Program Description
Food stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), began in the United States in the late 1930's to help people buy and eat nutritious food, be stronger, and make up a more productive society. In 1971, the Food Stamp Program became a nationwide entitlement program. That means that as long as you meet the rules for SNAP, you have a legal right to get them. Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on the number of people in your household and how much income you have. To get SNAP benefits, households must meet certain tests, including resource (assets) and income tests.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Massachusetts and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $21,660 if one person lives in the household; $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household; or $74,020 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Program Contact Information
If a member of your household is an elderly (age 60 or over) and/or
disabled person, special rules apply in order to receive Food Stamps in
Massachusetts. For more information, please contact the Department of
Transitional Assistance at:
1-800-249-2007
