How to apply for SNAP in Massachusetts
You apply for SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) through MassHire, which is Massachusetts' benefits portal. You can start an application online at mass.gov/MassHire, by phone at 1-877-382-2363, or in person at your local Department of Transitional Assistance office. The online application is usually fastest — you fill it out, upload documents, and get a decision within 30 days. By phone or in person, the process takes longer because staff have to enter your information manually.
You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, income, and citizenship or immigration status. Common documents include a driver's license or passport, a recent utility bill or lease, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and your Social Security number. If you are unemployed, you may need to show job search records or a letter from your employer. Massachusetts accepts documents by mail, email, or through the MassHire portal itself — you do not have to visit an office unless the state asks you to.
Once you submit your application, MassHire will send you a notice by mail telling you whether you were approved, denied, or need to provide more information. If approved, your SNAP benefits load onto a card called the EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer), which works like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets. Benefits usually arrive within five business days of approval.
Key Takeaways
- Apply online at mass.gov/MassHire, by phone at 1-877-382-2363, or at your local Department of Transitional Assistance office.
- You need proof of identity, residency, income, and citizenship or immigration status — upload these through the portal or mail them in.
- The state has 30 days to make a decision, and you will receive a notice by mail telling you the outcome.
- If approved, benefits load onto an EBT card within five business days, and you can use it at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts SNAP.
- You must recertify your SNAP benefits every 12 months by submitting a renewal form and updated documents.
What documents you need before you start
Gather these documents before you begin your application. You will need proof of identity — a driver's license, passport, state ID, or birth certificate. You will also need proof of residency in Massachusetts, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from a shelter or transitional housing program dated within the last 30 days.
For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, or a letter from your employer stating your wages. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank statements. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits, bring the award letter or most recent statement. If you have no income, you can still apply — the state will ask you to explain how you pay for housing and other expenses.
Citizenship or immigration status is required. U.S. citizens can provide a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. may have access to immigrants (including some visa holders and refugees) can provide their immigration documents. If you are not sure whether you may have access to based on immigration status, call 1-877-382-2363 and ask before applying — the state can tell you over the phone.
Applying online through MassHire
Go to mass.gov/MassHire and click "Apply for Benefits." You will create a login account using your email address and a password. The application asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and household members' information. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
After you finish the application, you will see a list of documents the state needs. Upload them directly through the portal by taking a photo or scanning them. The state accepts photos taken on a phone — they do not have to be professional scans. You can upload documents immediately or come back later to add them. The application stays open for 30 days, so you have time to gather what you need.
Once you upload your documents, the state reviews your application. You will receive a notice by mail within 30 days. If the state needs more information, the notice will say what documents to send and where to send them. If you are approved, the notice will tell you how much you will receive each month and when your EBT card will arrive.
Applying by phone or in person
Call 1-877-382-2363 to apply over the phone. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and enter your information into the system. You will still need to send documents by mail or email after the call. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wait times are often long, especially early in the month, so call early in the day if you can.
To apply in person, find your local Department of Transitional Assistance office at mass.gov/DTA and visit during office hours. Bring your documents with you. A staff member will help you fill out the application and may be able to scan your documents on the spot. In-person appointments are sometimes faster than phone calls, but offices have limited hours and may require you to wait.
What happens after you submit your application
The state has up to 30 days to review your application and make a decision. During this time, MassHire staff will check your income, household size, and expenses against SNAP rules. If something is unclear or missing, they will send you a notice asking for more information. You usually have 10 days to respond. If you do not respond, the state may deny your application, but you can reapply later.
You will receive a notice by mail telling you whether you were approved, denied, or need to provide more documents. If approved, the notice will show your monthly benefit amount and the date your EBT card will arrive. If denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal the decision. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to request an appeal.
Once your EBT card arrives, you can use it at any store that displays the SNAP logo. You can also use it at farmers markets and some online retailers. Your benefits do not roll over month to month — if you do not spend them, they disappear at the end of the month. Check your balance anytime by calling 1-800-997-1111 or logging into your MassHire account.
Recertifying your benefits each year
SNAP benefits in Massachusetts last for 12 months. Before your benefits end, the state will mail you a recertification form. You must fill it out and return it with updated documents — usually recent pay stubs, proof of income, and proof of residency. If you do not recertify, your benefits will stop.
You can recertify online through MassHire, by mail, or in person. The online process is the same as your original application — fill out the form and upload new documents. If you recertify before your current benefits end, there is usually no gap in your SNAP. If you miss the deadline, you can still reapply, but there may be a delay while the state processes your new application.
What to do if your application is denied
If the state denies your application, the notice will explain the reason. Common reasons include income that is too high, not meeting residency requirements, or missing documents. Read the notice carefully to understand why you were denied.
You have the right to appeal. Request an appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial notice by calling 1-877-382-2363 or mailing a written request to your local DTA office. During an appeal, you can present new information or documents that were not in your original application. An independent hearing officer will review your case and make a new decision. You can also reapply at any time — if your situation has changed (for example, your income went down), a new application may be approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for SNAP in Massachusetts?
The state has up to 30 days to make a decision from the date you submit your application. If you apply online and upload all your documents right away, you may hear back in two to three weeks. If you are missing documents, the clock pauses while you send them in, so the total time depends on how quickly you respond to requests for more information.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Some immigrants can receive SNAP, including refugees, asylees, and certain visa holders. Others cannot. The rules are complicated and depend on your specific immigration status. Call 1-877-382-2363 and describe your situation — the state can tell you over the phone whether you likely may have access to before you spend time on an application.
What if my income is too high to may have access to?
SNAP income limits change each year and depend on your household size. If you are denied because your income is too high, you can reapply if your income drops. You can also ask the state to explain exactly how they calculated your income — sometimes deductions or expenses lower your countable income enough to may have access to.
Do I have to work to get SNAP?
Most able-bodied adults without dependents must work or participate in a work program to receive SNAP for more than three months in a three-year period. However, many people are exempt, including parents with young children, people over 60, and people with disabilities. The state will tell you during your application whether this rule applies to you.
What can I buy with my SNAP benefits?
You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and other food items. You cannot buy hot or prepared food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. Your EBT card will be declined if you try to buy something that is not allowed.