SNAP and food help for older adults in Massachusetts

In short: In Massachusetts, SNAP food benefits are run by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and people 60 and over can use a shorter senior application. Older and disabled households with no earnings check in only once every 36 months, and SSI recipients who live alone may get SNAP through Bay State CAP. When you buy fruits and vegetables from local farm vendors with SNAP, the Healthy Incentives Program puts up to $40 a month back on your card for a household of one or two. Apply at DTAConnect.com or call (877) 382-2363 and press 7.

Who qualifies for SNAP

SNAP is based on your household's income, some costs, and who lives with you.

  • DTA's general chart lists gross monthly income limits of $2,660 for one person and $3,607 for two.
  • Assets: if your household has to meet an asset test, the limit is $4,750 when at least one member is 60 or older or disabled, and $3,000 for other households (limits from October 1, 2026).
  • DTA counts some costs that can raise your benefit, such as housing and utility costs. MassHealth's chart shows the SNAP heating utility allowance at $945 a month from October 1, 2026.

Rules about income can be complex. If you are close to the limit, apply anyway and let DTA decide.

The senior programs that make SNAP easier

SNAP Application for Seniors

If you are 60 or older (alone or as a couple), you can use the SNAP Application for Seniors (SNAP-App-Seniors). It is shorter than the regular form and comes in English and several other languages on mass.gov.

Elderly and disabled households (EDSAP): one check-in every 36 months

If everyone in your household is 60 or older or disabled and no one has earned income, DTA puts you in its elderly and disabled program (EDSAP).

  • You fill out a recertification form only at month 36. There are no interim reports in between.
  • You only need to report two kinds of change: someone moves in or out, or someone starts a job and earns wages. Report by the 10th day of the month after the change.

Bay State CAP for SSI recipients

If you get SSI and live alone, you may get SNAP through Bay State CAP.

  • You have one check-in, at month 36.
  • You report changes in your income or household to Social Security at (800) 772-1213, not to DTA.

Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)

HIP gives money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors: farmers' markets, farm stands, mobile markets and CSA farm shares. Grocery and convenience stores do not take part.

SNAP household size Most HIP you can get each month
1 or 2 people $40
3 to 5 people $60
6 or more $80
  • There is no sign-up. Every Massachusetts SNAP household can use HIP.
  • You need a SNAP balance above zero, even a penny, to use it.
  • Your HIP amount starts over on the first of each month. Unused HIP does not roll over.
  • To check how much HIP you have used this month, call EBT Customer Service at (800) 997-2555.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

This program gives coupons for fresh local produce in the summer.

  • Who: people 60 or older, or people with a disability who live in senior housing that serves group meals.
  • Income (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027): gross household income no more than $29,526 a year for one person or $40,034 for two.
  • How to get coupons: contact the Senior Nutrition Project for your city or town. The mass.gov page lists each one. For example, Minuteman Senior Services is (781) 272-7177 and Elder Services of Worcester Area is (508) 756-1545.
  • Coupons are given out each season until they run out. State program contact: 857-286-3039.

How to apply for SNAP

  1. Online: DTAConnect.com.
  2. By phone: DTA Assistance Line, (877) 382-2363, press 7. Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Interpreters are available.
  3. By mail: send the senior application with the DTA cover sheet to DTA Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 4406, Taunton, MA 02780.
  4. By fax: (617) 887-8765, with the cover sheet.
  5. In person: at a local DTA office, a SNAP outreach partner, or a community kiosk.
  6. With your Medicare Savings Program form: the MassHealth Medicare Savings Programs application has a box on page 1 to send it to DTA as a SNAP application too.

What happens next:

  • DTA calls you for a phone interview and gives you an interpreter if you need one.
  • After the interview, DTA tells you which papers to send. Sending them with your application can speed things up, but you can send them later.
  • DTA decides within 30 days. Some people get emergency SNAP within 7 days.
  • If you are approved, benefits go back to the day you applied.
  • If someone will apply or shop for you, use the form "Request to Choose Someone to Be My Authorized Representative."

If you are denied or your benefit is cut

Your notice explains how to appeal. Read it right away, because there is a deadline. Call the DTA Assistance Line if you have questions.

Things people miss

  • HIP is automatic. You do not need to sign up.
  • One application can do two jobs. The Medicare Savings Programs form can also start a SNAP application.
  • Fewer reports. Most older households check in only every 36 months.

Free help

  • DTA Assistance Line: (877) 382-2363.
  • Project Bread FoodSource Hotline: (800) 645-8333, TTY (800) 377-1292, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • MassOptions: 800-243-4636, to find your local Aging Services Access Point for help at home.

See also all benefits in Massachusetts.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Massachusetts agencies

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18