot buy marijuana products5.

Other assistance in Massachusetts

ProgramWhat it covers
TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children)DTA cash for families with children or a pregnancy, paid twice a month; includes a $500 fall clothing allowance per child24
MassHealth (Medicaid and CHIP)Health coverage; Customer Service Center 1-800-841-290025
Massachusetts Health ConnectorThe state's own health insurance marketplace, including ConnectorCare; 1-877-623-6765 (TTY 711)26
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP, LIHEAP)Help with heating bills from November 1 to April 30; apply each year from October 1; Cold Relief Heatline 1-800-632-817527
Massachusetts WICFood, nutrition help and breastfeeding support for pregnant people and children under 5; apply online28
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)Summer grocery money for school-age children; hotline 1-855-425-877021

Sources

  1. SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps), Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  2. Learn about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  3. Gross Monthly Categorical Eligibility Income Standards as referenced at 106 CMR 364.976 (effective February 1, 2026), Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  4. Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) as referenced at 106 CMR 364.945 (effective October 1, 2026), Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  5. Using Your EBT Card, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  6. Getting Your EBT Card, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  7. EBT Chip/Tap Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  8. Governor Healey announces statewide launch of EBT chip cards to prevent SNAP theft (July 29, 2026), Office of the Governor of Massachusetts. Checked 16 October 2026.
  9. Protect your benefits from scams, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  10. Replacement Benefits FAQ, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  11. EBT Vendor Change: Important Information, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  12. Download the DTA Connect mobile app, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  13. Overview of the different types of SNAP reporting requirements, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  14. Emergency SNAP benefits, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  15. Work rules for SNAP clients, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  16. Status of State ABAWD Time Limit Waivers, FY2027 1st Quarter (in effect October 1, 2026), USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Checked 16 October 2026.
  17. SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (updated October 13, 2026), USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Checked 16 October 2026.
  18. SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) client FAQ, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  19. List of restaurants and food trucks approved for the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  20. Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) frequently asked questions, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  21. SUN Bucks FAQ, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  22. Summer EBT (2026 benefit amount and participating states), USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Checked 16 October 2026.
  23. Report retailer or client fraud to DTA, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  24. Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Checked 16 October 2026.
  25. MassHealth, Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Checked 16 October 2026.
  26. Massachusetts Health Connector, Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority. Checked 16 October 2026.
  27. Learn about Home Energy Assistance (HEAP), Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Checked 16 October 2026.
  28. Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition Program (WIC), Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Checked 16 October 2026.
  29. SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (memo, August 21, 2026), U.S. Department of Agriculture. Checked 16 October 2026.